Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak is a traditional Southern dinner, but I’ve taken this classic dish and cooked it in my Air Fryer. I love having a comforting meal without all the extra calories from the deep fryer, and less of a mess (and grease smell) in my kitchen. Country Fried Steak is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner!
What Makes This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak Recipe So Good?
- Fast. Done in less than 30 minutes start to finish.
- Easy. Just dredge, cook, and serve.
- Healthy. Skip the deep fat frying for this air fryer recipe .
- Family-Friendly. Your whole family will love this meal.
- Versatile. Serve with your favorite side dish.
- Little Cleanup. The only mess will be the dredging station and wiping out the air fryer after.
The ease of cooking this Chicken Fried Steak in your Air Fryer may be your new favorite way to indulge in comfort food. You can add it to your favorite Air Fryer chicken recipes. You will not miss the deep-fried calories when you taste the crispiness of the breading.
What I have done, is take the same concept, and cook it in the Air Fryer so you can have dinner on the table in less time. While the steaks are cooking in the Air Fryer, you can be making the gravy. Only one saucepan is on your stove!
What is Country Fried Steak?
Country Fried Steak is an American dish, very familiar in Southern cooking. Simply, it is a breaded piece of meat, usually cube steak, that is dredged in a flour mixture with spices and then traditionally pan-fried.
Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been flattened and tenderized leaving little indentations in the meat. It is easily available in the grocery store and is very affordable.
How Do You Keep Breading On Chicken Fried Steak?
- Dip the cutlet into dry ingredients, then the liquid mixture of buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg. Repeat those steps once more, dry ingredients, and then liquid again.
- Make sure to shake off the excess flour and buttermilk between dunkings.
- As long as you spray the steaks with cooking spray liberally on both sides, they will taste as good as deep-fried chicken fried steak.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steaks
- 2 Cube Steaks - The main protein and base of the recipe.
- 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour - It creates the crispy coating that gives chicken fried steak its signature crunch when cooked in the air fryer.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper - Adds mild heat and depth of flavor to the breading.
- 1 teaspoon Salt - Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the beef and flour coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika - Provides a subtle smoky undertone and adds a golden color to the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder - Infuses a mild, savory sweetness that complements the garlic and beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder - Adds savory depth and aroma to the breading mixture.
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper - Gives a hint of spice that brightens the flavor without overpowering it.
- 2 teaspoons Crumbled Dried Sage - Adds an earthy, herbal note that gives the breading a Southern-inspired flavor profile.
- 3/4 cup Buttermilk - Tenderizes the steak and helps the flour mixture adhere. Its tangy flavor balances the richness of the coating.
- 1 teaspoon Hot Pepper Sauce - Adds a touch of heat and flavor to the buttermilk mixture, complementing the cayenne pepper.
- 1 Egg - Helps bind the breading to the steak, ensuring it sticks well and forms a cohesive crust when air fried.
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray - Lightly coats the breaded steaks to promote even browning and crispiness in the air fryer without excess oil.
For the Gravy
- 4 tablespoons Butter - Forms the base of the gravy, adding richness and helping the flour cook into a roux.
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour - Thickens the gravy when combined with butter and milk, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper - Adds a bold, slightly spicy flavor characteristic of classic country-style gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt - Balances the flavors of the creamy gravy and enhances the seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Salt - Adds extra savory depth and complements the buttery, peppery notes.
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk - Provides creaminess and helps form the base of the gravy.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream - Adds luxurious richness and a silky finish to the gravy, making it smooth and indulgent.
How To Make Chicken Fried Steak In The Air Fryer
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, pepper, salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and sage.
- Whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg.
- Season steaks and pat dry. Let stand for 5 minutes before dredging.
- Dredge the steaks, twice. Flour, buttermilk, flour, buttermilk. Make sure to shake off the excess in between dredges. After the double dredge, press any remaining flour into the steaks and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
- Place the steaks in the Air Fryer and spray them with cooking spray. Cook at 400 degrees for 8 minutes.
- Make the gravy! Combine the melted butter and flour for the roux over low heat. Then add the seasonings. Turn heat up to medium-low, and add milk and whipping cream until thick, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the steak is cooked at 145 degrees.
- Pour that flavorful country gravy over the finished Air Fried Chicken Fried Steak.
