Air Fryer Round Steak

Name: Air Fryer Round Steak
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 2-3 Eye of Round Roast (Cut into steaks) (cut 1 1/2 inches thick); Oil; Steak Seasoning (Use your favorite or none at all); Salt; Pepper

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Air fryer eye of round steak is tender, juicy, and beautifully browned on the outside. The circulating heat of the air fryer makes this recipe perfectly easy and just plain perfect every time!

Overhead shot of air fryer eye of round steak with cheesy vegetables on plate.

I'm a big, big fan of steak, but it has to be cooked well. Not well done, just well. Steak is one of those meats that can either be amazing or terrible depending on how it's cooked.

This steak recipe uses the air fryer so it's perfectly done each and every time. There's no guesswork, and I love that!

This was inspired by the best T-bone steak recipe on this site and pairs well with this list of what to serve with steak bites. Or, for Air Fryer recipes try our Air Fryer Filet Mignon and our delicious Air Fryer Skirt Steak.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Air frying round steak ensures a tender and juicy steak with a crisp, caramelized crust as it locks in the natural juices of the meat.
Air fryers make clean-up super easy.
Air fryer round steak can be cooked in a fraction of the time it would take to cook on a grill or in an oven.

Ingredients

You'll only need a handful of ingredients to make this recipe, and the only one you'll have to shop for is the steak!

Overhead shot of round steak slices onp late next to salt, pepper, and oil in bowls.

Eye of Round Steaks - Buy a roast and cut them yourself into 1 ½ inch thick steaks. Cheaper and you can control the thickness.
Oil - Add in a bit of melted butter for more flavor.
Steak Spice - Adds more flavor so use your favorite blend or skip it and only use salt and pepper.
Salt - Always a flavor enhancer.
Pepper - Ground pepper or freshly ground black pepper is best, as the oils in the pepper have not had time to break down, resulting in a more intense flavor.

Be sure to check the recipe card at the end of the post for exact quantities.

Substitutions and Variations

Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this air fryer eye of round steak.

Spicy - Add a bit of chili pepper flakes, paprika, chili powder, our jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the steak for a bit of heat.
Marinade - Before cooking to add flavor, if desired.
Add More Seasoning - Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried rosemary or thyme.
Add Brown Sugar - Add a pinch to seasoning to help create a beautiful, sweet, caramelized crust on your steak.

Instructions

Making this recipe really is just about the easiest steak recipe you'll ever make. It only takes a few minutes and a few simple steps, and you're all done!

The highlights are here, but you'll find the exact instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.

1: Coat the steak with oil and seasonings.

Overhead shot of steaks coated with oil on plate.

Overhead shot of round steaks coated in oil and seasonings on plate.

2: Air fry until the steaks reach your desired doneness.

Hint: Be sure to let your steaks rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat before cutting.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this baked garlic balsamic steak or Tri Tip Steak.

Closeup shot of sliced air fryer eye of round steak on plate with cheesy potatoes and vegetables.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store for 3 to 4 days in an air-tight container.

Freezer: Store for up to a month in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.

Reheat: Bring the steak to room temperature. Then, bake it at 250 degrees on a baking sheet for about 20 minutes.

Make Ahead: While this steak reheats well, it's best when fresh from the air fryer. I don't recommend making it ahead of time.

What to Serve with

Air fryer round steak can be paired with a variety of delicious sides that complement the flavors of the steak. Here are some popular side dishes to consider:

Broccoli: Skillet broccoli is a flavorful addition to your meal. Another wonderful option is our broccoli salad which tastes great with everything.
Asparagus: Easy broiled asparagus and our easy cold asparagus salad work well with steak.
Cauliflower: Sauteed cauliflower is an incredible side that goes with everything.
Onions: Our Cocktail Onions add wonderful flavor.
Sweet Potatoes: We love to serve our smoked sweet potatoes, our candied sweet potato casserole and how to make candied sweet potatoes recipes as well.
Mashed Potatoes: Make a mashed potato casserole or our mashed potato fries for a wonderful side.
Brandy Cream Sauce: A brandy cream sauce is a terrific addition to any steak.
Compound Butter: Our copycat Ruth's Chris Steak Butter recipe or our bacon butter, yes bacon butter are perfect additions to all steaks.
Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce: Our version of Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce tastes great on all steaks.
Salad: Our bell pepper salad, tortellini pesto salad or a mixed green salad with fruit and nuts will be a fresh addition to your steak.
Risotto: Try our risotto pasta. It's a super tasty side dish that goes with everything.

Tips

Always preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes for an even cook and perfect crust.
Buy a roast and cut the steak yourself, for best results.
I got a medium rare steak at 7 minutes and a well done steak at 12 minutes. This will vary depending on the steak thickness and your air fryer. Check the steaks often during cooking and use a meat thermometer for best results.
Before seasoning, pat the round steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture to help seasoning stick to your steak.
Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature with seasoning on it for about 30 to 60 minutes to allow seasoning to penetrate the meat and for even cooking and better browning.
Once your steak is thoroughly seasoned, apply a thin layer of oil to the steak with a basting brush or a spray bottle to help with crisp exterior.
Be sure to position the steak in a single layer with some space around it so air can circulate properly.
Flip the steak at the halfway point to ensure even cooking on both sides.
After cooking, allow your steak to rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing so juices can redistribute within the meat.

FAQ

Do you have questions about air fryer round steak? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this air fryer eye of round steak.

How long should eye of round steak cook in the air fryer?

Cook eye of round steak between 8 and 12 minutes in the air fryer. 8 minutes will be medium rare and 12 minutes will be well done.

Why is round steak a good cut for the air fryer?

Round steak is lean with relatively little marbling. The air fryer cooks it quickly, helping to keep it moist.

How do I prepare round steak for air frying?

Bring the steak to room temperature, then season it with oil, salt, and pepper.

Should I preheat my air fryer before cooking this steak?

You should always preheat your air fryer before cooking anything. It's a total myth that air fryers don't have to be preheated.

Do I need to flip steak in the air fryer?

No. The circulation of the air means there's no need to flip the steak.

Video

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Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.