How to Cook Chicken Fried Steak in Air Fryer
Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern dish where a soft, thin beef steak, often cube steak, is coated in a crispy, seasoned crust and fried until golden, just like fried chicken.
It’s a tasty mix of crunchy outside and juicy inside, bringing comfort food to a whole new level.
In this air fryer version, we keep the rich flavor and crispy texture without deep-frying.
Cube steak is dipped in a seasoned buttermilk and egg mixture, dredged in spiced flour, and air fried to a golden crunch.
It pairs wonderfully with creamy gravy and traditional sides like mashed potatoes or green beans.
Preparation Details
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 12 minutes | 22 minutes | Main | Southern American | 2 |
Ingredient List
| Ingredients | For 2 Steaks | For 4 Steaks | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube steak | 2 pieces | 4 pieces | Sirloin or round steak |
| Buttermilk | ½ cup | 1 cup | Milk with vinegar or lemon |
| Egg | 1 | 2 | Skip if using thick buttermilk |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup | 1 cup | Gluten-free flour |
| Paprika | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | Smoked paprika |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | Minced garlic |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | To taste | Seasoned salt |
| Cooking spray | As needed | As needed | Olive oil spray |
Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Purpose | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Air fryer | Cook steak evenly with crisp | Oven with rack |
| Mixing bowls | Hold wet and dry mixes | Deep plates |
| Tongs | Flip steak safely | Spatula |
| Brush or oil spray | Apply oil lightly | None (optional) |
How Long to Cook Chicken Fried Steak in Air Fryer
Cooking time and temperature may vary by the air fryer model. Here’s a breakdown for consistent results:
| Air Fryer Type | Temperature | Cooking Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Basket Air Fryer | 375°F (190°C) | 10–12 minutes | Flip at 6 minutes |
| Oven-Style Air Fryer | 380°F (193°C) | 12–14 minutes | Use rack or tray |
| Duo Basket Model | 375°F | 10 minutes | Check both baskets |
Let the steak rest for 1–2 minutes before serving. Internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C).
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak in Air Fryer
Before we begin, here’s the general process: soak your cube steaks in a buttermilk mixture, dredge them in seasoned flour, and air fry until crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
Whisk together buttermilk and egg in one bowl. In a separate bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Steaks
Dip each cube steak into the buttermilk mixture. Shake off excess liquid, then dredge it in the flour mixture. Press the flour in firmly to help it stick.
For extra crunch, repeat the dip and dredge process once more.
Step 3: Preheat and Spray
Preheat your air fryer at 375°F for 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the basket with oil. This helps prevent sticking and encourages even browning.
Step 4: Cook the Steak
Place the coated steaks in the basket without overlapping. Spray the tops lightly with oil. Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Steaks should be golden and crisp.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the steaks rest briefly before serving. Enjoy with white gravy, mashed potatoes, or green beans.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with creamy white gravy
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans
- Add cornbread or biscuits on the side
- For a brunch twist, top with a fried egg
Variations
- Spicy version: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the buttermilk
- Cheesy crust: Mix grated Parmesan into the flour
- No egg: Use thicker buttermilk and skip the egg if preferred
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days
- Freezer: Wrap in foil and freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or until hot and crisp again
Common Mistakes and Solutions
| Mistake | How to Fix | How to Prevent |
|---|---|---|
| Coating falls off | Press flour firmly into steak | Let steak rest after coating |
| Undercooked center | Cook a few minutes longer | Don’t overcrowd the basket |
| Soggy texture | Reheat for 2 minutes | Preheat fryer and spray oil evenly |
FAQs
1. Can I make chicken fried steak without egg?
Yes, just use a thick buttermilk mixture or coat with mayo instead.
2. What if I don’t have cube steak?
Use thin sirloin or tenderized round steak.
3. Can I use store-bought breading?
You can, but homemade flour seasoning gives better flavor and texture.
4. Should I preheat the air fryer?
Yes, it helps give a crisp crust and reduces cooking time.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