How To Make Chicken Fried Steak In The Oven
You could bake this recipe if you don’t want to fry your dinner, and don’t have an air fryer. It will be harder to get the crispy breading that chicken fried steak is known for having. Here’s how to do it:
- Take a cooling rack, and invert it into a baking sheet, lay your breaded steaks on it.
- Spray with cooking spray, and make sure to flip and respray halfway through cooking time.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 425 F. ( I have not tested this method! But I’m making a very educated guess based on similar things I’ve made before)
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked through.) Baking it on a cooling rack will allow the heat to circulate all around the meat.
Tips and Tricks
Making Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak is a great way to enjoy this Southern classic with less oil and mess, but still plenty of crunch and flavor. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your steaks turn out perfectly every time:
- Make sure to let the steaks sit for 5 minutes after seasoning and patting dry, and before dredging.
- Flip steaks over at 4 minutes of fry time and lightly spray the other side for even crispiness!
- Can use chicken instead of cube steak, and make chicken fried chicken. Use chicken breast, butterfly them, use plastic wrap and a mallet to make them into thin cutlets and follow the recipe.
- If you want a lower carb version of this recipe, you could use a combination of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese. I have not tested this recipe using those ingredients.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
Serve the classics! Even though it’s a healthier way of cooking it, it’s still a total comfort food recipe.
- Gravy to cover the delicious fried cube steaks, roasted potatoes, and my Pressure Cooker Green Beans .
- Make double duty out of your Air Fryer and make Rosemary Roasted Potatoes before you fry the steaks that way the breading stays nice and crisp when you are ready to eat. You can dip the crispy Rosemary Roasted Potatoes in your gravy!
How Long Does It Last?
Chicken Fried Steak made in the air fryer will last just as long as you would expect any other leftover cube steak recipe to last. For best results, I would plan on serving any leftovers within 3 days. While you may be able to get it to safely stretch another 1-2 days after that point, the breading will begin to lose its integrity more every day after it is cooked.
How To Reheat It
Believe it or not, reheating this comfort food is even more simple than making it! Oftentimes fried food isn’t the most appetizing thing to enjoy as a leftover because the breading can become soggy if it isn’t heated correctly. For the best results, here’s how I would recommend reheating this air fryer chicken fried steak:
Before storing your leftovers,
- Store the steaks separately from any other ingredients.
- Pat any excess mositure from the meat.
To reheat the steaks:
- Set your air fryer to 325F and allow to preheat. I’m not normally an advocate for preheating the air fryer, but for the crispiest leftovers, preheating is idea.
- Place the leftover meat in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook the leftovers for 5-7 minutes, flipping half way through.
- Remove the chicken fried steak from your air fryer and place on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
- Serve and enjoy.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze air fryer chicken fried steak to enjoy later with great results. After cooking, let the steaks cool completely to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause sogginess.
Once cooled, place each piece on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about an hour, or until firm. Then, transfer the frozen steaks to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, reheat the frozen steaks directly in the air fryer at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until hot and crispy.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- These juicy, flavorful Air Fryer Pork Chops use Porchetta seasonings to create a tasty fennel-spiced pork chop in just a few minutes.
- These Keto Chicken Tenders are the absolute best low carb breaded chicken tenders out there! They’re so good and so easy to make in your air fryer.
- My Air Fryer Cheese Biscuits are the perfect little scrumptious morsels for parties. They make a great appetizer, as well as wonderful vegetarian side dishes.
- Philly Cheesesteak - Made fast and easy in your air fryer.
Looking for more great steak recipes? Check out my Perfect Sous Vide Steak Recipe !
And if you’re looking for more great comfort food recipes, check out my Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice , my Keto Meatloaf or my Air Fryer Toad in the Hole !
Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak | Country Fried Steak Recipe
Equipment
- PHILLIPS AIR FRYER
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
For the Steaks
- ▢ 2 cube steaks , 5-6 ounces each
- ▢ 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ▢ 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ▢ 2 teaspoons crumbled dried sage
- ▢ 3/4 cup buttermilk
- ▢ 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- ▢ 1 Eggs
- ▢ Non-Stick Cooking Spray
For the Gravy
- ▢ 4 tablespoons butter
- ▢ 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- ▢ 1/2 cup Whole Milk
- ▢ 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
Steaks
- For the flour dredge, mix together in a shallow bowl, whisk the flour, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and sage.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the buttermilk, hot pepper sauce, and egg.
- Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Allow to stand for 5 minutes, than pat dry again with a paper towel.
- Dredge the steaks in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dredge in the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture again, shaking off excess. Place the breaded steaks on a sheet pan and press any remaining flour mixture onto the steaks, making sure that each steak is completely coated. Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Place steaks in the air fryer basket. Lightly coat with vegetable oil spray. Set the air fryer to 400°F for 8 minutes, carefully turning steaks and coating other side with vegetable oil spray halfway through the cooking time.
Gravy
- Meanwhile, for the gravy: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour, pepper, salt, and garlic salt, continually whisking.
- Slowly add the milk and cream mixture, whisking constantly. Turn the heat to medium and cook, whisking occasionally, until thickened.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steaks have reached an internal temperature of 145°F. Serve the steaks topped with the gravy.
Watch The Video
- Let the steaks sit for 5 minutes after seasoning and patting dry, and before dredging.
- Flip steaks over at 4 minutes of fry time and lightly spray the other side for even crispiness!
- Can use chicken instead of cube steak. Use chicken breast, butterfly them, use plastic wrap and a mallet to make them into thin cutlets and follow the recipe.
- If you want a lower carb version of this recipe, you could use a combination of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese.
Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!
Nutrition
And don’t forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer , and Air Fryer Revolution .
Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak is a traditional Southern dinner, but I’ve taken this classic dish and cooked it in my Air Fryer. I love having a comforting meal without all the extra calories from the deep fryer, and less of a mess (and grease smell) in my kitchen. Country Fried Steak is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner!
What Makes This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak Recipe So Good?
- Fast. Done in less than 30 minutes start to finish.
- Easy. Just dredge, cook, and serve.
- Healthy. Skip the deep fat frying for this air fryer recipe .
- Family-Friendly. Your whole family will love this meal.
- Versatile. Serve with your favorite side dish.
- Little Cleanup. The only mess will be the dredging station and wiping out the air fryer after.
The ease of cooking this Chicken Fried Steak in your Air Fryer may be your new favorite way to indulge in comfort food. You can add it to your favorite Air Fryer chicken recipes. You will not miss the deep-fried calories when you taste the crispiness of the breading.
What I have done, is take the same concept, and cook it in the Air Fryer so you can have dinner on the table in less time. While the steaks are cooking in the Air Fryer, you can be making the gravy. Only one saucepan is on your stove!
What is Country Fried Steak?
Country Fried Steak is an American dish, very familiar in Southern cooking. Simply, it is a breaded piece of meat, usually cube steak, that is dredged in a flour mixture with spices and then traditionally pan-fried.
Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been flattened and tenderized leaving little indentations in the meat. It is easily available in the grocery store and is very affordable.
How Do You Keep Breading On Chicken Fried Steak?
- Dip the cutlet into dry ingredients, then the liquid mixture of buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg. Repeat those steps once more, dry ingredients, and then liquid again.
- Make sure to shake off the excess flour and buttermilk between dunkings.
- As long as you spray the steaks with cooking spray liberally on both sides, they will taste as good as deep-fried chicken fried steak.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steaks
- 2 Cube Steaks - The main protein and base of the recipe.
- 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour - It creates the crispy coating that gives chicken fried steak its signature crunch when cooked in the air fryer.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper - Adds mild heat and depth of flavor to the breading.
- 1 teaspoon Salt - Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the beef and flour coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika - Provides a subtle smoky undertone and adds a golden color to the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder - Infuses a mild, savory sweetness that complements the garlic and beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder - Adds savory depth and aroma to the breading mixture.
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper - Gives a hint of spice that brightens the flavor without overpowering it.
- 2 teaspoons Crumbled Dried Sage - Adds an earthy, herbal note that gives the breading a Southern-inspired flavor profile.
- 3/4 cup Buttermilk - Tenderizes the steak and helps the flour mixture adhere. Its tangy flavor balances the richness of the coating.
- 1 teaspoon Hot Pepper Sauce - Adds a touch of heat and flavor to the buttermilk mixture, complementing the cayenne pepper.
- 1 Egg - Helps bind the breading to the steak, ensuring it sticks well and forms a cohesive crust when air fried.
