Below is a complete, clear, step-by-step steak marination and air-fryer cooking guide for Well Done, Medium, Medium-Rare, and Rare, using the same marinade and adjusting temperature and time only.
Air Fryer Steak Recipe (All Doneness Levels)
Best Steak Cuts for Air Fryer
Ribeye, sirloin, strip steak, tenderloin, or top round
Thickness: 1 to 1.5 inches (very important for correct doneness)
Step 1: Steak Marinade (Universal for All Levels)
Ingredients
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2 steaks
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon salt (adjust if soy sauce is salty)
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Optional: ½ teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
Step 2: Marination Process
Step 1
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This helps proper browning.
Step 2
In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
Step 3
Rub the marinade evenly on both sides of the steaks.
Step 4
Cover and refrigerate:
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Minimum: 30 minutes
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Best flavor: 2–4 hours
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Do not marinate longer than 8 hours
Step 5
Remove steaks from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
Step 3: Air Fryer Preparation
Step 1
Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes.
Step 2
Lightly grease the air fryer basket or spray with oil.
Step 4: Air Fryer Cooking Temperatures & Times
RARE
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Temperature: 200°C (400°F)
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Time: 6–7 minutes total
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Flip at 3 minutes
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Internal temperature: 50–52°C (120–125°F)
MEDIUM-RARE
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Temperature: 200°C (400°F)
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Time: 8–9 minutes total
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Flip at 4 minutes
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Internal temperature: 55–57°C (130–135°F)
MEDIUM
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Temperature: 190°C (375°F)
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Time: 10–11 minutes total
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Flip at 5 minutes
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Internal temperature: 60–63°C (140–145°F)
WELL DONE
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Temperature: 180°C (350°F)
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Time: 13–15 minutes total
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Flip at 7 minutes
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Internal temperature: 70°C+ (160°F+)
Step 5: Resting (Very Important)
Step 1
Remove steak from air fryer.
Step 2
Rest for 5 minutes, loosely covered with foil.
This keeps the steak juicy and finishes internal cooking.
Optional Garlic Butter Finish
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 clove garlic, minced
Melt butter, mix garlic, and brush over hot steak after cooking.
Tips for Perfect Results
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Always flip once halfway.
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Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
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Thicker steaks need 1–2 extra minutes.
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Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.