Amazing Frozen Steak in Air Fryer

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Frozen Steak in Air Fryer

Surprisingly, you can use your air fryer to make a fabulous tasting frozen steak in your air fryer. This is something that seems like it shouldn’t turn out, but it absolutely does, and we will let you in on a little secret, it tastes amazing! 

air fried steak from above

Can You Cook a Frozen Steak?

Believe it, or not, you can cook a frozen steak in the air fryer. Below, we are going to show you exactly how to do so that it turns out to be an amazing steak. 

Do I need to Thaw Steak before Air Frying?

In most cases, you will need to thaw a steak before cooking it or grilling it. However, for this recipe, you do not need to thaw steak before cooking it to perfection in the air fryer.

In the instructions that follow below, we will show you the step-by-step process of how you can make a tasty frozen steak right in your air fryer. This doesn’t sound like it should work, but it absolutely does. 

What are the types of steak?

There are many different types of steak, so which ones are the best to make in your air fryer. Although you can make any type of frozen steak in your air fryer, some of our favorites include the following:

T-bone

Ribeye

Filet Mignon

Skirt Steak

Chuck eye centers – our favorites

Cooking Frozen Steak In Air Fryer

Ingredients for Frozen Steak in Air Fryer

Frozen steak. You can use your favorite type of frozen steak for this air fryer recipe. There is no need to thaw the steak before cooking it in the air fryer.

Simply remove it from the packaging and add it to your preheated air fryer. We do recommend that your steak be on the thicker side, and one that’s as close to 1 inch as possible will give you the best results.

Olive oil. We suggest that you use olive oil and rub it on both sides of your frozen steak. You may use another type of oil, such as avocado oil as a substitute, if desired.

Seasonings. When air frying a steak, we recommend that you season it with your basic salt and pepper, or a basic garlic salt with parsley mixture. You may use other beef seasoning mixtures, if desired. 

air fried steak on a plate

How to Make Frozen Steak in Air Fryer

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (204.4°C).

While your air fryer is preheating, remove the steak from its packaging. Set it on a plate and brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning on both sides. 

Add, the frozen steak into the air fryer basket once the air fryer is preheated. Cook for 8 minutes, then open the air fryer and turn the steak over. Continue cooking for another 8 to 12 minutes, or until your steak reaches your desired internal temperature. 

Be sure to keep a close eye on it, and use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak so that it is cooked perfectly to your liking. 

How long do you cook frozen steak in air fryer?

When cooking your steak at 400°F, it will take approximately 16 to 20 minutes for your steak to fully cook.

However, the amount of time it takes for your steak to cook in the air fryer will depend upon what internal temperature you are aiming for with your steak. 

Please also note that air fryers can very, and some may cook faster than others. Therefore, it’s important that you set the time for less than you think you will need, and add more as desired so that your steak is cooked to perfection. 

The cooking instructions above are specifically our favorite for a chuck eye center that is cooked to medium 140°F/60°C. Please note that these cooking times may vary depending upon how thick your steak is, how well you like your steak done, and your specific air fryer. 

We highly recommend you use it instant read thermometer or probe thermometer to keep an eye on the internal temperature of your steaks so they’re cooked perfectly.

Steak Cooking Temperatures

For your steak to be done to different levels, the internal temperature of your steak should reach the following temperatures. 

Rare Steak: 120°F/49°C – the steak will have a very red center that may still be cool, or slightly warmed. 

Medium Rare Steak: 130°F/54°C – the center of the steak will still be quite red, but slightly warmer than rare. 

Medium Steak: 140°F/60°C – the center of the steak will be more of a pink color, that is hot and firm.

Medium Well Steak: 150°F/66°C – A steak that is medium well will have only a little pink in the center, and be hot. 

Well Done Steak: 160°F/71°C – A steak that is well done will not have any pink in the center. If a steak has been cooked correctly, it should not be dry, but will likely have a firm texture. 

air fried cut steak close up

Air Frying Times & Temps Based on Thickness & Desired Internal Temperature

Below are recommended cooking times based on our Instant Mini air fryer.

Please note that air fryers will vary depending on size and brand, so it is important that you keep a close eye on your steak as it cooks in your air fryer. 

½” Steak

Rare: To reach 120°F/49°C cooking a frozen steak in the air fryer, it will usually take between 6 – 10 minutes flipping half way through the cook time. 

Medium Rare: To reach an internal temperature of 130°F/54°C when cooking a frozen steak in your air fryer, it will usually take between 8 – 11 minutes, flipping the steak half way through the air fry time. 

Medium: To reach an internal temperature of 140°F/60°C air frying a frozen steak at 400°F, it will usually take between 9 – 12 minutes, turning the steak half way through. 