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray - Lightly coats the breaded steaks to promote even browning and crispiness in the air fryer without excess oil.
For the Gravy
- 4 tablespoons Butter - Forms the base of the gravy, adding richness and helping the flour cook into a roux.
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour - Thickens the gravy when combined with butter and milk, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper - Adds a bold, slightly spicy flavor characteristic of classic country-style gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt - Balances the flavors of the creamy gravy and enhances the seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Salt - Adds extra savory depth and complements the buttery, peppery notes.
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk - Provides creaminess and helps form the base of the gravy.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream - Adds luxurious richness and a silky finish to the gravy, making it smooth and indulgent.
How To Make Chicken Fried Steak In The Air Fryer
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, pepper, salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and sage.
- Whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg.
- Season steaks and pat dry. Let stand for 5 minutes before dredging.
- Dredge the steaks, twice. Flour, buttermilk, flour, buttermilk. Make sure to shake off the excess in between dredges. After the double dredge, press any remaining flour into the steaks and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
- Place the steaks in the Air Fryer and spray them with cooking spray. Cook at 400 degrees for 8 minutes.
- Make the gravy! Combine the melted butter and flour for the roux over low heat. Then add the seasonings. Turn heat up to medium-low, and add milk and whipping cream until thick, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the steak is cooked at 145 degrees.
- Pour that flavorful country gravy over the finished Air Fried Chicken Fried Steak.
How To Make Chicken Fried Steak In The Oven
You could bake this recipe if you don’t want to fry your dinner, and don’t have an air fryer. It will be harder to get the crispy breading that chicken fried steak is known for having. Here’s how to do it:
- Take a cooling rack, and invert it into a baking sheet, lay your breaded steaks on it.
- Spray with cooking spray, and make sure to flip and respray halfway through cooking time.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 425 F. ( I have not tested this method! But I’m making a very educated guess based on similar things I’ve made before)
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked through.) Baking it on a cooling rack will allow the heat to circulate all around the meat.
Tips and Tricks
Making Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak is a great way to enjoy this Southern classic with less oil and mess, but still plenty of crunch and flavor. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your steaks turn out perfectly every time:
- Make sure to let the steaks sit for 5 minutes after seasoning and patting dry, and before dredging.
- Flip steaks over at 4 minutes of fry time and lightly spray the other side for even crispiness!
- Can use chicken instead of cube steak, and make chicken fried chicken. Use chicken breast, butterfly them, use plastic wrap and a mallet to make them into thin cutlets and follow the recipe.
- If you want a lower carb version of this recipe, you could use a combination of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese. I have not tested this recipe using those ingredients.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
Serve the classics! Even though it’s a healthier way of cooking it, it’s still a total comfort food recipe.
- Gravy to cover the delicious fried cube steaks, roasted potatoes, and my Pressure Cooker Green Beans .
- Make double duty out of your Air Fryer and make Rosemary Roasted Potatoes before you fry the steaks that way the breading stays nice and crisp when you are ready to eat. You can dip the crispy Rosemary Roasted Potatoes in your gravy!
How Long Does It Last?
Chicken Fried Steak made in the air fryer will last just as long as you would expect any other leftover cube steak recipe to last. For best results, I would plan on serving any leftovers within 3 days. While you may be able to get it to safely stretch another 1-2 days after that point, the breading will begin to lose its integrity more every day after it is cooked.
How To Reheat It
Believe it or not, reheating this comfort food is even more simple than making it! Oftentimes fried food isn’t the most appetizing thing to enjoy as a leftover because the breading can become soggy if it isn’t heated correctly. For the best results, here’s how I would recommend reheating this air fryer chicken fried steak:
Before storing your leftovers,
- Store the steaks separately from any other ingredients.
- Pat any excess mositure from the meat.
To reheat the steaks:
- Set your air fryer to 325F and allow to preheat. I’m not normally an advocate for preheating the air fryer, but for the crispiest leftovers, preheating is idea.
- Place the leftover meat in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook the leftovers for 5-7 minutes, flipping half way through.
- Remove the chicken fried steak from your air fryer and place on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
- Serve and enjoy.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze air fryer chicken fried steak to enjoy later with great results. After cooking, let the steaks cool completely to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause sogginess.
