Air fryer sirloin steak is the ultimate way to enjoy a perfectly cooked, juicy steak without firing up a grill or dirtying a skillet. With the air fryer, you get fast, even cooking, a rich sear on the outside, and a tender, medium-rare center—every single time. Whether you’re prepping dinner on a weeknight or craving a steakhouse-style meal at home, this air fryer sirloin steak recipe is the answer.
This guide will show you how to cook sirloin steak in the air fryer using simple ingredients and smart techniques that guarantee flavor and tenderness. We’ll go over the best temperature for sirloin, how to prevent overcooking, and how long to cook sirloin steak in the air fryer depending on your desired doneness.
Need a side dish to round it out? Pair your air fryer sirloin steak with Baked Sweet Potato in Air Fryer or Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts for a complete, crave-worthy meal—made entirely in your air fryer.
Table of Contents
Air Fryer Sirloin Steak That’s Juicy, Fast, and Full of Flavor
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This air fryer sirloin steak recipe gives you tender, juicy, steakhouse-quality results in under 15 minutes. Quick, simple, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
2 sirloin steaks (8 oz each, about 1–1.25 inch thick)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp unsalted butter (for finishing)
Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Optional: Fresh rosemary or thyme
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. Pat steaks dry with paper towels.
3. Rub steaks with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Place in air fryer basket, leaving space between.
5. Air fry for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare (or adjust for desired doneness).
6. Check internal temp with meat thermometer (130°F for medium-rare).
7. Let rest for 5 minutes, top with butter, and slice to serve.
Notes
Letting steak rest is key for juicy results.
Adjust cooking time for thicker or thinner steaks.
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Add compound butter or a herb garnish to finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
The Story Behind This Air Fryer Sirloin Steak Recipe
How I Fell in Love with Sirloin Steak in the Air Fryer
I’ll be honest—my first sirloin steak air fryer experiment was out of desperation. I had a gorgeous cut of sirloin, no time to grill, and even less energy to clean up. I figured I’d try the air fryer, half-expecting disappointment. What I got instead was a golden-brown, garlic-infused air fryer sirloin steak with a juicy pink center that blew my mind.
Growing up in Vermont, sirloin steak was always grilled, no matter the season. But here in Asheville, I’m juggling family, a food blog, and two dogs who always seem to need something during dinner time. The air fryer became my weeknight secret weapon.
Now, I use it weekly for juicy cuts like Air Fryer Filet Mignon and Steak Bites in Air Fryer, but my heart belongs to sirloin steak in air fryer form—it’s just too easy and too delicious not to love.
Why This Air Fryer Sirloin Steak Recipe Works Every Time
There’s a reason I return to this sirloin steak air fryer recipe again and again—it’s foolproof. The hot circulating air in the air fryer locks in moisture while forming a beautiful crust. Sirloin is naturally lean, which means it can dry out easily using other methods. But in the air fryer, it stays juicy with zero guesswork.
By seasoning the sirloin steak for air fryer cooking and finishing it with melted butter and garlic, you take the flavor to steakhouse levels. Plus, there’s virtually no cleanup. No splattered pans. No smoke. Just a perfect air fry sirloin steak in under 15 minutes.
How to Cook Air Fryer Sirloin Steak Perfectly Every Time
Ingredients for the Best Air Fryer Sirloin Steak
To get that perfect air fryer sirloin steak, start with a good quality cut and simple, bold flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 sirloin steaks (1 to 1.25 inches thick, about 8 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for finishing)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or steak seasoning
- Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme sprig for aromatics
You don’t need a long marinade—just quality seasoning and the right technique to bring out the natural richness of sirloin steak in the air fryer.
If you want to give your steak a bold twist, try seasoning it with flavors from my Italian Sausage in Air Fryer recipe. The combo of herbs and paprika works surprisingly well with beef, too.
Instructions for Air Fryer Sirloin Steak (Step-by-Step)
Cooking sirloin steak in the air fryer is easy, quick, and satisfying. Here’s exactly how I do it:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (about 5 minutes). Preheating is essential for searing the outside of the steak fast.
- Pat steaks dry with paper towels. Moisture on the surface prevents browning.
- Rub both sides of the sirloin with olive oil. Then season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add paprika if using.
- Place steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave a little space between them for air circulation.
- Cook for 9–10 minutes total, flipping halfway:
- For medium-rare: 4–5 minutes per side
- For medium: 5–6 minutes per side
- For well done: 6–7 minutes per side
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer:
- Medium-rare: 130°F
- Medium: 140°F
- Well done: 150°F
- Rest steaks for 5 minutes on a cutting board. Add a pat of butter on top and let it melt.
- Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy as-is or pair with Dill Pickle Bites in Air Fryer for a crunchy, tangy side.
