Air Fryer Round Steak

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This Air Fryer Round Steak recipe requires just a few common ingredients, cooks in minutes, and is perfect for when you are craving sliced steak but don’t want to break the bank.

Looking for other easy steak recipes? Try our Air Fryer Steak Bites, Garlic Butter Sizzle Steaks, or Shaved Beef Steak.

Air fryer round steak sliced on a plate.

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A Quick Look at the Recipe

  • Recipe Name: Air Fryer Round Steak
  • ⏲️ Ready In: 1 hour
  • 👨‍👨‍👦‍👦 Serves: 4
  • 🍽️ Calories: 353 calories per serving
  • 💪 Protein: 39 grams
  • 🥣 Main Ingredients: Round Steak
  • 📋 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, Quick and Easy, Protein-Packed
  • 💯 Why You’ll Love It: Round steak is a leaner, less expensive cut of beef, but when prepared with the right method, it is tender and juicy.

This round steak recipe calls for high heat in the air fryer, with lots of beauty rest before and after cooking. The salt is also a specific and required ingredient in this recipe since it helps tenderize the protein strands in this cut of meat, which is very tough.

Trust me, I was a bit skeptical at first too, but once I saw how cooking round steak that’s at room temperature (including a good rest afterwards) produced such magnificent results, I became a believer!!

Who knew that we can absolutely enjoy tender and juicy slices of steak (from round steak!) that are savory and delicious?! Talk about heavenly.

Ingredients for Round Steak

Round steak recipe ingredients.
  • Round steak: Purchase 1-inch thick round steak. You can use any round steak in this recipe, such as bottom round, top round, or eye of round. Top sirloin steak also works fine.
  • Butter: I always cook with unsalted butter so I can add salt to my taste preferences.
  • Garlic: If you really enjoy garlic, add a few more smashed cloves.
  • Searing oil: I use avocado oil, but you can also use olive oil or even vegetable oil.
  • Seasonings: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Using just this seasoning blend really allows the good, beefy flavor of the meat to shine through.
  • Kosher salt: I prefer Redmond’s Kosher Sea Salt. Salt is essential because it helps draw out the meat proteins for the best caramelization and that means more FLAVOR!

How to Air Fry Beef Bottom Round Steak

Meat in a gallon freezer bag.

Step 1: Place the round steak into a gallon freezer bag, pressing out the air. Seal the bag. Make sure to use a gallon FREEZER bag. It is thicker and more sturdy (than just a plastic gallon bag).

Step 2: Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, pound the steak from 1-inch thickness to 1/2-inch thickness inside the gallon bag to keep all the mess contained. Using the grooved side of the meat mallet can sometimes drive some of the plastic bag into the meat.

Meat in a gallon freezer bag.

Step 3: Remove the steak from the bag to a large plate and generously season both sides with kosher salt and pepper. Let the steak rest, uncovered, at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Meat in a plastic bag being pounded to 1/2 inch thick.

Step 4: Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, pound the steak from 1-inch thickness to 1/2-inch thickness inside the gallon bag to keep all the mess contained. Using the grooved side of the meat mallet can sometimes drive some of the plastic bag into the meat.

Meat that is seasoned with salt and pepper.

Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt and pepper, then generously season both sides of each steak with this mixture. Let the steaks rest, uncovered, for 30 minutes, at room temperature. Please note: This resting period prior to cooking is essential for tender and juicy round steak using this high heat, quick method, so do not skip it!

Partially air fried beef in the air fryer basket.

Step 5: Preheat the air fryer at 450 degrees F. for 10 minutes. Using your favorite silicone brush, slather the rack with a bit of avocado or vegetable oil. Place the prepared steak onto the greased rack and air fry for 4 minutes. Turn the steak and air fry 1 more minute. Let the steak rest in the air fryer for 5 minutes. This resting period post-air frying is essential for tender slices of round steak using this method.

While the steak is air frying, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and rosemary and saute for 1-2 minutes or just until the rosemary and garlic are fragrant.

Remove the steak from the air fryer and place onto a large cutting board. Slice the steak across the grain, at an angle (on the bias) into 1/2-inch thick strips. Serve with an additional sprinkle of salt along with a generous drizzle of the rosemary/garlic butter.

Cooked round steak sliced on a white plate.

My Recipe Tips

  1. Pounding the steak inside a gallon bag keeps all the mess contained. Some cooks use parchment paper, but I find that when pounding the meat some of the juices can still escape the parchment to make a mess. Also, a gallon FREEZER bag is thicker and more sturdy (than just a storage gallon bag) so use one of these if possible.
  2. It’s best to brush the air fryer racks with oil instead of using nonstick spray. Due to the additives in the nonstick spray, gunky build-up can happen that hard to remove. Use a silicone pastry brush to quickly brush the grates and sides.
  3. The rest time is absolutely essential to making the round steak tender and juicy. Don’t skip these steps!

Round Steak FAQ’s

How can I make this Round Steak in the oven?

Follow the recipe as directed in Steps 1-5. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a cast iron skillet (or any heavy-bottomed oven-proof skillet) into the preheated oven for 10 minutes.

Remove the skillet and add the oil. Return the skillet to the oven for 5 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the oven once more. Carefully add the steak to one side of the skillet. Cook the steak for 2 minutes in the hot oven.

Turn the steak, placing it onto the opposite side of the skillet. Cook the steak for 2 minutes longer. Follow the recipe as directed in Steps 6-8 to complete.

How can I make this round steak in a skillet?

Follow the recipe as directed in Steps 1-5. Preheat a 12-inch heavy-bottom skillet (such as cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat.