Once cooled, place each piece on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about an hour, or until firm. Then, transfer the frozen steaks to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, reheat the frozen steaks directly in the air fryer at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until hot and crispy.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- These juicy, flavorful Air Fryer Pork Chops use Porchetta seasonings to create a tasty fennel-spiced pork chop in just a few minutes.
- These Keto Chicken Tenders are the absolute best low carb breaded chicken tenders out there! They’re so good and so easy to make in your air fryer.
- My Air Fryer Cheese Biscuits are the perfect little scrumptious morsels for parties. They make a great appetizer, as well as wonderful vegetarian side dishes.
- Philly Cheesesteak - Made fast and easy in your air fryer.
Looking for more great steak recipes? Check out my Perfect Sous Vide Steak Recipe !
And if you’re looking for more great comfort food recipes, check out my Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice , my Keto Meatloaf or my Air Fryer Toad in the Hole !
Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak | Country Fried Steak Recipe
Equipment
- PHILLIPS AIR FRYER
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
For the Steaks
- ▢ 2 cube steaks , 5-6 ounces each
- ▢ 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ▢ 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ▢ 2 teaspoons crumbled dried sage
- ▢ 3/4 cup buttermilk
- ▢ 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- ▢ 1 Eggs
- ▢ Non-Stick Cooking Spray
For the Gravy
- ▢ 4 tablespoons butter
- ▢ 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- ▢ 1/2 cup Whole Milk
- ▢ 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
Steaks
- For the flour dredge, mix together in a shallow bowl, whisk the flour, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and sage.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the buttermilk, hot pepper sauce, and egg.
- Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Allow to stand for 5 minutes, than pat dry again with a paper towel.
- Dredge the steaks in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dredge in the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture again, shaking off excess. Place the breaded steaks on a sheet pan and press any remaining flour mixture onto the steaks, making sure that each steak is completely coated. Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Place steaks in the air fryer basket. Lightly coat with vegetable oil spray. Set the air fryer to 400°F for 8 minutes, carefully turning steaks and coating other side with vegetable oil spray halfway through the cooking time.
Gravy
- Meanwhile, for the gravy: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour, pepper, salt, and garlic salt, continually whisking.
- Slowly add the milk and cream mixture, whisking constantly. Turn the heat to medium and cook, whisking occasionally, until thickened.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steaks have reached an internal temperature of 145°F. Serve the steaks topped with the gravy.
Watch The Video
- Let the steaks sit for 5 minutes after seasoning and patting dry, and before dredging.
- Flip steaks over at 4 minutes of fry time and lightly spray the other side for even crispiness!
- Can use chicken instead of cube steak. Use chicken breast, butterfly them, use plastic wrap and a mallet to make them into thin cutlets and follow the recipe.
- If you want a lower carb version of this recipe, you could use a combination of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese.
Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!
Nutrition
And don’t forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer , and Air Fryer Revolution .
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Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak | Country Fried Steak Recipe
Ingredients
For the Steaks
- 2 cube steaks 5-6 ounces each
- 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 2 teaspoons crumbled dried sage
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1 Eggs
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray
For the Gravy
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
Steaks
- For the flour dredge, mix together in a shallow bowl, whisk the flour, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and sage.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the buttermilk, hot pepper sauce, and egg.
- Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Allow to stand for 5 minutes, than pat dry again with a paper towel.
- Dredge the steaks in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dredge in the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture again, shaking off excess. Place the breaded steaks on a sheet pan and press any remaining flour mixture onto the steaks, making sure that each steak is completely coated. Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Place steaks in the air fryer basket. Lightly coat with vegetable oil spray. Set the air fryer to 400°F for 8 minutes, carefully turning steaks and coating other side with vegetable oil spray halfway through the cooking time.
Gravy
Meanwhile, for the gravy: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour, pepper, salt, and garlic salt, continually whisking.
Slowly add the milk and cream mixture, whisking constantly. Turn the heat to medium and cook, whisking occasionally, until thickened.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steaks have reached an internal temperature of 145°F. Serve the steaks topped with the gravy.
Let the steaks sit for 5 minutes after seasoning and patting dry, and before dredging.
Flip steaks over at 4 minutes of fry time and lightly spray the other side for even crispiness!
