Easy Carne Asada Recipe

Ever wonder what goes into an authentic Carne Asada recipe? Well, I can promise you it’s a lot more simple than you would think! Try this delicious Air Fryer Carne Asada for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Why You Have To Try This Carne Asada Recipe

• Fast. Not counting the time it takes to marinate your steak, this Carne Asada recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes .
• Easy. Marinate, pop in the air fryer , and serve!
• Low Carb . Only 1 carb per serving.
• Delicious. This tastes just like your favorite Chipotle Carne Asada meat.

What Is Carne Asada?

Carne = meat and Asada = roast , or broiled, or grilled–or in my case, air fried.

There are many ways to make carne asada and they all vary by region. I’ve played with several different marinades over the years, but I keep coming back to this one.

What Cut Of Meat Is Carne Asada?

Traditionally, you’d use either flank steak or skirt steak. These are fairly heavily marbled but also somewhat stringier cuts.

In this Air fried Carne Asada recipe , I used skirt steak. Mainly because that’s what I had. I actually had THREE POUNDS of skirt steak due to a mistake on my grocery list. But hey, that just turned into Carne Asada , so who is going to complain?

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 medium limes - Fresh lime juice adds bright acidity, helping to tenderize the skirt steak while infusing it with a signature tangy, citrusy flavor. It balances the richness of the meat and enhances all the spices in the marinade.
• 1 medium orange - The orange provides natural sweetness and a deeper citrus note than lime. Its juices help tenderize the steak.
• 1 cup cilantro - Fresh cilantro adds herbal brightness and depth. Blended into the marinade, it infuses the steak with fresh, green, earthy flavor that complements the citrus and spices.
• 1 jalapeño pepper - Jalapeño brings mild to moderate heat and a touch of smoky, grassy pepper flavor. It adds depth without making the dish overly spicy.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - The oil helps distribute the marinade evenly, improves browning in the air fryer, and keeps the steak moist.
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar - White vinegar adds an extra punch of acidity that helps break down the steak fibers, making the final cooked carne asada more tender.
• 2 teaspoons ancho chile powder - Ancho chile powder contributes a mild heat with rich, earthy, smoky, and slightly sweet notes. It gives the carne asada depth, color, and classic Mexican-style flavor.
• 2 teaspoons Splenda - The sweetener balances the acidity from the lime and vinegar and the heat from the jalapeño and chile powder. It also helps with caramelization during air frying.
• 1 teaspoon salt - Salt enhances all the flavors in the marinade and helps the steak absorb seasonings more effectively.
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds - Whole cumin seeds add a warm, aromatic, slightly smoky flavor. When blended or ground in the marinade, they contribute depth and earthy complexity.
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds - Coriander seeds bring a citrusy, floral note that pairs beautifully with the lime and orange. They round out the spice profile and keep the marinade from tasting too heavy.
• 1.5 pounds skirt steak - Skirt steak is the ideal cut for carne asada. It’s thin, flavorful, and perfect for marinating. It absorbs flavors well and cooks quickly in the air fryer, staying juicy while developing a slight char.

How To Make Carne Asada In The Air Fryer

1. Place ingredients except the skirt steak into a blender and mix until you get a smooth sauce.
2. Cut the skirt steak into pieces and place into a zip-top bag.
3. Pour the marinade on the steak and let it soak for 30 minutes to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Place the steaks into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may have to do this in two batches.
5. Cook until your steak has reached an internal temperature of 145F. It is critical to not overcook skirt steak so the meat doesn’t become tough.
6. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes.
7. Slice the steak against the grain and serve.

Tips And Tricks For This Carne Asada Recipe

Many recipes call for orange juice to tenderize the meat and to add a little hint of citrus sweetness to the meat. I never have orange juice at home. What I do have, however, is a Vitamix blender that pulverizes anything into juice.

So I’ve gotten used to using a whole orange in this recipe. I also find that to be less sweet than commercial orange juice and that works better for me in this authentic Carne Asada recipe to let the spices resonate.

Here are a few more tips and tricks that I use to make this the best Carne Asada recipe :

• Marinate your meat for AT LEAST 30 minutes to help tenderize your steak.
• Let your steak rest for AT LEAST 10 minutes so all of the delicious juices aren’t wasted on your cutting board.
• Cut the meat AGAINST the grain for an even more tender bite.

Variations

If you want to change up the flavor profile or tailor your carne asada to different tastes or ingredients you have on hand, these variations offer fun and flavorful ways to customize your recipe.

• Spicy- You can turn up the heat by adding extra jalapeños, mixing in ½–1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or splashing in your favorite hot sauce to create a bold, fiery flavor.
• Smoky- You can add rich smokiness by blending chipotle peppers in adobo and a spoonful of adobo sauce into the marinade for a deeper, spicier profile.
• Garlic-Lime- You can intensify the savory notes by adding plenty of fresh garlic and a pinch of garlic powder to make the marinade even more aromatic.
• Kid-Friendly Carne Asada - You can create a gentler, sweeter version by omitting the jalapeño, reducing the ancho chili powder, and adding a little extra orange juice for balance.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Carne Asada?

