Cooking sirloin steak in the air fryer might sound risky at first, but it actually works very well and is hard to mess up, because it reaches high temperatures very quickly. This means that you can sear the outside of the steak while keeping the inside nice and juicy. Plus, air fryers circulate hot air around the food, ensuring that it cooks evenly on all sides.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for cooking sirloin steaks in the air fryer, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Steaks – I used top sirloin steaks, but you can make air fryer steak recipes using any high quality cut, like porterhouse (also known as T-bone), New York strip, filet mignon, or ribeye. Thin steaks overcook easily, so the best cuts will be at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Sea Salt – Draws out the moisture and breaks down muscle proteins, making the steak juicier and more tender. Kosher salt is also fine to use. Black Pepper – Feel free to adjust based on how much spice you want. Compound Butter – Optional, but adds so much flavor to an already perfectly juicy steak! The classic version uses dill and parsley, but you can also use other herbs, such as rosemary and thyme.
How To Cook Sirloin Steak In The Air Fryer
This section shows instructions for how to cook sirloin steaks in the air fryer, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. If you want to add more flavor to your steaks, use my Montreal steak seasoning recipe instead of salt and pepper.
How Long To Cook Sirloin Steak In The Air Fryer?
Air fryer steak time varies depending on steak thickness and desired doneness. For 1.5-inch-thickness, cook for 11-13 minutes for medium-rare steaks. Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can result in uneven cooking. Follow these reminders for juicy air fryer sirloin steak — or any steak!
Bring to room temperature. Doing this before cooking helps the steak cook evenly. Season generously. A good seasoning on both sides creates a mouthwatering crust on the meat. Avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you cook your steak to your desired doneness. Let steaks rest. It may be tempting to cut into that juicy steak right away, but let it rest for 5 minutes so that the juices have time to redistribute into the steak. Finish with compound butter. It adds unbelievably rich flavor.
Use the following time chart to achieve your desired doneness:
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftover steak in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Reheat: Reheat your sirloin steak in the air fryer again, for just a couple of minutes at 350 degrees F, until warm. You can also use the low-temperature oven method that I describe in my reverse sear steak recipe for the best results. Freeze: It’s best to freeze steaks raw. You can freeze leftover cooked steaks in the freezer for 3-4 months, but they will not be as tender after thawing and reheating.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Sirloin Steak
This steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some to try:
Roasted Veggies – Try hearty favorites like roasted butternut squash (shown above), roasted green beans (shown above as well), cheesy asparagus casserole, or crisp-tender roasted broccolini. Leafy Salads – A steak dinner always pairs well with a classic wedge salad, but you can also try a fresh spring mix salad, or if you want to prep ahead, a 7 layer salad. Classic Steakhouse Sides – Of course, you can’t go wrong with the classics like mashed potatoes (or mashed cauliflower), creamed spinach, or sauteed mushrooms to pair with your perfectly air fried sirloin steak. You can even make an air fryer baked potato for a meal made completely in the air fryer. For a steakhouse breakfast, try steak and eggs! Land & Sea – Make it a surf and turf meal by adding some shrimp or for an elegant idea crab legs.
More Easy Air Fryer Dinners
If you like this quick and easy main dish, you might also like some of these air fryer recipes: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info does not include optional compound butter.