Can use chicken instead of cube steak. Use chicken breast, butterfly them, use plastic wrap and a mallet to make them into thin cutlets and follow the recipe.
If you want a lower carb version of this recipe, you could use a combination of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese.
Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak | Country Fried Steak Recipe https://twosleevers.com/air-fryer-chicken-fried-steak/
For a fantastic, juicy, and flavorful burger, look no further than these 20-minute Air Fryer Hamburgers. You’ll get all of the flavors of a Montreal Steak Burger made in your air fryer!
Why Montreal Steak Burgers Rock
They are a much healthier option than fast food. You don’t have to deal with a greasy mess and you certainly don’t have to mess with the grill since these are cooked, nice and simple, in the air fryer.
These Montreal Steak Burgers are one of the quickest dinners you’ll ever make. They only take around ten minutes to whip up and then they only take another ten minutes to cook in the air fryer.
Why Make Hamburgers In The Air Fryer?
So the main advantages in my mind, are a) the lack of mess, and b) not having to light up the grill just to get a quick dinner together.
They taste juicy and flavorful. They don’t have the smoked flavor you’d get from a charcoal grill, but they’re a lot better than making burgers on a stovetop. They’re also a lot less messy than stovetop burgers.
Having said that, there is, of course, no reason you can’t make these burgers on the grill outside if the weather is pleasant. As with most of my recipes, it’s aaaalll about the spice mix in these air fryer burgers.
- When you make air fryer burgers, use the leanest meat possible so you don’t have a ton of grease dripping into the bottom basket.
- Use a piece of foil at the bottom of the basket for easy cleanup.
I just love my air fryer because of how much easier it makes so many recipes! For example, my Air Fryer Kibbe recipe takes an otherwise difficult to make dish and makes it vastly easier! Not to mention it’s far less greasy in the air fryer!
What Do Montreal Steak Burgers Taste Like?
Air fryer Montreal steak burgers are bold, juicy, and packed with savory, steakhouse-style flavor.
The Montreal seasoning creates a crust that’s peppery, garlicky, and slightly smoky, giving each bite a satisfying punch without being overpowering.
Cooking them in the air fryer keeps the inside tender and moist while the outside develops a crisp, flavorful sear.
The combination of herbs, coarse salt, and cracked pepper mimics classic grilled steak flavor, making these burgers taste hearty, robust, and deeply seasoned. It’s like a cross between a perfectly grilled burger and a seasoned ribeye.
How to Make Air Fryer Hamburgers
- Prep the spice blend. In a mortar and pestle, crush together the peppercorns cumin, coriander, garlic, pepper, and salt until you have roughly crushed the seeds.
- Season the beef. In a medium bowl, mix the ground beef, spice mix, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Make the patties. Divide meat into four portions. Form round patties with a slight depression in the middle to prevent them from puffing out into a dome-shape while cooking
- Add to the air fryer. Place patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set fryer to 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Temp and serve. At the end of cook time, use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (medium).
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your air fryer hamburgers turn out juicy, flavorful, and beautifully cooked every time.
- I call these Montreal Steak Burgers because of the spices I use–specifically the Montreal Steak Seasoning Mix recipe that I’m giving you. The specific spices I tell you to use in the recipe are important. How you prepare those spices is important as well.
- The main thing is to crush them into a rough powder–but not utterly pulverize them into a fine dust. You want a little of the crunch of those spices.
- If you’re feeding kids or those with a low spice tolerance, you may want to reduce the black peppercorns a little.
- You can, of course, use the Montreal Steak seasoning mix to make an air fryer steak as well. So this recipe is a two for one for you–Montreal steak seasoning recipe, and directions for how to make an air fryer burger.
- Don’t over mix the meat so that you can still have tender burgers.
- For meal prep, mix up the burgers with the spice and let it marinate overnight. The next day at dinner time just grill the burgers.
- Serve these burgers as a lettuce wrap instead of using a bun if you’re eating low carb/keto.
- The spice mix is flavorful enough that you probably just want mayonnaise, but feel free to use a slice of cheese if you want.
- Note: Macros omit hamburger buns.
- When you make air fryer burgers, use the leanest meat possible so you don’t have a ton of grease dripping into the bottom basket. Use a piece of foil at the bottom of the basket for easy cleanup.
