Cooking a perfectly juicy steak doesn’t require hours of thawing or a fancy grill. This air fryer frozen steak recipe delivers restaurant-worthy results in just 18 minutes. With 45g of protein and a rich, satisfying flavor, you’ll love how this method transforms rock-solid frozen beef into a tender, mouthwatering meal.
Whether you forgot to defrost dinner or simply want a quick yet impressive main course, this foolproof technique is your new secret weapon for stress-free steak preparation.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Frozen Steak
- Steaks: 2 pieces (½ to ¾ pound each), frozen
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, ensures perfect searing
- Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon, enhances natural flavors
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, adds perfect seasoning
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, for garnishing
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes
- Season: Place frozen steaks on a plate and brush both sides with olive oil
- Season Again: Generously sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides
- Air Frying: Place steaks in the basket and cook at 380°F for 13-16 minutes
- Flip: Remember to turn steaks halfway through cooking time
- Temperature Check: Cook until internal temperature reaches 130-140°F for medium-rare
- Rest: Let steaks rest for 5 minutes to retain juices
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy!
Cooking Techniques
Air frying frozen steaks might sound tricky, but it’s actually super simple! The key to success is maintaining that 380°F temperature and flipping your steaks halfway through cooking. For the perfect medium-rare, keep an eye on that internal temperature – 130-140°F is your sweet spot. A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Don’t skip the resting time after cooking – those 5 minutes let all those tasty juices redistribute through the meat.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Steak
Want to make your air fryer steak even better? Pat the frozen steaks with paper towels before adding the oil – this helps the seasonings stick better. When you’re adding the salt and pepper, be generous! Frozen meat needs a bit more seasoning than fresh. Also, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – give those steaks plenty of room for the hot air to circulate.
Serving Suggestions
These juicy steaks pair wonderfully with classic sides! Try them with crispy air fryer potato wedges, a fresh green salad, or sautéed mushrooms. Want to make it extra special? Add a pat of garlic butter on top while the steak rests. The fresh parsley garnish adds a nice pop of color and fresh flavor, but you could also try other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Let your steak cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or pop it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the steak thinly and warm it gently in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F. You can also enjoy it cold in sandwiches or on top of a salad!
Cooking Frozen Steak in the Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 steaks (½ to ¾ lb each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, optional, to garnish
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients. Preheat the air fryer at 380°F/190°C for 5 minutes.
- Place the frozen steaks on a plate. Brush with olive oil on both sides.
- Sprinkle both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper.
- Place the frozen steaks in the air fryer basket.
- Air Fry at 380°F/190°C for 13-16 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through. Cook until the steak reaches an internal temperature of 130-140°F for medium rare.
- Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.