Medium Well: To air fry to an internal temperature of 150°F/66°C it will usually take between 10 – 14 minutes to air fry, flipping half way through the cook time. 

Well: To air fry your steak so that it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C, on average it will take a total of 12 – 16 minutes, turning the steak half way through. 

¾” Steak

Rare: To air fry a frozen steak so that it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F/49°C we recommend air frying it for 10 – 12 minutes, turning it half way through. 

Medium Rare: To cook a frozen steak in the air fryer so that the internal temperature reaches 130°F/54°C we recommend air frying for a total of 11 – 13 minutes, flipping the steak over half way through the cook time. 

Medium: To reach an internal temperature of 140°F/60°C in your frozen steak, we recommend air frying it for 12 – 14 minutes, being sure to turn the steak half way through the cook time. 

Medium Well: To reach an internal temperature of 150°F/66°C, we suggest that you cook your steak for a total of 14 – 16 minutes, turning the steak half way through. 

Well: For an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C, we recommend that you air fry the frozen steak for 16 – 20 minutes, turning the steak part way through the air fry time. 

1″ Steak

Rare: To air fry frozen steak at 400°F so that it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F/49°C, we recommend an air fry time of 15 – 19 minutes, turning the steak half way through the air fry time.

When the internal temperature is reached, remove from the air fryer and allow it to rest at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. 

Medium Rare: For a medium rare steak that reaches an internal temperature of 130°F/54°C , we recommend air frying it for 16 – 20 minutes, turning it half way through.

We then recommend that you allow the steak to rest in the warm air fryer for 5 to 8 minutes after it has finished cooking.

Medium: To reach an internal temperature of 140°F/60°C, we recommend air frying for 17 – 24 minutes, turning the steak half way through.

Then allow your steak to rest in the warm air fryer for 5 minutes before serving. 

Medium Well: For an internal temperature of 150°F/66°C, when air frying a frozen steak, we recommend cooking it for 20 – 26 minutes, turning it half way through.

Then let it rest in the warm air fryer for 5 – 8 minutes after it has finished cooking. 

Well: To cook your frozen steak in the air fryer so that the internal temperature reaches 160°F/71°C, we suggest air frying it for 22 – 28 minutes, turning it half way through.

Then when it has finished cooking, we recommend letting the steak rest in the warm air fryer for 6 – 10 minutes. 

frozen air fryer steak

1 ¼” Steak

Rare: To air fry a thicker steak so that it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F/49°, we recommend cooking it for a total of 15 – 19 minutes, turning it half way through.

Once the internal temperature is reached, allow the steak to rest at room temperature before serving. 

Medium Rare: To reach an internal temperature of 130°F/54°C for your frozen air fried steak, we recommend cooking it for a total of 16 – 20 minutes, turning the steak half way through.

Then we suggest letting the steak rest in the warm air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. 

Medium: For an internal temperature of 140°F/60°C for your air fried steak, we recommend cooking it for a total of 20 – 24 minutes, turning the steak half way through your cooking time.

Then let the steak rest in the warm air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. 

Medium Well: To reach the internal temperature of 150°F/66°C in your frozen air fried steak, we suggest cooking it for a total of 22 – 28 minutes, flipping the steak half way through the time.

Then let the steak rest in the warm air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. 

Well: For the perfect well done steak, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C, we recommend air frying it for a total of 25 – 30 minutes, turning the steak half way through the air fry time.

Then let the steak rest in the warm air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. 

1½” Steak

Rare: To make a rare, frozen air fried steak, reaching the internal temperature of 120°F/49°C, we recommend air frying steak for a total of 20 to 22 minutes, turning the steak halfway through the cook time.

Then allow the steak to rest at room temperature for approximately 5 to 10 minutes before serving. 

Medium Rare: For a medium rare steak, we recommend air frying the frozen steak at 400°F for approximately 22 to 24 minutes or until the steak reaches 130°F/54°C internal temperature.

Allow it to rest in the warm air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. 

Medium: To prepare a medium steak that is frozen, in your air fryer so that the internal temperature reaches 140°F/60°C, we recommend air frying it for a total of 25 to 30 minutes, then turning the steak halfway through the cook time.

And let the steak rest in the warm air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. 

Medium Well: For an air fryer frozen steak with an internal temperature of 150°F/66°C, we suggest cooking the steak for a total of 28 to 36 minutes, turning the steak halfway through the air fryer time.

Then allow the steak to rest in your warm air fryer for approximately 5 to 10 minutes before serving. 

Well: For a well-done steak with the internal temperature of 160°F/71°C, we recommend air frying the steak for a total of 30 to 38 minutes, turning the steak halfway through the cook time.