Pro Tips for Air Fryer Sirloin Steak: Juicy Results Every Time
How to Keep Air Fryer Sirloin Steak from Drying Out
One of the most common concerns when cooking sirloin steak in the air fryer is dryness. Sirloin is a lean cut, so it can easily go from juicy to chewy if you’re not careful. But with just a few smart tricks, your air fryer sirloin steak can come out buttery-soft every single time.
First, don’t skip the resting time. When your air fryer steak finishes cooking, let it sit on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents that dreaded dry bite.
Second, always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. You can’t “see” doneness from the outside—especially with sirloin steak in air fryer recipes. For medium-rare, pull your steak at 130°F; it’ll rise a few degrees as it rests.
Third, try finishing your steak with a little butter or garlic-herb compound butter. It adds moisture and big flavor—just like we do in the Air Fryer Lobster Tail recipe, where finishing fats bring everything together.
Lastly, don’t overcrowd the air fryer. If air can’t circulate properly, you’ll get uneven cooking. For best results, cook no more than 2 steaks at a time.
Mistakes to Avoid with Sirloin Steak in the Air Fryer
Even though air fryer sirloin steak is easy, a few simple errors can ruin the whole meal. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Skipping the preheat: This leads to steaming instead of searing. Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F before adding steak.
- Using wet steaks: Moisture on the surface prevents browning. Pat your steak completely dry.
- Cooking straight from the fridge: Cold steak equals uneven cooking. Let the steak rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before cooking.
- Over-seasoning: You want to enhance the meat, not bury it. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all you need for bold flavor.
- Not flipping halfway: Flipping ensures even color and texture on both sides.
Using these tips, you can turn your next sirloin steak air fryer recipe into something truly special. Many readers have also tried pairing this steak with easy sides like Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer for a kid-friendly surf-and-turf twist.
Mastering Air Fryer Temperature for Sirloin Steak Success
What Temperature Is Best for Cooking Air Fryer Sirloin Steak?
The best temperature to cook air fryer sirloin steak is 400°F. This high heat creates a flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Because sirloin is a leaner cut, it benefits from a quick, hot cook that doesn’t dry it out.
At 400°F, the air fryer mimics the sear you’d get on a blazing grill or hot cast iron skillet. For a steak that’s about 1 inch thick, this temperature ensures that the steak cooks quickly and evenly—about 9–10 minutes total for medium-rare to medium.
You can safely adjust the cooking time by 1–2 minutes based on the exact thickness and your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temps:
- 125°F = Rare
- 130°F = Medium-Rare
- 140°F = Medium
- 150°F = Medium-Well
- 160°F = Well Done
Want something a little extra with your sirloin steak in air fryer? Try a drizzle of garlic-chive butter or even a balsamic reduction—similar to the finishing touch I use in my Steak Bites in Air Fryer recipe.
Customizing Doneness for Any Preference or Air Fryer Model
No two air fryers are exactly the same, and your sirloin steak air fryer recipe should reflect that. Some models run hotter than others or have smaller baskets that affect air circulation.
Here’s how to tweak for best results:
- For medium-rare: Cook 4–5 minutes per side, flipping once.
- For well done: Go 6–7 minutes per side, but don’t forget the butter finish to avoid dryness.
- For thinner steaks: Reduce time by 1–2 minutes.
- For thicker cuts: Add 1–2 minutes per side and check doneness with a thermometer.
If you like experimenting with sides, this air fryer sirloin steak also pairs beautifully with Air Fryer Dill Pickle Bites for a zesty contrast or a chilled side salad.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Sirloin Steak
How long do you cook a sirloin steak in the air fryer?
For a 1-inch thick sirloin steak in the air fryer, cook it at 400°F for about 9 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Aim for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 6–7 minutes per side for well done. Always rest the steak after cooking to let the juices redistribute.
How do you cook a steak in an air fryer without it drying out?
The key to juicy air fryer sirloin steak is using high heat, not overcooking, and letting the steak rest. Pat the steak dry, preheat the air fryer, and finish with butter for moisture and flavor. Always use a thermometer to prevent overcooking past your preferred doneness.
What temperature is best for air frying steak?
The ideal air fryer temperature for steak is 400°F. It sears the outside and locks in moisture. For medium-rare sirloin, remove it at 130°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes after cooking to reach perfect internal texture.
What are common mistakes when air frying steak?
Avoid these common errors when making sirloin steak air fryer recipes:
Not preheating the air fryer
Skipping the resting time
Cooking steak straight from the fridge
Overcrowding the basket
Not using a thermometer
By avoiding these, you’ll always end up with a delicious, tender air fryer sirloin steak.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Way to Cook Sirloin Steak
If you’ve been wondering whether the air fryer can really deliver that juicy, sizzling sirloin steak experience—now you know the answer is a resounding yes. From weeknight dinners to impressive date-night meals, air fryer sirloin steak is fast, flavorful, and unbelievably easy.
For more check this Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
