Air Fryer Sirloin Steak

My air fryer sirloin steak tastes like it just came out of a restaurant kitchen but is so easy to make right at home! I love how it turns out juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked every time.

My Recipe for Tender Sirloin Steak in the Air Fryer

Air Fry Sirloin Steak Ingredients

• Sirloin steaks – I used 8 to 10 ounce steaks that were around ¾ to 1-inch thick
• Salt and pepper
• Butter
• Parsley – I prefer fresh parsley for the butter topping in my recipe
• Rosemary – while I love using fresh rosemary, using ⅓ of the dried kind has worked in a pinch
• Garlic

How to Cook Steak in the Air Fryer

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Allow the sirloin steaks to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then pat them dry with a paper towel.

STEP TWO: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Season the steaks on both sides with a generous pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper. 

STEP THREE: Place the steak in the air fryer in the center of the basket or tray and cook for 8-15 minutes until it reaches your desired level of doneness. 

STEP FOUR: Transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. 

STEP FIVE: Meanwhile, mash together the butter, parsley, chives, garlic, and rosemary in a small bowl until it’s well combined.

STEP SIX: Slice the steak against the grain into ¼-inch-thick pieces. Top with the garlic-herb butter and serve.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Air Fryer Sirloin Steak

• Let the steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before air frying. This is my trick to getting it cooked evenly all the way through!
• Preheat the air fryer before placing the steak inside. I find this is the best way to get that sear on the outside.
• Let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking. I never slice into a steak earlier than that because it will lose its juices.
• Slice against the grain when cutting the steak. I love how this gives it a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Use an Instant Read Thermometer or meat thermometer to check the temperature. This is the best way to make sure the steak is cooked perfectly.

Cooking Steak in the Air Fryer Variations and Substitutions

• Play around with different seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or Montreal seasoning. I even love to add a little bit of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter to give it a little spice.
• Try different sauces for a twist on the taste. I enjoy a good chimichurri and steakhouse mushrooms, while my husband really likes creamy horseradish on top.
• Swap sirloin for ribeye for a fattier, more flavorful cut. I always make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak.
• Marinate the steak overnight for maximum flavor. I love how a simple steak marinade can take a steak to the next level!
• Brush a little butter or olive oil over the steak in the air fryer before cooking. I find this gives the exterior an extra bit of crispiness that is heavenly.

What to Serve With Sirloin Steak in the Air Fryer

When I want a simple yet elevated-looking dinner, air fryer asparagus, air fryer carrots, and easy biscuits are my go-to sides! 

When I want a more luxuriously cozy meal in the winter, I’ll typically serve the air fryer steak with roasted acorn squash, rosemary mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, or mac and cheese!

Air Fryer Sirloin Steak FAQs

How long to cook steak in the air fryer

The cook time for my sirloin steak in the air fryer will depend around what doneness the steak is being cooked to. I use this guide when air frying them.

• Rare: around 6 minutes, internal temperature of 125-130 degrees F
• Medium rare: about 8 minutes, internal temperature of 135 degrees F
• Medium: 10-12 minutes, internal temperature of 140-150 degrees F
• Medium-well: 12-15 minutes, internal temperature of 150-160 degrees F
• Well-done: 15 minutes, internal temperature of 160 degrees F

How to store air fry sirloin steak

I let my leftover sirloin steaks fully cool before transferring them to an airtight container to store in the fridge. I always eat the steak within 3-4 days.

How to reheat sirloin steak in the air fryer

The air fryer is hands-down my favorite way to reheat leftover sirloin steak! I preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F, add the leftover steak to my air fryer basket, then cook for 3-5 minutes until it’s heated all the way through.

Is there a difference between sirloin steak and top sirloin?

Top sirloin is a specific type of sirloin and is one of the most tender cuts of meat, so it’s usually more expensive. Sirloin steak, also called rump steak, isn’t quite as tender and is more budget-friendly, but it turns out amazingly juicy when I cook it in the air fryer!

Why do I let the steak rest before slicing?

I always recommend letting steak rest for at least 10 minutes so it will reabsorb the juices it released during the cooking process. This is the key to the most tender steak possible!

Do I need to flip sirloin steak in the air fryer?

I don’t flip sirloin steak in the air fryer. I think keeping the air fryer closed during the full cooking process, meaning no heat escapes, gives me the most evenly-cooked steak. There’s no harm in flipping it once if you prefer to.

How do I cook an air fryer sirloin steak without it drying out?

My biggest trick to tender, juicy steak is to let it sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before air frying. Cold steak from the fridge will cook faster at the edges and not in the center, meaning it takes longer to cook all the way through and leads to overcooked, dried-out steak.

More Easy Air Fryer Dinner Recipes

• Air fryer whole chicken
• Boneless pork chops in the air fryer
• Air fryer cod
• Air fryer meatloaf
• Air fryer burgers
• Air fryer chicken legs
• Pork loin in the air fryer

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