Craving a juicy, perfectly cooked steak but forgot to thaw it? No worries! Air frying a frozen steak is a game-changer for quick and delicious meals. With just a few simple steps, you can achieve a tender, flavorful steak with a crispy crust – all in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re a steak lover or just looking for an easy dinner option, this method will have you enjoying a restaurant-quality meal in no time!
Air frying a frozen steak is a quick and convenient way to enjoy a perfectly cooked steak without the need for defrosting. The hot air circulation of the air fryer ensures an even cook, searing the outside to create a delicious crispy crust while locking in the juices for a tender interior.
Simply season the steak, place it in the air fryer basket, and cook it at a high temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. This method eliminates the need for thawing and provides a hassle-free way to enjoy a juicy steak anytime!
If you are looking for some other Air Fryer Steak Recipes, my family’s favorites are AIR FRYER BLACK AND BLEU STEAK, or AIR FRYER GARLIC BUTTER STEAK BITES.
Why You Will Love Cooking A Frozen Steak in The Air Fryer?
- Cooking a frozen steak in the air fryer saves you time by eliminating the need to thaw the meat.
- The air fryer delivers a perfectly crispy outer crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
- It’s a hassle-free method with minimal cleanup, as the air fryer basket handles most of the cooking.
- You can achieve steakhouse-quality results at home without having to deal with the stovetop or grill.
- The air fryer cooks your steak evenly, making it easy to reach your desired level of doneness.
If you love easy dinner recipes, try my recipe for Ninja Foodi Woodfire Grill Brisket Recipe, Air Fryer Meatballs Subs, or Air Fryer BLT.
Ingredients Needed
- Frozen Steak – Choose a thick cut of frozen steak for the best texture and flavor.
- Olive Oil – A light coating of olive oil helps create a crispy crust while cooking. You can also use avocado oil, or grapeseed oil.
- Salt – Generously season with salt to enhance the natural flavor of the steak.
- Black Pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper adds a savory kick to balance the steak’s richness.
- Garlic Powder – A sprinkle of garlic powder infuses a subtle depth of flavor into the meat.
- Onion Powder – Onion powder complements the garlic and adds an additional savory note.
- Butter – A dollop of butter at the end of cooking helps enhance the steak’s tenderness and flavor.
How To Air Fry A Steak From Frozen
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
Prepare the Steak: Take your frozen steak out of the freezer. Brush or spray both sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (or your favorite steak seasoning)
Air Fry the Steak: Place the steak in the air fryer basket, making sure it’s not overlapping. Set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a thicker steak, you might need to adjust the time accordingly (typically 14-16 minutes).
Check for Doneness: For the perfect cook, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F (54°C), medium 140°F (60°C), and well-done 160°F (71°C). Remove at your preferred level of doneness.
Rest the Steak: Once your steak has finished cooking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy steak. Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes for a delicious meal!
Air Fryer Steak Chart Temperature
Check the internal temperature of your steak using a meat thermometer. Depending on your preferred level of doneness, your steak may be ready or need a few more minutes.
Here are the internal temperatures for different levels of doneness:
- Rare: 125 degrees F
- Medium Rare: 135 degrees F
- Medium: 145 degrees F
- Well Done: 160 degrees F and above
Air Fryer Frozen Steak Recipe Tips
- Don’t Skip the Preheat: Always preheat your air fryer before adding the steak. This ensures the steak cooks evenly and gets that nice crispy exterior.
- Season Generously: Even though the steak is frozen, you can still season it well. Make sure to coat both sides with oil and your favorite seasonings to enhance flavor.
- Monitor the Thickness: Thicker steaks may require longer cooking times. Adjust the air fryer time according to the steak’s thickness and desired doneness.
- Flip Halfway: For an even cook, flip the steak halfway through the air frying process. This ensures both sides are equally crispy and tender.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the steak’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to your liking without overcooking.
- Rest the Steak: After cooking, let your steak rest for about 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to settle and helps keep the steak juicy and tender.
Storing
- Storing: Once your air-fried frozen steak has cooled, store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the steak for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
What To Serve With Frozen Beef In Air Fryer
Air-fried frozen steak pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Consider serving it with crispy roasted potatoes, French fries, garlic butter green beans, air fryer roasted vegetables, air-fried broccoli, or a classic Caesar salad. For a heartier option, you could also add creamy mashed potatoes or a flavorful risotto. Don’t forget a side of sautéed mushrooms or a fresh, tangy coleslaw to complement the richness of the steak. My favorite is to serve with a pat of sea salt and compound butter.
Air Fryer Frozen Steak Recipe Faqs
Can I cook any type of steak from frozen in the air fryer? Yes, most types of steak, such as frozen ribeye steak, frozen sirloin steak, frozen t-bone steaks, frozen filet mignon, and New York strip, can be cooked from frozen in the air fryer. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the steak.
Do I need to thaw the steak before cooking it in the air fryer? No, one of the benefits of using the air fryer is that you can cook steak directly from frozen. Thawing is not necessary.
What is the best temperature to cook frozen steak in the air fryer? A temperature of 400°F (200°C) is ideal for cooking frozen steak. This allows the steak to cook evenly while creating a nice sear on the outside.
How long does it take to cook a frozen steak in the air fryer? It typically takes about 12-15 minutes for a 1-inch thick steak to cook to medium-rare. Adjust the time based on your desired doneness and steak thickness.
Should I season the steak before or after air frying? You can season the steak either before or after air frying. However, seasoning before cooking allows the flavors to penetrate the meat better. Just be sure to season generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
Can I cook multiple steaks at once in the air fryer? Yes, you can cook multiple steaks, but be sure to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. You may need to increase the cooking time if cooking more than one steak.
More Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
- AIR FRYER PISTACHIO CRUSTED SALMON
- AIR FRYER CORNED BEEF BRISKET
- AIR FRYER CHICKEN ALFREDO STUFFED SHELLS
- AIR FRYER VEAL CUTLETS
- AIR FRYER VEGAN MEATBALLS
Don’t Forget To Pin!
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Frozen Steak in Air Fryer
Description
Ingredients
- 2 steaks
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons steak seasoning, optional
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Take your frozen steak out of the freezer. Brush or spray both sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (or your favorite steak seasoning)
- Place the steak in the air fryer basket, making sure it’s not overlapping. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a thicker steak, you might need to adjust the time accordingly (typically 14-16 minutes).
- For the perfect cook, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F (54°C), medium 140°F (60°C), and well-done 160°F (71°C). Remove at your preferred level of doneness.
- Once your steak has finished cooking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.
- Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes for a delicious meal!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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