I still remember the first time I tried cooking steak in an air fryer. I was skeptical. Steak felt like something that belonged on a grill or a cast-iron skillet, not zipping around inside a small machine. But then I stumbled on Gordon Ramsay’s take. His recipe brought that restaurant-quality flavor into my tiny kitchen without the hassle of fires or smoke alarms.
Gordon Ramsay’s Air Fryer Steak is a method where the steak gets cooked quickly and evenly in an air fryer, delivering a beautifully seared outside with a juicy inside. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you want a steakhouse experience without leaving home. The air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to mimic frying but with less oil and mess.
- It’s fast and convenient.
- Uses less oil than traditional frying.
- Produces a tender, juicy steak with a nice crust.
- Ideal for small kitchens or apartment living.
This method takes Ramsay’s signature focus on simplicity and quality, pairing it with modern kitchen tech. It’s a game-changer for steak lovers who want flavor without the fuss.
Gordon Ramsay Air Fryer Steak Recipe
Ingredients Needed
When I first gathered everything for this recipe, I was amazed by how few ingredients Gordon actually uses. That’s the beauty of a great steak recipe. it lets the meat shine.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ribeye steak (or your favorite cut, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- Olive oil – for coating the steak before cooking
- Salt – coarse sea salt works best for that crunch
- Freshly ground black pepper. the fresher, the better
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs. optional but adds an amazing aroma
- Garlic cloves. smashed lightly to infuse flavor
- Butter – for finishing the steak after cooking
Simple, right? The magic comes from quality ingredients and attention to detail. The meat’s quality matters a lot here, so try to find a well-marbled cut for juicy tenderness.
Equipment Needed
My kitchen is small, so I love when a recipe requires minimal tools. For this steak, you really just need:
- An air fryer – preferably one with a basket that allows good airflow
- Tongs – to flip the steak safely
- Meat thermometer – optional but highly recommended for perfect doneness
- Small skillet or pan (optional) – for melting butter and finishing if you want to replicate Ramsay’s butter-basting style
- Cutting board and sharp knife
The air fryer is the star here. If you don’t have one, this might be the perfect excuse to get one! It’s a versatile tool that goes beyond fries.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Here’s a cool bit I learned while making this recipe: why does the steak get that perfect crust in an air fryer?
It’s all about the Maillard reaction. This is a chemical reaction that happens when proteins and sugars in the meat react under high heat, creating those complex flavors and that irresistible brown crust.
- The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulates around the steak.
- This dries the surface quickly, allowing browning without steaming the meat.
- Using oil helps transfer heat and encourages browning.
- Salt draws out moisture to create a dry surface, critical for that crust.
- Butter added at the end melts and adds richness, enhancing flavor.
Understanding these little food science facts helped me appreciate the process. and improve my steak cooking every time.
Instructions To Make Gordon Ramsay’s Air Fryer Steak
Here’s how I made it step-by-step, following Ramsay’s style but simplified:
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Prep The Steak
- Pat it dry with paper towels.
- Rub a thin layer of olive oil all over.
- Generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Preheat The Air Fryer
- Set it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
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Cook The Steak
- Place steak in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for about 7 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. (Adjust time depending on thickness and desired doneness.)
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Optional Butter Basting
- In a hot skillet, melt butter with smashed garlic and rosemary.
- Once steak is done, quickly sear in butter for 1 minute per side for added flavor.
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Rest Your Steak
- Let it rest for 5-7 minutes to redistribute juices.
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Serve And Enjoy!
- Slice against the grain and savor.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
I definitely made some rookie errors when trying this recipe at first. Here’s what I learned so you don’t have to mess up like me:
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Mistake: Not Drying The Steak Well Before Seasoning
Fix: Pat dry to avoid steaming. Moisture ruins crust formation.
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Mistake: Overcrowding The Air Fryer Basket
Fix: Cook steaks one or two at a time with enough space for air to circulate.
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Mistake: Skipping The Resting Period
Fix: Rest for 5-7 minutes or the juices will all run out when cutting.
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Mistake: Cooking At The Wrong Temperature/time
Fix: Use a meat thermometer or adjust timing based on thickness. Aim for 130-135°F for medium-rare.
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Mistake: Not Flipping The Steak
Fix: Flip halfway to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.
Smart Substitutions
Sometimes you don’t have exactly what Ramsay calls for. Here are some smart swaps I’ve tried:
- Steak cut: Use sirloin, filet mignon or even a thick flank steak if ribeye isn’t available. Just adjust cooking time.
- Olive oil: Avocado oil or any high-smoke-point oil works fine.
- Butter: Ghee or even a flavored compound butter can add a unique twist.
- Herbs: If no rosemary or thyme, dried Italian herbs or even fresh oregano work well.
- Garlic: Garlic powder in a pinch but fresh is always better.
These substitutions still keep the spirit of the recipe alive and delicious.
FAQs
How Do I Make Gordon Ramsay’s Air Fryer Steak?
Season your steak with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Cook the steak for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for a perfect medium-rare.
What Kind Of Steak Is Best For Gordon Ramsay’s Air Fryer Recipe?
Ramsay recommends using a thick-cut steak like ribeye or sirloin. These cuts cook well and stay juicy in the air fryer.
Can I Cook A Frozen Steak In The Air Fryer Using This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the cook time and season after it’s thawed a bit. Flip it halfway through to ensure even cooking.