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Did you know you can make frozen steak in the air fryer? It’s one of my favorite quick dinner solutions because there’s no need to defrost or plan ahead. All that’s needed is to season the steak, pop it in the air fryer, and you’re minutes away from a juicy, flavorful meal.
“This recipe is a total game changer for those of us who tend to forget about dinner until the last minute!“
-Becky
I love making this recipe because the air fryer does all the work, cooking the steak perfectly and giving it a delicious, flavorful taste. Since it’s just using frozen meat straight from the freezer, this method is ideal for busy weeknights or those times when you forget to thaw dinner ahead of time!
If you love quick and easy meals in the air fryer, don’t miss these other easy recipes like Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites or Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. You can even whip up a simple side like Air Fryer Asparagus or a sweet treat like Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies to round out your meal.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- frozen steaks-I use frozen ribeye steak or frozen sirloin steak, but can be any cuts of steak
- olive oil– avocado oil, or oil of choice
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
Variations
- Classic seasoning – Salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Fresh parsley is optional.
- Spicy option – Add Cajun seasoning or a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano.
- For salads or pasta – Slice the steak and use it as a topping.
- Extra toppings – Finish with garlic butter, Parmesan, or air fryer mushrooms.
If you are looking for more easy air fryer dinners, try our Air Fryer Cube Steak, Air Fryer Steak Bites, or Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak.
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Steak
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F. While preheating, lightly brush the steak with olive oil, on both sides and then add salt and pepper, or your preferred seasonings.
- Place the frozen steaks in air fryer, and air fry steaks at 380 degrees F, for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Time may need to be adjusted depending on thickness and your preferred level of doneness. Let the steak sit in it’s own juices for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serve with your favorite side dishes like Air Fryer Asparagus, Air Fryer Waffle Fries, Air Fryer Broccoli, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, or Air Fryer Potato Wedges.
Expert Tips
- My steak was a 16-ounce, 1-inch-thick ribeye and 8 minutes per side was medium with pink. For thinner steaks, reduce the cook time.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Cook large steaks one at a time for the best air circulation and even results. Turn the steak halfway through cooking for a nice sear on both sides.
- Let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices and keep it tender.
- Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. After 10 minutes of cook time, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. An overcooked steak can become dry and tough, so keep an eye on time and temp. Here is a quick guide for internal temperatures:
- Rare- 125 degrees F
- Medium Rare- 135 degrees F
- Medium- 145 degrees F
- Medium Well- 155 degrees F
- Well Done- 160 degrees F
Air Fryer Frozen Steak FAQ’S
Because the air fryer can cook all types of frozen meat, you can cook various types of steak in the air fryer, including ribeye steak , sirloin steak, skirt steak, or New York strip.
Yes, you can season the frozen steak with your preferred seasonings before placing it in the air fryer.
Let the steak cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Refrigerate for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F. Place the steak in the basket and cook for 3–4 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the steak.
More Easy Air Fryer Dinners
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Frozen Steak in the Air Fryer
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1-2 Frozen Steaks
- tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Lightly brush the steak with olive oil, on both sides and then add salt and pepper, or your preferred seasonings.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F.
- Place the frozen steaks in air fryer, and air fry steaks at 380 degrees F, for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Time may need to be adjusted depending on thickness and your preferred level of doneness.
- Let the steak sit in it's own juices for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is the perfect solution for dinner! Especially when I forget to take something out to thaw.