Variations
Here are some fun and flavorful variations you can try to turn a simple air fryer hamburger into something unique, exciting, and totally customizable.
- Cheddar Bacon Burger - Mix shredded cheddar into the patties and top with crispy bacon for a classic, smoky flavor combo.
- Spicy Jalapeño Burger - Add diced jalapeños to the meat or top the cooked burger with pickled jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
- Mushroom Swiss Burger - Sauté mushrooms separately, then pile them on top with Swiss cheese for a rich, earthy upgrade.
- BBQ Ranch Burger - Brush patties with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking and top with ranch dressing and crispy onions.
What To Eat With Air Fryer Hamburgers
Here are some delicious and crowd-pleasing sides that pair perfectly with air fryer hamburgers to create a complete, satisfying meal.
- Air Fryer French Fries - Crispy, golden, and the ultimate classic pairing.
- Sweet Potato Fries - A slightly sweet, perfectly crisp alternative to regular fries.
- Onion Rings - Crunchy and savory, ideal for adding texture to your burger night.
- Coleslaw - Light, creamy, and refreshing, helping balance the richness of the burger.
- Potato Salad - A hearty, comforting side that’s great for cookouts or family dinners.
How Long Do They Last?
Air fryer hamburgers will last 3–4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. Make sure to let the cooked patties cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
When you’re ready to reheat, warm them in the air fryer, on the stovetop, or in the microwave until heated through.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes, you can freeze air fryer hamburgers, and they hold up very well. Once the patties have cooled completely, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn. They’ll stay fresh for 2–3 months.
When you’re ready to eat them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer until hot and cooked through.
More Amazing Air Fryer Recipes
- If you’re looking for more delicious burger recipes, check out my Air Fryer Beef Bulgogi Burgers . These burgers are a Korean take on a traditional burger and they’re unbelievable!
- Another fantastic air fryer recipe is my Air Fryer Pork Chops ! They come out so good in the air fryer!
- If you would like more Air Fryer recipes like this one, go check out my Air Fryer cookbook HERE !
These Air Fryer Hamburgers are a delicious and guilt-free way to enjoy a tasty and satisfying burger for dinner. So if you’re looking for an unbelievably tasty dinner in no time, this is the recipe for you!
Air Fryer Hamburger Recipe | Montreal Steak Burger Recipe
Equipment
- PHILLIPS AIR FRYER
- MORTAR AND PESTLE
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
For the Montreal Steak Seasoning
- ▢ 2 teaspoons ( 2 teaspoons ) Whole Black Peppercorns
- ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Black Mustard Seeds
- ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) cumin seeds
- ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Coriander Seeds
- ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Dried Garlic
- ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Dried Red Pepper Flakes
- ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Kosher Salt
For the Burger
- ▢ 1 pound ( 453.59 g ) Lean Ground Beef
- ▢ 2 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) Worcestershire Sauce
For Serving
- ▢ 4 ( 4 ) hamburger buns or large lettuce leaves (for low carb)
Instructions
In a mortar and pestle, crush together the peppercorns cumin, coriander, garlic, pepper, and salt until you have roughly crushed the seeds. Do not make a fine powder out of these.
In a medium bowl, mix the ground beef, spice mix, and Worcestershire sauce.
Divide meat into four portions. Form round patties with a slight depression in the middle to prevent them from puffing out into a dome-shape while cooking
Place patties in single layer in air fryer basket. Set fryer to 350°F for 10 minutes.
At the end of cook time, use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (medium).
Note: Macros omit hamburger buns.
When you make air fryer burgers, use the leanest meat possible so you don’t have a ton of grease dripping into the bottom basket.
Use a piece of foil at the bottom of the basket for easy cleanup.
Don’t grind the spice mix too fine. You want some roughly crushed peppercorns in there.
Don’t over mix the meat so that you can still have tender burgers.
The same spice mix can be used for grilling a steak.
For meal prep, mix up the burgers with the spice and let it marinate overnight. The next day at dinner time just grill the burgers!
Serve these burgers as a lettuce wrap instead of using a bun if you’re eating low carb/keto.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your burgers are cooked properly.
The spice mixes is flavorful enough that you probably just want mayonnaise, but feel free to use a slice of cheese if you want.
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Nutrition
Don’t forget to check out my other Ketocookbooks.
Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats , and Easy keto in 30 minutes.