When the skillet is very hot, add the oil. When the oil is sizzling and almost ready to smoke, carefully add the steak to one side of the skillet.
Cook the steak exactly 1 minute, then turn, placing the steak onto the opposite side of pan. Cook the steak one minute longer on the second side.

Immediately remove the skillet from the heat. Add the butter, garlic, and rosemary sprig to the open area of the pan; once the butter has melted and the rosemary is fragrant, spoon it over the steak.

Remove the steak from the skillet, placing it onto a cutting board; tent with foil, allowing the steak to rest for 5 mins. Do not skip this resting period for the round steak so it can be tender and juicy.

How can I use sliced round steak?

If you come to my house, you’ll find cooked, sliced round steak in my fridge almost ALL the time. It makes the best high-protein snack that’s easy to reheat and eat, especially if you’re always on the run like we are.

We also use sliced round steak to make salads, wraps, pinwheels, sliders, and sandwiches. We also add it to salads to boost the protein we need. It’s very easy to chop the strips of steak and stir them into pasta, such as mac and cheese or other types of pasta.

Do I need to marinate round steak before air fryer?

Marinating isn’t required, but it can help tenderize and add extra flavor it you prefer to add a marinade.

How long does it take to cook round steak in the air fryer?

The total cooking time in the air fryer is 5 minutes, but there are many resting points to ensure your round steak is tender and juicy.

How to keep round steak from drying out in the air fryer?

Both the salt in the seasoning and resting the round steak before, after and during cooking will keep round steak from drying out in the air fryer.

If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others. And if you take any pictures, please share them on Instagram so we can repost them on our Stories!

Round steak cooked in garlic and butter plated.

Round Steak

This Air Fryer Round Steak recipe requires just a few common ingredients, cooks in minutes, and is perfect for when you are craving sliced steak but don’t want to break the bank.
Servings: 4 servings
Chef Alli
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Resting Time Before and After Cooking 30 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes

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Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound round steak about 1/2-inch in thickness, usually sold as two half pound steaks within the package
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large clove garlic smashed with the side of your wide chef knife, skin removed
  • 1 large sprig fresh rosemary or a small bundle of fresh thyme I prefer the rosemary!

Instructions
 

  • **Air fryer cooking times can vary depending on their size, model, and brand. 
  • Place the round steak into a gallon freezer bag, pressing out the air; seal the bag.
    1 pound round steak
  • Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, pound the steak until thinned to about 1/4-inch in thickness (or just slightly thicker), using the fingertips on your free hand to see where you need to pound next so the steak is even in thickness.
  • Remove the steak from the bag to a large plate and repeat with tenderizing the second steak in the gallon bag.
    1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt and pepper, then generously season both sides of each steak with this mixture. Let the steaks rest, uncovered, for 30 minutes, at room temperature. **Please note: This resting period prior to cooking is essential for tender and juicy round steak using this high heat, quick method so do not skip it!
  • Preheat the air fryer at 450 degrees F. for 10 minutes. Using your favorite silicone brush, slather the rack with a bit of avocado or vegetable oil. Place the prepared steak onto the greased rack and air fry for 4 minutes.
  • Turn the steak and air fry 1 more minute. Let the steak rest in the air fryer for 5 minutes. **This resting period post-air frying is essential for tender slices of round steak using this method.
  • While the steak is air frying, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and rosemary and saute for 1-2 minutes or just until the rosemary and garlic are fragrant.
  • Remove the steak from the air fryer and place onto a large cutting board. Slice the steak across the grain, at an angle (on the bias) into 1/2-inch thick strips.
  • Serve with an additional sprinkle of salt along with a generous drizzle of the rosemary/garlic butter.

Notes

Recipe Tips
  • Pounding the steak inside a gallon bag keeps all the mess contained. Some cooks use parchment instead, but I find that when pounding the meat some of the juices can still escape the parchment to make a mess. Also, a gallon FREEZER bag is thicker and more sturdy (than just a plastic gallon bag) so use one of these if possible.
  • It’s best to brush the air fryer racks with oil instead of using nonstick spray. Due to the additives in the nonstick spray, gunky build-up can happen that hard to remove. Use a silicone pastry brush to quickly brush the grates and sides.
    The rest time is absolutely essential to making the round steak tender and juicy. Don’t skip these steps!
Round Steak In the Oven
Follow the steak prep as directed in Steps 1-3. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a cast iron skillet (or any heavy-bottomed oven-proof skillet) into the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove the skillet and add the oil; return the skillet to the oven for 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the oven once more; carefully add the steak to one side of the skillet. Cook the steak for 2 minutes in the hot oven; turn the steak, placing it onto the opposite side of the skillet. Cook the steak for 2 minutes longer. Follow the recipe as directed in Steps 6-8 to complete.
Round Steak In a Skillet 
Follow the steak prep as directed in Steps 1-3.
Preheat a 12-inch heavy-bottom skillet (such as cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat.
When the skillet is very hot, add the oil. When the oil is sizzling and almost ready to smoke, carefully add the steak to one side of the skillet.
Cook the steak exactly 1 minute, then turn, placing the steak onto the opposite side of pan. Cook the steak one minute longer on the second side.
Immediately remove the skillet from the heat. Add the butter, garlic, and rosemary sprig to the open area of the pan; once the butter has melted and the rosemary is fragrant, spoon it over the steak.
Remove the steak from the skillet, placing it onto a cutting board; tent with foil, allowing the steak to rest for 5 mins. **Do not skip this resting period for the round steak so it can be tender and juicy.
Slice the steak across the grain (and preferably on the bias at an angle) into thin strips, about 1/2-inch thick, or as desired, spooning any remaining butter from the pan over the slices. If desired, sprinkle with a bit more kosher salt and serve at once. 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 353kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 39gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 122mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 612mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.01gVitamin A: 185IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 4mg
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