Air Fryer New York Strip Steaks bring steakhouse-quality flavor right into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum consistency. With a beautifully seared crust on the outside and a tender, juicy center, cooking New York strip steak in the air fryer is one of the fastest and most reliable methods for perfect results every time. No grill, no cast iron, and no smoke-filled kitchen — just bold, beefy flavor and a restaurant-style finish in under 15 minutes.
Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner, a special date-night meal, or a high-protein dish for your meal plan, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master air fryer New York strip steaks.
Ingredients
A great steak doesn’t need much — but using the right ingredients makes all the difference.
Main Ingredients
- 2 New York strip steaks (1–1½ inches thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Steakhouse Butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary
Optional Marinade (If Desired)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Why These Ingredients Work
New York strip steak:
This cut is known for its balance of tenderness and rich beef flavor. It has slightly less fat than ribeye but still delivers a juicy bite.
Oil:
Helps create that golden crust in the air fryer.
Salt:
Enhances natural beef flavor and helps form a crust.
Garlic & paprika:
Add depth without overpowering the steak.
Butter topping:
Melts into the steak for a steakhouse-style finish.
How To Make Air Fryer New York Strip Steaks
Follow this step-by-step method for perfectly cooked steaks every time.
Step 1: Bring Steaks to Room Temperature
Remove steaks from the refrigerator 20–30 minutes before cooking.
Why this matters:
Room-temperature steaks cook more evenly and stay juicier.
Step 2: Pat the Steaks Dry
Use paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Dry steaks = better crust.
Step 3: Season Generously
Rub both sides with oil, then season with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
Press the seasoning into the meat so it sticks.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
High heat is essential for a proper sear.
Step 5: Cook the Steaks
Place steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cooking Times (Flip Halfway)
For 1-inch thick steaks:
- Rare: 8–9 minutes
- Medium-rare: 9–10 minutes
- Medium: 10–11 minutes
- Medium-well: 11–12 minutes
- Well done: 12–13 minutes
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Step 6: Add Butter and Rest
Top with garlic herb butter immediately after cooking.
Let steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
This keeps the juices inside the meat.
You Must Know
These key tips separate good steak from unforgettable steak.
1. Thickness Matters
1 to 1½ inches is ideal for air frying.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Air circulation creates the crust.
3. Always Rest the Steak
Cutting too early causes juice loss.
4. Use a Meat Thermometer
Internal temperatures:
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium-rare: 135°F
- Medium: 145°F
- Medium-well: 150°F
- Well done: 160°F
5. Flip Halfway Through
Ensures even cooking.
Topping Variations
Take your steak to steakhouse level with these toppings.
Classic Garlic Herb Butter
Rich, simple, and melts beautifully.
Blue Cheese Crust
Top with crumbled blue cheese during the last minute of cooking.
Mushroom Sauce
Sautéed mushrooms in butter and garlic.
Chimichurri
Fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and chili flakes.
Peppercorn Sauce
Creamy and bold with cracked pepper.
Caramelized Onions
Sweet and savory contrast.
Make It A Meal
Turn your air fryer New York strip into a complete restaurant-style plate.
Best Side Dishes
- Air fryer baked potatoes
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts
- Creamed spinach
Low-Carb Options
- Cauliflower mash
- Zucchini noodles
- Side salad with vinaigrette
Steakhouse Dinner Idea
Serve with:
- Caesar salad
- Buttered rolls
- Loaded baked potato
Pro Tips
These expert techniques make a huge difference.
1. Dry Brine for Maximum Flavor
Salt steaks and refrigerate uncovered for 1–24 hours.
2. Use Avocado Oil for Higher Heat
It handles high temperatures better than olive oil.
3. Preheat the Basket
A hot surface helps sear the steak instantly.
4. Don’t Skip the Flip
Air fryers cook from all sides, but flipping improves crust.
5. Compound Butter Is a Game-Changer
Make extra and store in the fridge for future steaks.
6. Slice Against the Grain
Ensures tenderness.
7. Reheat Properly
Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Recipe FAQs
Is New York strip good in the air fryer?
Yes! It becomes tender, juicy, and develops a beautiful crust.
Do I need to marinate the steak?
No. This cut has excellent natural flavor, but a marinade can add variety.
Can I cook frozen New York strip in the air fryer?
Yes, but add 4–6 extra minutes and season halfway through cooking
Why is my steak tough?
Possible reasons:
- Overcooking
- Not resting the meat
- Slicing with the grain
How do I make it extra crispy on the outside?
- Preheat air fryer
- Pat steak dry
- Use high heat
- Lightly oil the surface
Can I cook two steaks at once?
Yes, if they fit in a single layer without touching.
Do I need to flip the steak?
Yes, for the best crust and even doneness.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer New York Strip Steaks prove that you don’t need a grill or cast iron pan to make a perfect steak. With the right technique, you get a beautifully seared crust, a juicy interior, and steakhouse-quality flavor in a fraction of the time.
This method is:
- Fast
- Reliable
- Mess-free
- Beginner-friendly
Yet impressive enough for special occasions.
Once you try making New York strip steak in the air fryer, it will quickly become one of your favorite ways to cook steak at home.
PrintAir Fryer New York Strip Steaks
Air Fryer Steaks are one the easiest things to make in the Air Fryer. A little salt, pepper and a spritz of oil are all you need to make great tasting steaks!
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 18 ounces of New York Strip Steaks
- oil in a spray bottle
- good pinch of salt
- good pinch of pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- preheat the Air Fryer on 400˚ for 5 minutes
- meanwhile, prep the steaks by spraying them lightly with oil (oil brush with a little oil)
- sprinkle with salt and pepper and garlic powder
- when the Air Fryer is hot lay your steaks in the basket and set it for 2 minutes BELOW your desired cook time8 minutes for rare 135˚10 minutes for medium-rare 140˚12 minutes for medium 155˚14 minutes for medium-well 165˚
- when the timer goes off use a digital thermometer to check the temperature, you can use a regular meat thermometer too, remember that the meat will continue to cook and go up by about 5˚ once you take it off the heat
- cook again until it’s cooked to your desired doneness