Then allow the steak to rest in your warm air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. 

cooked air fryer steak

Air Fryer Steak Seasoning Options

There are many different options when it comes to seasoning your steak. You can use a steak seasoning mixture purchased from your grocery store. Or you can go basic, by rubbing it with olive oil, seasoning it with salt and pepper. 

We like to use garlic salt to season our steaks. Another option is to season the steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then top your freshly air fried steak with a delicious garlic butter before serving. 

There are many ways you can enjoy the steak, and several different options you can use for seasoning. Get creative and see what you like the best. 

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Time. The cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer, the type of steak you’re cooking and how thick your steak is.

Because there are several different factors that play into how long you should air fry your steak, we recommend that you set a timer for less time than you think you’ll need, then check on your steak often until it reaches your desired internal temperature. 

Thermometer. We recommend that you use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak so that it is done perfectly to your liking.

If you also have the option to use a probe thermometer, these work well because you can stick them directly into your steak while it is cooking in the air fryer.

This will help you to cook your steak so that it is done to perfection. 

Variations and add ins: 

Seasonings. You can use any type of seasoning you enjoy. Salt and pepper are always a delicious basic seasoning that will not overpower your steak, but bring out natural flavors.

You can also use a bit of garlic powder, or garlic salt to season your steaks, enhancing its overall natural flavor. 

Oil. We suggest that you first pat your steak with olive oil before adding the seasonings. However, if you wish to use another type of oil, other good options include avocado oil, vegetable oil, or even melted butter. 

Doneness. Feel free to air fry your steak so that it is done to your liking. We recommend the use an instant read thermometer to monitor the internal temperature so that it is done exactly to your liking. 

How to store: 

Room temperature. Steak should not be left at room temperature for any longer than two hours before it runs the risk of growing unwanted bacteria, and going bad. 

In the fridge. If you happen to have any leftover steak, which is very unlikely, it can be stored in the fridge, sealed in an airtight container, or plastic storage bag for up to 3 to 4 days. 

In the freezer. If there happens to be any steak leftover, which is doubtful, it can be kept for a longer amount of time when stored in the freezer. Place into the freezer for up to three months. 

What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Steak

Making air fryer frozen steak is super easy, and it tastes surprisingly delicious. But what should you serve alongside your delicious steak?

Freezing Steak for the Best Quality

If there happens to be any steak left over that you wish to save for later, or if you are looking to package fresh raw steak for later, freezing it is always a good option.

But when you’re preparing steak for the freezer, it is very important that you follow the steps so that it turns out the best possible. 

Cooked Steak

First, let’s look at cooked steak. Start off by allowing your cooked steak to cool to room temperature. 

When the steak cools to room temperature, you will then want to transfer your steak to an airtight container, plastic freezer bag, or vacuum seal it. When you are packaging the steak, it is important that you remove any excess air so that the steak does not become freezer burnt. 

Label and date the container, then place it into the freezer for up to three months. 

Raw Steak

To freeze raw steak from the grocery store, we recommend that you remove the meat from its packaging as most packaging will not enable your steak to freeze well. 

Place your raw steak into an airtight container, plastic freezer bag, or our favorite, vacuum seal it. However, you choose to package your steak, make sure that any excess air is removed to prevent it from becoming freezer burnt. 

Label and date the container, then place it into the freezer for up to three months. 

frozen air fried steak close up

Frequently Asked Questions

Is frozen steak as good as fresh?

In most cases, there is not a large difference between fresh steak and frozen steak. However, if the meat was not frozen properly, then fresh steak wins out. 

Do I preheat the air fryer when air frying frozen steak?

Yes, we do recommend that you preheat the air fryer before air frying frozen steak especially if your air fryer requires it. 

How long does it take to make well done steak in the air fryer?

How long it takes to make well done steak in the air fryer will depend upon your specific air fryer and how thick your steak is. On average it will take anywhere between 12 to 30 minutes. 

What temperature should I air fry frozen steak? 

We recommend that you air fry your frozen steak at 400°F for the best overall results. 

How do I know when my steak is done?

The best way to tell when your steak is done is to use an instant read thermometer. This will allow you to check the internal temperature of your steak to see if it has reached the level of doneness you desire.

You can also tell if your steak is done to your liking my cutting it in half, and pressing the top of your steak to determine how firm it is. 

Air Fryer Frozen Steak

Using your air fryer to make frozen steak into the best tasting steak is surprisingly easy and turns out tasting amazing. Making steak in the air fryer is not something you would think to do, but the results may just surprise you. We hope that you’ll give this recipe a try, and we hope that you enjoy it! 

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Faith
Faith Has been cooking and baking for many years! she loves to share her recipes with the world, and hopes you will enjoy them too!

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