My pork steaks in the air fryer are tender, flavorful, and coated in the perfect smoky-sweet BBQ glaze. I make them when I’m craving something hearty and delicious but don’t want to stand over a grill.
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My Favorite Way to Cook a Pork Steak in the Air Fryer
The first time I made pork steaks in the air fryer, I had a pack of pork butt steaks thawing on the counter that I was planning to grill. Then an absolutely crazy storm came out of nowhere, and I had to pivot!
I decided to try them in the air fryer to see if they would come out with that same juicy texture and caramelized BBQ flavor I love from grilled pork. I’ll never forget when I was resting the finished pork steaks and my husband Ben walked into the kitchen, saw them, and was terrified for a minute that I’d actually gone out to grill in the storm!
I’ve cooked pork steaks every which way, from pan-seared to oven-baked to grilled, but I fell in love with the crispy edges I got from the air fryer. The BBQ sauce gets perfectly caramelized, and there’s way less mess than cooking on the stove top!
Now, my BBQ air fryer pork steaks are one of my go-to air fryer recipes. It’s as good for busy weeknights as it is for Sunday family dinners!
And, if you love good air fryer pork recipes, try my recipes for air fryer pork chops, air fryer pork loin, air fryer boneless pork chops, air fryer pork tenderloin, and air fryer pork belly.
Air Fryer Pork Steak Ingredients
- Pork butt steaks – I love using pork butt steaks because they’re rich in flavor and stay juicy even after cooking. The marbling gives them the perfect tenderness once they’re air fried.
- Dry BBQ rub – A good rub adds that smoky, savory flavor and creates a delicious crust. I like Stubb’s BBQ rub!
- BBQ sauce – I usually grab Stubb’s or Sweet Baby Ray’s because both give the right balance of tang and sweetness. The sauce caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer. I like to brush the pork steaks with more sauce after cooking as well!
How to Cook Pork Steaks in the air Fryer
STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
STEP TWO: Massage the pork butt steaks evenly on both sides with the BBQ dry rub and then again with half of the BBQ sauce.
STEP THREE: Place the pork steaks in the air fryer and cook them for 8 to 9 minutes, putting the other half of the BBQ sauce and flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Tips for the best Air Fry Pork Steak
- I pat my pork steaks dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the rub stick and the edges crisp up.
- For the most even cooking, I always place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket with room between each one.
- I preheat my air fryer for a few minutes to help the pork sear faster and hold in its juices.
- To keep the pork steaks juicy inside, I check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and pull them when it reaches 145 degrees F, then let them rest for at least 5 minutes.
- I brush more BBQ sauce on the pork steaks after air frying for an extra burst of flavor.
Air Fryer Pork Steaks Variations and Substitutions
- I sometimes swap the BBQ rub for a simple mix of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar.
- For a spicy version, I mix in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes into the BBQ dry rub mixture.
- I sometimes brush the pork steaks with honey mustard instead of BBQ sauce for a tangy twist.
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary gives me a different flavor than a BBQ dry rub. I coat the pork steaks in olive oil first to help the herbs stick.
- Use a sweet chili sauce glaze instead of BBQ sauce. I love using this for an Asian-inspired version.
What to Serve with Pork Steak in the Air Fryer
Pork steaks are classic comfort food to me, so I love pairing them with my air fryer baked potato, air fryer corn on the cob, or air fryer biscuits!
If I’m looking for a healthy veggie side, I’ll whip up air fryer carrots, air fryer mushrooms, or air fryer cauliflower.
Pork Steaks in the Air Fryer FAQs
Are pork steaks the same as pork chops?
Pork steaks and pork chops are similar, but not quite the same. Pork steaks come from the pork shoulder (or butt), so they have more marbling and a richer flavor.
Pork chops are leaner and come from the loin, which means they cook a bit faster but can dry out easily. My air fryer pork chop recipe helps keep them nice and juicy!
How to store leftovers
I store my leftover pork steaks in an airtight container once they’ve cooled to room temperature. They keep well in the fridge for up to three days!
How to reheat pork steak in the air fryer
When I reheat my pork steaks, I preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F and air fry the pork for about 3–4 minutes. I like to brush on a little fresh BBQ sauce before reheating to keep them moist and flavorful!
More Easy Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
- Air fryer chicken tenders
- Air fryer turkey tenderloin
- Air fryer hot dogs
- Air fryer meatloaf
- Air fryer cod
- Air fryer steak
Easy Pork Steaks in the Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pork butt steaks
- 1 tablespoon Stubb's BBQ rub or other dry BBQ rub
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce I love Stubb’s and Sweet Baby Ray’s
- additional BBQ sauce for coating after cooking optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Massage the pork steaks with the BBQ dry rub on both sides, then baste half of the BBQ sauce on both sides evenly.
- Place the pork steaks in the air fryer in a single layer and cook them for 8 to 9 minutes, coating them with the other half of the BBQ sauce and flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Video
Notes
- Pat the pork steaks dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the rub stick and the edges crisp up.
- Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes to help the pork sear faster and hold in its juices.
- To keep the pork steaks juicy inside, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and pull them when it reaches 145 degrees F, then let them rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Brush more BBQ sauce on the pork steaks after air frying for an extra burst of flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 3-4 minutes, until warmed through, rubbing some more BBQ sauce on them before air frying.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
My honey loves pork and fixing this up looks easy and so very tasty. Love how approachable this recipe is!
These pork steaks were so flavorful! And, yes, to Sweet Baby Ray’s!
Very delicious. I’ll be making this again.
Omg, pork steaks were so good.
Helpful hint and I learned this from my Dad…season your pork the night before and let it sit in the icebox, uncovered (yes, I’m a Southern boy) overnight. Allow the pork to come to room temperature before you cook. Works every time.
This is a great recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Yes! The longer you season your meat, the more it will soak into it and become more flavorful!
Probably a dumb question but when I reheat the pork steaks, do I use the air fry or bake function? I’ve been cooking for over 50 years and am trying to move into the 21st century but so many buttons on one contraption are confusing to me! Love your blog and recipes!!
Hi PJ! Those buttons really just change the temperature and time listed. To make it easier, any time you use an air fryer recipe, switch it to the air function (unless it’s the Dual Blaze, then in that case use the bake function for things like cake, etc.).
So in this case, turn your air fryer to air fry to 350 degrees, then put the leftover pork steaks in the air fryer and reheat them for 3-4 minutes.