Discover the ultimate kitchen hack for busy weeknights: cooking **frozen steak in the air fryer**! This revolutionary method means no more waiting for meat to defrost, making it one of the most convenient and delicious quick dinner solutions available. Forget about forgotten dinner plans; with your air fryer, you’re just minutes away from a perfectly juicy, incredibly flavorful steak. All you need to do is apply a simple seasoning, place your steak in the air fryer, and let modern technology transform a frozen slab into a tender, succulent meal.

“*This recipe is a total game changer for those of us who tend to forget about dinner until the last minute!*”

-Becky

I absolutely adore preparing this recipe because the air fryer handles all the hard work, effortlessly cooking the steak to perfection and infusing it with an incredible depth of flavor. Since this method uses frozen meat straight from the freezer, it’s truly ideal for those frantic weeknights or any time you realize you’ve completely forgotten to thaw dinner. This hands-off cooking technique ensures you can still enjoy a high-quality meal even on your busiest days.

If you’re a fan of quick, easy, and delicious air fryer meals, you’ll love exploring some of our other fantastic recipes. Don’t miss out on flavorful options like Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites for a savory appetizer or a lighter main, or the ever-popular Air Fryer Chicken Thighs for a versatile poultry dish. You can even complement your steak with a simple yet elegant side such as Air Fryer Asparagus, or round out your meal with a sweet treat like Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies. The possibilities are endless when you harness the power of your air fryer!

Why Cook Frozen Steak in an Air Fryer?

The air fryer has become an indispensable tool in modern kitchens, and for good reason. When it comes to cooking frozen steak, it truly shines. The circulating hot air cooks the steak evenly from all sides, creating a beautiful crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This method bypasses the need for thawing, saving you precious time and eliminating the need for advance meal planning. Unlike traditional pan-frying or grilling from frozen, the air fryer’s consistent heat ensures a more predictable outcome with less guesswork. It’s perfect for a spontaneous steak dinner without compromising on quality or taste.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Frozen Steaks: While I often use frozen ribeye steak or frozen sirloin steak for their excellent marbling and flavor, this method is incredibly versatile and works well with various cuts. Think New York strip, flat iron, or even thicker cuts like a T-bone. Ensure your steaks are individually frozen to prevent them from sticking together.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil helps achieve a beautiful sear and prevents the steak from drying out. Alternatives like avocado oil or grapeseed oil are also excellent choices, thanks to their high smoke points and neutral flavors.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These are the foundational seasonings that truly bring out the natural flavor of the beef. Use a good coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best results.
• Optional Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite spice blends! Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a ready-made steak seasoning can elevate your meal.

A full list of ingredients with precise measurements is included in the recipe card below.

Choosing the Best Steak for Air Frying

When cooking frozen steak in the air fryer, the cut and thickness can influence your results. Thinner cuts (around 1 inch thick) like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip are generally ideal as they cook more evenly and quickly from a frozen state. Cuts with good marbling, such as ribeye, tend to stay juicier and more flavorful. While you can air fry thicker cuts, you’ll need to adjust cooking times significantly and monitor the internal temperature closely to ensure thorough cooking without drying out the exterior. Always opt for good quality, individually frozen steaks for the best experience.

Flavor Variations & Serving Suggestions

The beauty of cooking steak in the air fryer lies in its simplicity, which also makes it a fantastic canvas for various flavors and serving styles:

• Classic Steakhouse Seasoning: Beyond salt and pepper, a generous dusting of garlic powder and onion powder adds a traditional, aromatic touch. A sprinkle of fresh parsley after cooking provides a pop of color and freshness.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, try a robust Cajun seasoning blend or create your own with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried oregano.
• Herby Delight: Rub the steak with a blend of dried rosemary, thyme, and a touch of sage for an earthy, aromatic profile.
• Garlic Butter Finish: After cooking, melt a knob of compound garlic butter over the hot steak or brush it with a simple mixture of melted butter and minced garlic for an extra layer of richness.
• Cheese Topping: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking can create a delightful cheesy crust.
• Mushroom Pairing: Sautéed mushrooms or air fryer mushrooms make an excellent accompaniment, adding an umami depth that complements the steak beautifully.
• For Salads or Pasta: Once cooked and rested, thinly slice the steak against the grain and use it as a hearty, protein-rich topping for your favorite salads or as a delicious addition to pasta dishes.

Looking for more easy air fryer dinners? Don’t forget to check out our Air Fryer Cube Steak, savory Air Fryer Steak Bites, or the comforting Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak for more inspiration!

How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Steak: Step-by-Step

Cooking steak straight from the freezer might sound challenging, but with the air fryer, it’s surprisingly simple and yields fantastic results. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy steak:

1. Preheat and Initial Cook: Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F (195°C). While it’s preheating, prepare your frozen steak. Place the fully frozen steaks directly into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook them for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until the exterior begins to thaw and turn a light brown. This initial cook helps to partially defrost the steak and create a surface for seasonings to adhere.

2. Season and Continue Cooking: Carefully remove the steaks from the air fryer. At this point, the surface will be slightly thawed and ready for seasoning. Lightly brush both sides of each steak with olive oil, then generously season with salt, pepper, and any other preferred spices. Return the seasoned steaks to the air fryer. Continue to air fry at 380 degrees F (195°C) for another 9-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. The exact timing will depend on the steak’s thickness and your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.
3. Rest for Perfection: Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.

