Are you craving that classic Southern comfort food but want a healthier option without sacrificing the crispy goodness? Air fryer chicken fried steak might be your new favorite dinner! I’ve experimented with different cooking times and methods to bring you the perfect guide for making this delicious dish at home
The Perfect Timing for Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
When it comes to cooking chicken fried steak in an air fryer, getting the timing right is crucial for that perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior. Based on multiple cooking tests, here’s what you need to know:
Standard cooking time 10-15 minutes at 375°F-400°F (190°C-200°C)
Let me break this down more specifically
- For most chicken fried steaks (medium thickness): 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
- For thinner steaks (¼ inch): 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
- For thicker steaks (½ inch or more): 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
Remember to flip the steak halfway through cooking time for even browning on both sides!
Why Choose an Air Fryer for Your Chicken Fried Steak?
I switched to making chicken fried steak in my air fryer about a year ago, and honestly, I’m never going back to traditional frying. Here’s why:
- Healthier option – Uses significantly less oil than deep frying
- Less mess – No oil splatters all over your kitchen
- Faster cooking – The air circulation cooks the steak quickly and evenly
- Crispy results – You still get that golden, crunchy coating without all the grease
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
What You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds cube steak (cut into individual portions)
- Eggs (beaten for egg wash)
- All-purpose flour
- Seasoned coating mix or breadcrumbs
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika (for seasoning)
- Cooking spray
Preparation:
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Tenderize the steak if needed – If your cube steak isn’t already tenderized, place it between plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet to about ¼ to ½ inch thickness.
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Set up your breading station – This is the classic three-bowl method that works so well:
- Bowl 1: Seasoned flour (mix flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder)
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs mixed with a little milk or buttermilk
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs or coating mix (can use panko for extra crispiness)
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Bread your steaks:
- Dredge steak in flour mixture
- Dip in egg wash
- Coat with breadcrumbs/coating mix
- For extra crispy results, you can double-dip by repeating these steps
Cooking Instructions:
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Preheat your air fryer to 375°F-400°F (190°C-200°C) for about 5 minutes.
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Prepare the basket – Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Arrange steaks – Place the breaded steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd! Cook in batches if necessary.
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Cook for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through.
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Check for doneness – The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). The coating should be golden brown and crispy.
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Pro tip: For extra crispiness, spray the steak with a little cooking spray when you flip it halfway through cooking.
Troubleshooting Your Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
Even experienced cooks sometimes run into issues. Here are solutions to common problems:
My chicken fried steak is browning too quickly!
- Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue cooking until the steak reaches the proper internal temperature.
- You can also loosely tent with foil during the last few minutes.
My breading is falling off!
- Make sure to press the breading firmly onto the steak.
- Let the breaded steak rest for 5-10 minutes before air frying.
- Ensure your egg wash is coating the entire steak.
My chicken fried steak is too dry!
- You might be cooking it too long. Try reducing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
- Make sure you’re not pounding the meat too thin.
- Consider marinating the steak for 30 minutes before breading.
Delicious Gravy to Complete Your Meal
What’s chicken fried steak without gravy? Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for about a minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk, allowing mixture to thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Pour this delicious gravy over your air fryer chicken fried steak for that authentic Southern experience!
Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Fried Steak
Complete your meal with these classic sides:
- Mashed potatoes – The perfect vessel for extra gravy
- Green beans – Adds freshness and color
- Coleslaw – Provides a nice crunchy contrast
- Corn on the cob – Sweet and buttery complement
- Simple salad – Lightens up the rich meal
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got leftover chicken fried steak? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep it crispy:
- Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken fried steak in the air fryer?
Yes! For pre-made frozen chicken fried steaks, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add a few extra minutes if cooking straight from the freezer.
Can I make chicken fried steak without eggs?
Absolutely! Substitute the egg wash with milk or buttermilk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch to help the breading adhere.
What type of oil should I use to spray the air fryer basket?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. Avoid olive oil as it may burn at high temperatures.
Can I use different types of breading?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even gluten-free options. Louisiana Fish Fry Products Air Fryer Seasoned Coating Mix works great too!
What cut of beef is best for chicken fried steak?
Round steak or cube steak (which is already tenderized) works best. Look for cuts that are about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
Final Thoughts
Making chicken fried steak in an air fryer is a game-changer! You get all the crispy, comforting goodness with less oil, less mess, and in less time. The key is getting the timing right—remember, 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for standard thickness, flipping halfway through.
I’ve made this recipe at least a dozen times for my family, and they can’t tell the difference between this healthier version and the traditional deep-fried method. In fact, my husband actually prefers the air fryer version because it’s not greasy at all!
Happy air frying!
What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak is an inexpensive and flavorful cut of beef that’s been tenderized.
Whisk together 1 cup buttermilk and egg in a shallow dish.
Combine ¾ cup flour, 1 tsp. salt, ½ tsp. garlic powder, onion powder, and ½ tsp. pepper in a separate shallow dish.
Dredge steaks in flour mixture, then dip in buttermilk mixture; dredge in flour mixture again. Transfer steaks to a baking sheet lined with a rack to let coating set, about 10 minutes.
Preheat air fryer to 400° according to manufacturer’s instructions; set cook time to 10 minutes. (Add 3–5 minutes for preheating if your air fryer doesn’t include preheat function.)
Coat preheated cooking tray and steaks with nonstick spray; arrange steaks in a single layer on tray.
Cook steaks 5 minutes; open air fryer, coat steaks with nonstick spray, flip, and close air fryer. Continue cooking steaks until golden, 5 minutes more. (If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to do this in batches.)
Whisk together whole milk, ¼ cup buttermilk, 1 Tbsp. flour, dill, and 1/4 tsp. garlic powder in a skillet; cook gravy over medium-high heat until thick and bubbly, stirring constantly, 5 minutes. Season gravy with salt and pepper
Test Kitchen Approved Nutritional Facts
Per serving
Calories: 435
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 20g 30%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Cholesterol 138mg 46%
Sodium 420mg 17%
% Daily Value*
Carbs 25g 8%
Protein 37g
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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