Air Fryer T Bone Steak

My recipe for air fryer T bone steak makes it easy to get tender, juicy beef without using the grill or stove! I season the meat with simple ingredients to bring out its rich flavor and cook it to perfection.

My Easy Way to Make T Bone Steak in the Air Fryer

I remember the first time I decided to make air fryer t bone steak. I had a beautiful t bone steak in the fridge when the weather decided to go sideways — wind, rain, everything. My husband Ben was still planning to grill it, but that was no longer an option.

I’ve pan-seared and broiled steaks in the past, but both methods require a lot of babysitting to avoid overcooking the steak. So I offered to make t bone steak in the air fryer instead! My husband was skeptical, but I had a good feeling about it. 

Still, I was shocked when it turned out better than some restaurant steaks I’ve had! The steak was perfectly seared on the outside and juicy on the inside. Even my husband had to admit it turned out better than when he cooks steak on the grill!

And if you love air fryer steak recipes, try my recipes for air fryer steak bites, air fryer sirloin steak, air fryer flank steak, air fryer ribeye steak, and tri tip in the air fryer.

Air Fry T Bone Steak Ingredients

• T-bone steak – This has both a strip steak and a piece of tenderloin, so it’s the best of both worlds in one cut. I like them thick for more flavor and that juicy center.
• Olive oil – Just a little oil helps the seasoning stick and gives the outside a gorgeous crust, but butter will work too.
• Montreal steak seasoning – This is my go-to blend because it has the perfect mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and herbs. Any steak rub will work here.

How to Cook T Bone 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: Take the steak out of the fridge and bring it to room temperature, about 20 minutes. Rub the steak with olive oil and then season it with the Montreal steak seasoning. 

STEP TWO: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. 

STEP THREE: Place the steak in the air fryer basket or tray. Cook the steak for about 10 to 11 minutes for medium-rare, flipping it halfway through the cooking time.

STEP THREE: Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Steak

• Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking. I usually leave mine out for 20–30 minutes so it cooks more evenly.
• I pat the steak dry if I notice excess moisture before adding oil and seasoning. It helps the outside get that nice crispy edge.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. I cook mine to 130 degrees F for medium rare, knowing the temperature will rise a few degrees as the steak rests.
• Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time. I use tongs and try to be gentle so I don’t squeeze out any of the juices.
• Let it rest after cooking for at least 5 minutes. I cover the steak loosely with foil and let the juices settle.

Air Fryer T Bone Steak Variations and Substitutions

• Sometimes I will use melted butter in place of the olive oil for extra richness in the crust.
• Adding garlic powder gives the steak a little extra punch. Montreal seasoning already has some, but sometimes, I just want some serious garlic flavor!
• I’ll sprinkle salt and black pepper instead of steak seasoning when I want to keep it super simple and really let the steak’s natural flavor shine!
• Make a quick garlic butter with minced garlic, butter, and parsley to dial up the taste. I melt it over the steak right before serving.
• I’ll top air fryer steak with blue cheese crumbles if I want something extra indulgent. This is my go-to move for at-home date nights with my husband!

What to Serve with Steak in the Air Fryer

I think steak and potatoes are a classic combination, so I usually serve air fryer t-bone steak with air fry baked potatoes, sliced potatoes in the air fryer, or Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes.

When I want a veggie side, I love pairing t-bone steak with air fryer corn on the cob, air fry carrots, or roasted carrots and asparagus!

How Long to Cook T Bone Steak in the Air Fryer

I prefer to cook my t bone steak in the air fryer to medium rare or medium, but the air fryer is a great way to cook steak to any desired level of doneness!

• Rare (125°F internal temperature) – 9-10 minutes
• Medium rare (130°F internal temperature) – 10-11 minutes
• Medium (140°F internal temperature) – 11–13 minutes
• Medium well (150°F+ internal temperature) – 13–15 minutes

I always use a meat thermometer to get the internal temperature exactly where I want it!

Air Fryer T Bone Steak FAQs

How to tenderize t-bone steak

T-bone steak is naturally very tender, so I don’t mess with it too much! I bring the meat to room temperature, season it generously with salt, start with a hot air fryer, and let the steak rest before serving.

How to store leftover air fry t bone steak

If we have any steak left (which isn’t often!), I let it fully cool and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. I try to use it within 2 days, either for steak salads or quick wraps. It still tastes great the next day!

How to cook frozen t bone steak in the air fryer

When I forget to thaw the steak, I’ll just cook it from frozen in the air fryer! I preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F, give the steak a quick rinse to remove any frost, then air fry for about 5 minutes to thaw. After that, I quickly rub the steak with olive oil and seasoning, bump the air fryer temperature up to 400 degrees F, then cook the T bone steak in the air fryer like normal!

How to reheat t bone steak in the air fryer

To reheat leftover steak in the air fryer, I’ll preheat it to 350 degrees F, then air fry the t bone steak for 3–5 minutes. This is usually just enough to warm it without overcooking.

Why is my air fryer t bone steak tough?

If my steak turns out tough, it’s usually because it was overcooked or didn’t rest long enough. I’ve made that mistake before, especially when I didn’t use a meat thermometer! Letting the steak rest and not slicing it too early really helps lock in the juices.

More Air Fryer Dinner Recipes

• Air fryer meatloaf
• Air fryer salmon patties
• Air fryer fried chicken
• Air fryer pork chops
• Air fryer baby back ribs

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