Serve your perfectly cooked air fryer frozen steak with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal. Some excellent pairings include crispy Air Fryer Asparagus, savory Air Fryer Waffle Fries, vibrant Air Fryer Broccoli, comforting Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, or flavorful Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Each of these sides can also be prepared quickly and easily in your air fryer, making meal prep a breeze!

Expert Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Steak

Achieving a perfectly cooked steak from a frozen state in your air fryer is simple with these expert tips:

• Understand Steak Thickness: My example used a 16-ounce, 1-inch-thick ribeye steak, which reached a medium doneness (with a pleasant pink center) in about 8 minutes per side after the initial thaw. If you’re cooking thinner cuts, be prepared to significantly reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking. Thicker steaks will, naturally, require more time.
• Do Not Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, cook larger steaks one at a time. Overcrowding inhibits proper air circulation, which is essential for even cooking and achieving that desirable crispy crust. Allow enough space around each piece of meat.
• Flip for Even Searing: Always flip your steak halfway through the cooking process. This ensures both sides get exposed to the direct heat, resulting in a beautiful, consistent sear and even cooking throughout.
• The Importance of Resting: This step is non-negotiable! Allowing the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices that have been pushed to the center during cooking. Skipping this step will result in juices running out when you slice, leaving you with a drier, less flavorful steak.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer is crucial. Placing steak into a hot basket immediately starts the searing process, locking in moisture and creating a better crust. A cold air fryer will lead to a less desirable texture and uneven cooking.
• Always Use a Meat Thermometer: This is your best friend for perfectly cooked steak and food safety. After about 10 minutes of total cooking time (after the initial thaw), begin checking the internal temperature of the steak. Overcooking can quickly turn a delicious steak dry and tough, so monitor closely.
• Internal Temperature Guide:
  • Rare: 125 degrees F (52°C)
  • Medium-Rare: 135 degrees F (57°C)
  • Medium: 145 degrees F (63°C)
  • Medium-Well: 155 degrees F (68°C)
  • Well Done: 160 degrees F (71°C)

  Remember that the steak’s internal temperature will rise a few degrees as it rests.

• Pat Dry (After Initial Thaw): Once the steak has partially thawed in the air fryer and you’ve removed it to season, pat it dry with paper towels. A dry surface is key to achieving a good sear and crispy crust. Moisture creates steam, which prevents browning.
• Experiment with Seasonings: While salt and pepper are essential, don’t hesitate to try different rubs or marinades (applied after the initial thaw) to explore new flavor profiles.
• Consider Your Air Fryer Model: Cooking times can vary slightly between different air fryer brands and models. It’s always a good idea to refer to your appliance’s manual and adjust cook times as needed, especially for your first few attempts.

Air Fryer Frozen Steak FAQ’S

5 from 3 votes

Servings:
2

Frozen Steak in the Air Fryer

By
Becky

You can make frozen steak in the air fryer without thawing! This method yields a steak that is incredibly tender and juicy, making it a delicious, fast, and effortless dinner solution!

Prep:
3 minutes mins

Cook:
15 minutes mins

Resting Time:
5 minutes mins

Total:
23 minutes mins

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Equipment

• 1 Air Fryer
• Meat Thermometer (highly recommended)

Ingredients 

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  1-2 Frozen Steaks (e.g., ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, 1-inch thick)

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  1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

• 
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  Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite steak seasoning

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

• Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F (195°C).
• Place the frozen steaks directly into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 6-8 minutes to partially thaw the surface.
• Carefully remove the steaks. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and your preferred seasonings. Return seasoned steaks to the air fryer.
• Continue to air fry at 380 degrees F (195°C) for another 9-12 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Adjust time based on steak thickness and desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
• Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes on a cutting board before slicing and serving. This helps retain the juices for a more tender and flavorful steak.

Notes

For a 1-pound ribeye steak about one inch thick, a total cooking time of 15-18 minutes (after the initial thaw) typically yields a medium doneness with a little pink still inside. Thinner steaks will require less air frying time.

Always preheat your air fryer. Placing the steak in a preheated air fryer helps it cook evenly and start forming a crust immediately.

Once the steak has cooked for about 10 minutes total (after being seasoned), start checking the internal temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer to reach your desired level of doneness. Overcooking can lead to a dry and tough steak.

Allowing the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after air frying is crucial. This process allows the juices to settle back into the meat, resulting in a significantly juicier and more delicious steak.

Depending on the thickness and specific cut of your steak, actual cook times may vary by a few minutes. An instant-read meat thermometer is always the most reliable tool to ensure your steak is cooked to perfection and safe to eat.

Nutrition

Calories:
236
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
0.3
g

,

Protein:
23
g

,

Fat:
16
g

,

Saturated Fat:
7
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
8
g

,

Cholesterol:
69
mg

,

Sodium:
640
mg

,

Potassium:
310
mg

,

Fiber:
0.1
g

,

Sugar:
0.01
g

,

Vitamin A:
20
IU

,

Calcium:
10
mg

,

Iron:
2
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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