Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Chicken fried steak is a traditional Southern dish that is typically deep-fried. However, this recipe uses an air fryer to achieve a similar crispy texture with less oil and mess. The process involves dredging cube steaks in a flour mixture with spices, then dipping them in a wet mixture of buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg before air-frying. The steaks are cooked for around 8 minutes in the air fryer and served with a creamy country gravy, making it a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version.

How to prepare the steak

Preparing the steak for your chicken fried steak in the air fryer is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure your steak is cooked to perfection. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your steak:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Prepare the Dredging Station

Firstly, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients for your chicken fried steak. The exact ingredients may vary slightly depending on the recipe you are following, but typically you will need:

• Cube steaks
• Flour
• Seasonings (such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper)
• Buttermilk or milk
• Eggs
• Hot sauce (optional)

Once you have gathered your ingredients, it's time to set up your dredging station. This will involve using two shallow bowls or dishes and a plate. In one bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients (flour and seasonings). In the other bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients (buttermilk or milk, eggs, and hot sauce, if using).

Step 2: Dredge the Steaks

Now it's time to coat your steaks with the dredging mixture. Using one hand, dip each steak into the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour, as this can cause the coating to become too thick and fall off during cooking.

Next, dip the steak into the egg mixture, and then back into the flour mixture, using your other hand to avoid your hands becoming sticky. Make sure the steak is completely coated, pressing the mixture onto the steak if needed.

Repeat this process with the remaining steaks, and then set them aside to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This will allow the breading to adhere better and help create a crispier coating.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer and Prepare the Basket

Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F. While it is heating up, generously spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the steaks from sticking. You can use avocado oil, olive oil spray, or any other cooking spray of your choice.

Step 4: Cook the Steaks

Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Generously spray the tops of the steaks with more oil. Air fry the steaks for 8-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your steaks and the power of your air fryer.

For best results, flip the steaks halfway through the cooking time and spray the other side with oil to ensure even cooking and browning. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steaks, which should reach at least 145°F for medium-rare.

Step 5: Make the Gravy (Optional)

While your steaks are cooking, you can prepare a gravy to serve with them. To make a simple gravy, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until a paste forms. Then, slowly add milk, salt, pepper, and garlic (if desired) to the mixture, whisking continuously. Continue cooking until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.

And that's it! You now have perfectly cooked chicken fried steaks, with a crispy coating and juicy interior, thanks to the magic of your air fryer. Serve your steaks with the gravy and enjoy this delicious, comforting meal.

How to make the dredging station

To make the dredging station, you will need two shallow bowls or dishes and a plate. In the first bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients, including the flour and any spices or seasonings you are using. In the second bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients, such as buttermilk, milk, or eggs.

For the dry ingredients, you can use a combination of flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add in other spices like cayenne pepper, dried oregano, or smoked paprika to give it a little extra kick. Make sure to mix everything together thoroughly so that your steak gets an even coating.

For the wet ingredients, you can use buttermilk, milk, or a combination of egg and water. Some recipes also include hot sauce or buffalo sauce for some extra spice and flavour. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.

Once you have your two bowls of dry and wet ingredients, you are ready to start dredging your steaks. The dredging process will help create a delicious, crispy coating on your chicken-fried steak.

How to cook the steak in the air fryer

Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, it is time to cook the steak in the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the dredging station

Create a dredging station with two shallow bowls or dishes and a plate. In one bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients, including the flour, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and pepper. In the other bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, such as the egg and water or milk.

Step 2: Dredge the steaks

Using one hand, dip each steak into the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, and finally, back into the flour mixture. Repeat this process for each steak, shaking off any excess flour between dips.

Step 3: Let the steaks rest

Once all the steaks are coated, let them rest on a plate for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the breading to adhere better and helps the moisture from the egg and meat to be absorbed into the flour, creating a crispier crust.

Step 4: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 370-400°F. Generously spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the steaks from sticking. This step is crucial, as it ensures even cooking and a crunchy crust.

Step 5: Place the steaks in the air fryer

Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded and are not stacked on top of each other. Generously spray the tops of the steaks with oil.

Step 6: Air fry the steaks

Air fry the steaks for 8-15 minutes at 400°F. After about halfway through the cooking time, flip the steaks and spray them again with oil to ensure even cooking and browning. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks and the model of your air fryer.

Step 7: Check the internal temperature

To ensure your steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. For medium-rare, the steaks should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Well-done steaks should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 8: Prepare the gravy (optional)

While the steaks are air frying, you can prepare a gravy to serve with them. In a saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until a paste forms. Then, add milk, salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings. Simmer the gravy until it reaches your desired thickness.

Step 9: Serve the steaks

Once the steaks have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve them with the prepared gravy and your choice of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or sweet potatoes. Enjoy!

How to make the gravy

Now for the gravy! This is a simple recipe that you can make while your steaks are cooking in the air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic (optional)

Optional ingredients:

• Whipping cream
• Hot sauce
• Cayenne
• Sage
• Onion powder
• Paprika

Method:

• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
• Whisk in the flour, and any seasonings you want to add, stirring continuously.
• Turn the heat up to medium-low and slowly add the milk, continuing to whisk. If you want a thinner consistency, add more milk.
• For a thicker, creamier gravy, add some whipping cream to the mixture.
• Keep whisking until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. This should take around 5-8 minutes.
• Pour the gravy over your chicken fried steak and enjoy!

How to store and reheat

To store chicken fried steak, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, you can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When it comes to reheating, the microwave should be avoided as it can make the breading soggy. Instead, use an air fryer or a conventional oven to reheat the steak.

Reheating in an Air Fryer:

• Set the temperature to 325–350°F.
• Place the leftover meat in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 3–7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed.
• Place the steak on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Reheating in a Conventional Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 350–400°F.
• Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil or parchment paper, or use a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation and prevent the breading from sticking.
• Place the steaks in the oven for about 5 minutes, until warmed and crispy.

Frequently asked questions