Marinated Air Fryer Flank Steak
Steak lovers, take note! Cooking flank steak couldn’t be easier with this Air Fryer Flank Steak recipe. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked, juicy steak!
This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you decide to purchase through my link, I may earn a very small commission at no additional cost to you.
Why you will love air fryer flank steak
Perfect steak: The even flow of the hot air in the air fryer ensures the steak is evenly cooked and stays moist and juicy. That’s the beauty of air fryers; they are notorious for even fast cooking.
No need to fire up the grill: If you thought the only way to get great-tasting flank steak was to cook it on the barbecue grill, you’ll be glad to know you can get a succulent and juicy steak right in your air fryer.
Flavorful flank steak: The unique marinade adds extra flavor to what is really just a simple steak. You can change up the spices based on your personal preferences, but the key is to allow the spices to work their magic, so try to let the steak marinate for as long as possible.
Ingredients to make this easy air fryer flank steak recipe
- Flank Steak – Look for flank meat that’s bright red in color. Any brown spots may indicate the meat is not fresh. Skirt steak is a good alternative.
- Spices – Use a combination of chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Olive Oil – Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, but any olive oil will work.
- Fresh Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice is best but jarred also works.
How to make juicy air fryer flank steak
Step 1: Add all ingredients except the flank steak to a large ziplock bag or a small bowl. Whisk until everything is combined, then add flank steak to the bag or pan. Flip the meat around so that it gets coated in the marinade. Refrigerate for 2 – 12 hours.
Step 2: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
Step 3: Remove the steak from the marinade and place it in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook the steak in the air fryer for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the time to your desired level of doneness.
The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat and your air fryer. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the steak with an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the meat doesn’t get overcooked.
Steak Temperatures
- Rare 125°-130°F
- Medium Rare 130°-140°F
- Medium 140°-150°F
- Medium Well 150°-160°F
- Well 160°F
Step 4: Remove the steak from the air fryer basket, and for best results, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to be redistributed and prevents the steak from drying out. After 5 minutes, place on a cutting board and slice into thin strips against the grain of the meat.
Kitchen tools to make air fryer flank steak
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → FAQs
For medium rare, cook the steak for 4-6 minutes per side. If you prefer your steak rare, cook for 3-4 minutes; if you like your steak medium well, cook for 6-8 minutes. Note that cooking time will vary from air fryer to air fryer.
Cooking flank steak in the air fryer requires high heat. I suggest a temperature of 400 degrees f when cooking this recipe.
The best way to cook this type of meat is at a high temperature for a short period of time. It’s also very important to cut the meat against the grain when slicing. If the meat gets overcooked it will be tough.
How long should I leave the steak in the marinade?
Ideally, the longer you marinate, the better, but I know sometimes this just isn’t possible. At the very least, let the steak marinate for 30 minutes while you get the rest of your meal going. If you have more time, that would be great.
You can always set a reminder to marinate the steak before you head out in the morning, and then when you get home after work, you’ll be good to go.
How to tenderize flank steak?
Marinating the flank steak is the ideal way to tenderize it.
What to serve with air fryer flank steak:
I love to serve either a wedge salad or this pear salad with juicy air fryer flank steak. Other great side dishes to pair the meat with are maple glazed carrots and loaded baked potatoes, and of course, cheesy garlic toast is always a big hit with this meal.
Recipe variations and tips
- Try this marinade as a substitute, or use a simple dry rub with your favorite spices.
- You may need to cut your flank steak and work in batches if it doesn’t fit.
- Make sure to use a sharp knife to cut the meat so it slices evenly, and also always cut against the grain when slicing a flank steak.
- To add more flavor to your marinade, consider a couple of teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, a touch of red wine vinegar, or low-sodium soy sauce.
- For a sweeter marinade, stir in a touch of brown sugar or honey.
- Consider the chimichurri sauce in this recipe for a different flavor combination.
How to store leftover flank steak
Fridge: Allow leftover flank steak to come to room temperature before storing. Leftover steak should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Freezer: Uneaten flank steak will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months when stored properly.
More easy air fryer recipes
Air Fryer Flank Steak
Ingredients
- 2 lb. Flank Steak
- 2 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1/4 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/4 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except the flank steak to a large ziplock bag or a shallow bowl. Whisk until everything is combined, and add flank steak to the bag or pan. Flip the meat around so that it gets coated in the marinade. Refrigerate for 2 – 12 hours.2 lb. Flank Steak, 2 Tbsp Chili Powder, 1 tsp Cumin, 1 tsp Oregano, 1 tsp Salt, 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper, 1/4 Tbsp Olive Oil, 1/4 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and place it in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook the steak in the air fryer for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the time to your desired level of doneness. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat and your air fryer. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the steak with an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the meat doesn't get overcooked.
- Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This redistributes the juices and keeps the steak nice and juicy.
Notes
- Rare 125°-130°F
- Medium Rare 130°-140°F
- Medium 140°-150°F
- Medium Well 150°-160°F
- Well 160°F
