If you’re looking to elevate your comfort food game, Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak is the perfect dish to try. Crispy, golden-brown on the outside, and tender on the inside, this version of a Southern classic is made even easier with the magic of an air fryer. The best part? You can enjoy all the delicious crunch and flavor without the excess oil and frying mess!
This recipe gives you all the satisfying goodness of traditional chicken fried steak, but with a healthier twist. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making it for a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit. Let’s jump into how you can recreate this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own kitchen!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Fried Steak: The star of this dish is the tender beef steak, typically a cube steak, that’s breaded and fried to perfection. It soaks up the flavors of the crispy coating while maintaining a juicy interior.
Buttermilk: This tangy ingredient is essential to tenderize the steak and gives the breading a thicker, crunchier texture. The acid in the buttermilk helps break down the proteins in the steak, making it incredibly tender.
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base for the breading. When mixed with seasonings, flour creates a crispy, golden coating that’s key to the crunchy exterior of the steak.
Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the flour mix helps create a crispier crust when cooked in the air fryer. It gives that perfect crunch without deep frying.
Eggs: Eggs help the breading adhere to the steak. They create a smooth layer between the steak and the flour mixture for a perfectly crispy coating.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are essential to flavor the breading. These spices add depth and richness to the crispy crust.
Cooking Spray: This is the secret to getting that golden, crispy texture in the air fryer. A light mist of oil will help achieve that perfect crispiness without the need for deep frying.
Ingredients List
- 2 cube steaks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Start by placing the cube steaks in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you want to tenderize them more. This step ensures the steaks stay juicy and flavorful while absorbing the seasonings.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed. This will be the coating that gives the steak its crispy, golden crust.
Step 3: Dredge the Steaks
Once the steaks have marinated in the buttermilk, whisk the eggs in another shallow dish. Dip each steak into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture. Press down gently to ensure the breading sticks.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps the steak cook evenly and ensures a crispy exterior.
Step 5: Cook the Steaks
Carefully place the breaded steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Spray the top of the steaks with cooking spray to promote crispiness. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the steak is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the steaks from the air fryer and serve immediately. Pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite Southern sides. Drizzle with gravy if you like a little extra indulgence!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- For even crispier steaks, try double-dipping the steaks in the egg and flour mixture.
- Be sure to spray the steaks with cooking spray before air frying to get that golden-brown finish.
- You can make the breading mix ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
- If you’re cooking multiple steaks, cook them in batches to ensure each one gets crispy.
- Feel free to make a homemade gravy by using pan drippings or a simple mix of butter, flour, and milk.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
While cube steak is traditional for chicken fried steak, you can use other cuts like sirloin or round steaks. Just make sure to tenderize them well before breading.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make the recipe gluten-free. Just make sure the cornstarch is also gluten-free.
Can I freeze the breaded steaks?
Absolutely! Once breaded, place the steaks on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, no thawing is necessary—just air fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Now that you have all the tips and steps, go ahead and try making this crispy, delicious Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak!