I’ve always loved a good steak, but sometimes I don’t want to fire up the grill or deal with a smoky stovetop. That’s when my air fryer comes to the rescue. It’s fast, convenient, and delivers juicy, tender flank steak with a perfect crust on the outside. The first time I tried it, I was blown away by how evenly it cooked and how little effort it required.
This air fryer flank steak has quickly become one of my go-to dinners. It’s versatile enough to pair with just about anything—crispy roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or even tucked into tacos for a casual meal. The best part is that it requires just a few simple ingredients, yet tastes like something you’d order at a steakhouse.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Flank steak: This lean cut of beef is long, flat, and full of flavor. While it’s not as fatty as ribeye, flank steak shines when cooked properly—medium-rare to medium—and sliced thinly against the grain. It soaks up marinades beautifully, making it both tender and delicious.
Olive oil: A light coating of olive oil helps the seasonings cling to the meat and encourages a golden crust during air frying. It also adds a subtle richness without overpowering the beef’s natural flavor.
Garlic powder: This pantry staple brings a warm, savory depth that complements the steak. Unlike fresh garlic, it won’t burn in the high heat of the air fryer, giving you a consistent layer of flavor.
Onion powder: Onion powder adds a mellow sweetness and enhances the overall seasoning blend. It rounds out the savory notes and balances the bold beefiness of the flank steak.
Smoked paprika: A touch of smoked paprika delivers a mild smokiness, almost mimicking the flavor of grilling. It also adds a gorgeous color to the steak once it’s cooked.
Salt and black pepper: The essentials. Salt enhances the meat’s natural flavors, while black pepper adds just enough bite to make every bite exciting.
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Flank Steak
Step 1: Prepare the steak
Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures you’ll get that beautiful seared crust in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season generously
Rub the steak with olive oil on both sides. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the meat, pressing it in gently.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. A hot air fryer ensures even cooking and better browning.
Step 4: Cook the steak
Place the seasoned flank steak in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it reaches your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130–135°F (54–57°C).
Step 5: Rest and slice
Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every slice tender and juicy. Slice thinly against the grain before serving.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Always preheat your air fryer for best results—this helps achieve a perfect sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; flank steak can become tough if cooked too long.
- Don’t skip resting the steak! It makes a huge difference in juiciness.
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking. A simple mix of soy sauce, lime juice, and olive oil works beautifully.
- Slice against the grain to shorten the muscle fibers and make the steak more tender.
FAQs
Can I marinate flank steak before air frying?
Yes! Marinating adds extra flavor and tenderness. Just be sure to pat it dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture in the air fryer.
How long should I cook flank steak in the air fryer?
It depends on thickness and your preferred doneness. On average, 8–10 minutes at 400°F works well, but always check with a meat thermometer.
What sides go best with flank steak?
Crispy potatoes, roasted veggies, fresh green salads, or even rice pilaf pair wonderfully. It’s also delicious in tacos or on top of a grain bowl.
Can I use another cut of beef?
Absolutely. Skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye can be cooked in the air fryer using the same method—just adjust cooking times depending on thickness.