Air Frying Flank Steak

Cooking flank steak in an air fryer adds a fresh twist to a classic cut. Instead of wrestling with a hot grill or pan with a bunch of clean-up, the air fryer provides a quick, fuss-free cooking method that locks in flavor and tenderness. It’s an ideal solution for busy weeknights, as flank steak only takes about 10 minutes to make in the air fryer. 

Learn how to transform flank steak into a quick and easy dinner staple, all thanks to your air fryer.

Why the Air Fryer?

You know how you can sear steak in a pan or crisp it up using the oven or broiler? The air fryer achieves a similar result but without needing to dirty a pan or heat up the stove. 

While air frying steak isn’t one of the better-known methods for making a delicious meal with steak — mostly because restaurant chefs don’t cook steak this way — it’s a completely viable option. The air fryer cooks meat quickly because the compact air circulation can penetrate it more quickly and evenly than, say, an oven can. Flank steak is usually a relatively quick cook, but if you struggle to get it to cook evenly, then air frying might be for you.

Plus, air frying can be a healthier alternative to cooking steak in oil, as you only need a light brushed-on coating of oil or a spritz of cooking spray to help the steak crisp in the air fryer.

Tips & Tricks for Success

Read through these tips as you prepare to air fry flank steak:

• Marinate for tenderness: Flank steak can run on the chewy side, but using a flavorful marinade that includes an acid like lime juice or vinegar can make it more tender. For best results, marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours before cooking.
• High heat, short cook: Flank steak tastes best when cooked quickly at a high temperature. Slower cooking can dry it out. Preheat the air fryer to around 400°F, then cook in short intervals and use a digital thermometer to monitor its internal temperature. 
• Use finishing sauce or glaze: After the cooking cycle finishes, brush the steak with a simple sauce, like a blend of soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Then, add the steak back to the air fryer for a quick 30-second blast to caramelize the sauce. This is completely optional, but it can add some flavor depth to your steak.
• Slice against the grain: After resting the steak for 5 minutes at room temperature, slice it thinly against the grain. This cuts through tough fibers and makes each bite a bit more tender. 

Recommended Internal Temperature

Like most steaks, the ideal internal temperature for flank steak is medium rare, which is between 130°F and 135°F. This leaves the center a light pink color and keeps the steak tender. For consistency, the instructions in this guide will focus on cooking your flank steak to medium rare. 

However, if you like more doneness, you can always air fry the steak for another 1-2 minutes or until your desired doneness level is reached. For medium, cook to an internal temperature of 135°F to 145°F. For medium-well, you’ll aim for a final temperature between 145°F and 155°F. 

Use a digital thermometer with the probe inserted into the thickest part of the flank steak for an accurate reading. 

Preparing the Flank Steak

Flank steak doesn’t need much preparation before going into the air fryer. If you want to save time and cook it directly from the fridge, that’s perfectly acceptable. However, we suggest sprinkling a generous amount of salt and pepper on each side as the minimum seasoning for flank steak. Spritz the steak with cooking oil or brush a light layer of olive oil on before seasoning to help the seasoning adhere.

If you have extra time, consider using a marinade. Steak marinades add flavor and improve the overall texture of the meat. That’s important for flank steak, which can be chewy, especially if it’s not a premium cut. Create a simple flank steak marinade, and let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours prior to cooking. For best results, allow it to marinate overnight. 

Preparing the Air Fryer

Make sure your air fryer is completely clean and free of any residuals, like crumbs or smells, from previous meals. Flank steak can easily absorb other odors and flavors, so this is a crucial step to prevent that from happening. Then, spray the basket or rack with cooking spray to keep the steak from sticking. 

If your air fryer is one that usually works best with a quick preheat, fire it up for a few minutes at 400°F to get it ready for the flank steak. Remember, you’ll want a quick, hot cook for flank steak, so fully heating the air fryer before cooking can lead you to the best results.

Air Fryer Flank Steak Recipe

Try this beginner-friendly air fryer flank steak recipe to become familiar with this cooking method.

Ingredients

• 1-2 lbs flank steak
• Cooking spray
• Salt and pepper (optional)

Flank Steak Marinade:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 1 clove minced garlic or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Place the steak into a gallon-sized food storage bag and pour the marinade over it. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours, up to 48 hours. 
2. Remove the steak from the refrigerator and marinate at least 30 minutes before you air fry it. Leave the steak at room temperature during this time, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
3. Spray the air fryer basket or basket rack with cooking spray. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about five minutes. 
4. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes. Flip once, and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the thickest part reaches 130°F for medium rare.
5. Rest the steak at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. 

Notes

You can skip the marinade if you’d like, although the steak may not be as tender as you hoped. If you don’t have time to marinate flank steak before air frying, consider pan searing flank steak instead.

Recipe Variations

If you want to change up this recipe once in a while for something a little different, the best way to do it is to vary your marinade ingredients. Here are a few options to make your air fryer flank steak a new dish each time you cook it:

• Citrus Ginger Marinade: Combine freshly squeezed orange and lime juice with grated ginger, soy sauce, and honey. Add a small amount of sesame oil and a pinch of chili flakes for heat. 
• Chimichurri-Inspired Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, finely chopped parsley, cilantro, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Drizzle the flank steak with extra chimichurri after air frying.
• Balsamic Rosemary Blend: Blend balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, and a tablespoon of brown sugar to create a savory-sweet marinade. 
• Teriyaki-Style Marinade: Mix soy sauce, mirin, grated ginger, garlic, and a small amount of brown sugar. This classic combination works seamlessly with flank steak.
• Southwest Chipotle Mix: Combine olive oil, lime juice, chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic, and a sprinkle of cumin. This is an ideal marinade for heat lovers, especially if you plan on making the steak as a filling for tacos or fajitas. 

What to Serve with Air Fryer Flank Steak

Air fryer flank steak is a great choice for the focus of your meal, but you’ll probably want to serve something with it, whether that’s a filling side dish or something lighter, like a salad or vegetables. The good news is you have lots of options here. 

First, explore our popular steak side dish ideas, like jalapeno cheddar cornbread and homemade cole slaw. Then, think about some of the foods you like eating with other steak you cook. For example, mashed potatoes are a classic staple for steak meals, but mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes, or pasta salad can add something a bit different. Or, stick with simplicity by roasting vegetables, like carrots or zucchini, or making a mixed greens salad to go along with your savory flank steak.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Steak typically is safe to store in the refrigerator for up to four days after cooking it. If you have leftovers, you can put them in the refrigerator immediately after placing them in an air-tight container to keep the steak from drying out. If freezing, consider vacuum-sealing the steak to prevent freezer burn. Cooked steak is usually okay in the freezer for up to six months.

Fire back up the air fryer to reheat the flank steak. Be sure to thaw frozen steak in the refrigerator first (this can take 2-3 days). Preheat the air fryer to 325°F for five minutes. Then, reheat the steak for about 4-5 minutes until it reaches 130°F internally. Rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

It’s your turn to cook flank steak in the air fryer! You have the tools you need to get it right and, hopefully, this guide helps you feel a little more confident in making a marinade and timing the cooking process to get the best results. 

If flank steak is one of your favorite cuts, you’re in luck. We have plenty of other flank steak cooking guides to explore at Steak University.