Almost any traditional Mexican dish will pair well with this air fryer Carne Asada.

Here are some f my favorite things to serve alongside this easy main course:

• Instant Pot Mexican Rice
• Black Bean Soup
• Instant Pot Tamale Pie

How Long Does It Last?

For best results, you will want to eat any leftovers within 3-4 days (I wouldn’t plan on having any unless you’re making this dish for one person–it’s that good).

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze carne asada, and it freezes very well. Cooked carne asada can be cooled completely, stored in an airtight container or freezer bag, and frozen for up to 2–3 months without losing its flavor.

More Low Carb Recipes

Whether you’re eating low carb or just love delicious food, you’ll love these recipes:

• Keto Big Mac Salad - A favorite for the whole family because of my copycat sauce recipe taste just like the real thing!
• Low Carb Beef Stroganoff - Comfort food and Keto? Yes, it’s true!
• Low Carb Beef Shawarma - An easy weeknight dinner option you’ll want to make again and again!
• Ethiopian Beef Stew - You won’t believe how much flavor is packed into such a simple dish.
• Beef Rendang - Fall apart tender meat in less than an hour!
• Kheema Meatloaf - The perfect solution for the days you’re craving Indian food but are short on ingredients.
• Kimchi Beef Stew - An easy pour and cook recipe full of umami flavors.
• Bulgogi Burgers - Put your air fryer to work with this fun twist on burgers!
• Corned Beef and Cabbage - A classic done in a fraction of the time.
• Indian Beef Curry - Done in less than an hour and so good you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before!

If you love this air fryer Carne Asada Recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest so they can make it too!

Easy Carne Asada Recipe | Air Fryer Carne Asada

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 medium ( 2 medium ) limes , juiced
• ▢ 1 medium ( 1 medium ) Orange , peeled and seeded
• ▢ 1 cup ( 16 g ) Cilantro
• ▢ 1 ( 1 ) Jalapeño Peppers , diced
• ▢ 2 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) Vegetable Oil
• ▢ 2 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) White Vinegar
• ▢ 2 teaspoons ( 2 teaspoons ) Ancho Chile Powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoons ( 2 teaspoons ) splenda , or 2 teaspoon sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Kosher Salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) cumin seeds
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Coriander Seeds
• ▢ 1.5 pounds ( 680.39 g ) skirt steak

Instructions

• Place all ingredients except the skirt steak into a blender and mix until you get a smooth sauce.
• Cut the skirt steak into four pieces and place into a zip-top plastic bag.
• Pour the marinade on the steak and let the meat marinate for 30 minutes, or for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
• Set your air fryer to 400F and place the steaks into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may have to do this in two batches.
• Cook for 8 minutes, or until your steak has reached an internal temperature of 145F. It is critical to not overcook skirt steak, so as to not toughen the meat.
• Let the steak rest for 10 minutes. Don’t rush this stage.
• Slice the steak against the grain (this part is important) and serve.

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Easy Carne Asada Recipe | Air Fryer Carne Asada

Ingredients

• 2 medium limes juiced
• 1 medium Orange peeled and seeded
• 1 cup Cilantro
• 1 Jalapeño Peppers diced
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 2 tablespoons White Vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Ancho Chile Powder
• 1 teaspoons splenda or 2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon Coriander Seeds
• 1.5 pounds skirt steak

Instructions

• Place all ingredients except the skirt steak into a blender and mix until you get a smooth sauce.
• Cut the skirt steak into four pieces and place into a zip-top plastic bag.
• Pour the marinade on the steak and let the meat marinate for 30 minutes, or for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
• Set your air fryer to 400F and place the steaks into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may have to do this in two batches.
• Cook for 8 minutes, or until your steak has reached an internal temperature of 145F. It is critical to not overcook skirt steak, so as to not toughen the meat.
• Let the steak rest for 10 minutes. Don’t rush this stage.
• Slice the steak against the grain (this part is important) and serve.

Easy Carne Asada Recipe | Air Fryer Carne Asada https://twosleevers.com/air-fried-carne-asada/

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

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, pepper, salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and sage.

2. Whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg.

3. Season steaks and pat dry. Let stand for 5 minutes before dredging.

4. 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.

5. Place the steaks in the Air Fryer and spray them with cooking spray. Cook at 400 degrees for 8 minutes.

6. 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.

7. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the steak is cooked at 145 degrees.

8. 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:

1. Take a cooling rack, and invert it into a baking sheet, lay your breaded steaks on it.
2. Spray with cooking spray, and make sure to flip and respray halfway through cooking time.
3. 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)
4. 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:

1. 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.
2. Place the leftover meat in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
3. Cook the leftovers for 5-7 minutes, flipping half way through.
4. Remove the chicken fried steak from your air fryer and place on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
5. 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 .