Pork Steaks Air Fryer Method (So Easy!)

When my husband declared this air fryer pork steak the best he’d ever eaten, I knew I was onto a winner! And honestly, it was so easy to make. I used just 4 ingredients, plus a little salt and pepper to create the flavor rub and the pork cooked in 8 minutes! The result was a juicy and flavorful pork steak, ready to serve with air fryer roast potatoes and veggies.

Why Cook Pork Steak in an Air Fryer?

Now I know how well cooking pork steak in an air fryer works; it’s the only method I’ll use. No splattering oil, no flipping over a hot pan – just tender, delicious pork in a fraction of the time. It's also the perfect way to make a serving for just one or two people. If you're cooking dinner for more people, this air fryer pork belly is a delicious option.

The air fryer gives you that golden, caramelized crust while keeping the inside moist and tender. It’s also faster than the oven and way less greasy than pan-frying. And anything that makes cleaning up is a winner in my books!

By the way, if you're looking for more meat-based air fryer recipes, why not try roast beef or turkey crown?

How Long to Cook Pork Steaks in Air Fryer?

I air-fried a thin pork steak for 8 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping it halfway, and it turned out perfectly. The precise amount of time will vary depending on how thick your steak is. If you’re using a meat thermometer, check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Choosing Your Pork Steak

Pork steak comes from the shoulder, meaning it’s marbled with fat – which means intense flavor! You want a steak about ¾ to 1 inch thick for the best balance of crispy outside and juicy inside. Bone-in or boneless pork steaks both work great!

Boneless or Bone-In Pork Steaks – What’s the Difference?

For air fryer pork steak, you can use either a bone-in or a boneless option, and they each offer distinct advantages. Bone-in pork steaks are juicier and have a richer flavor due to the fat and bone, while boneless steaks are more convenient with less waste. 

Here's a more detailed comparison:

Bone-In Pork Steaks:

• Flavor: Bone-in pork steaks are often considered to have a fuller, richer flavor due to the fat and bone marrow that infuses the meat during cooking. 
• Moisture: The bone and surrounding fat help to keep the meat moist and prevent it from drying out during cooking. 
• Tender: The bone also provides some protection from overcooking, helping to ensure a more tender result. 
• Cooking: Bone-in pork steaks may require slightly longer cooking than boneless steaks. 

Boneless Pork Steaks:

• Convenience: Boneless steaks are ready to cook and require no bone removal, making them a convenient choice. 
• Leaner: Boneless steaks are leaner than bone-in options because the fat and bone have been removed. 
• Cost: Boneless steaks may be slightly cheaper than bone-in options. 
• Cooking: Boneless steaks cook faster than bone-in steaks. 

What’s the Difference Between a Pork Steak and a Pork Chop?

Pork steaks come from the shoulder, are typically thicker and have more fat and marbling, resulting in a richer, juicier flavor. Meanwhile, pork chops come from the loin and are leaner with a milder flavor. I chose to use a pork steak but an air fryer pork chop would work too.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Pork Steak

• 1 pork steak per person (I used boneless pork loin steaks that were approximately 120g each)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon mixed herbs (I used a pre-made mix of Marjoram, Basil, Oregano and Thyme, but you can use your own favorite combination)
• Large pinch of salt and pepper
• Optional - finely sliced scallions (also called spring onions or salad onions) to garnish.

How to Cook Pork Steak Air Fryer Style

1. Pat the pork steak dry with paper towels (this helps the seasoning stick!).
2. Drizzle the steak with a little oil
3. Rub the seasoning all over both sides of the pork steak.
4. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway. (Exact time depends on thickness—use a meat thermometer to check for 145°F (63°C).) I placed the steak on an air fryer liner in the basket to make cleaning up even easier.
5. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing—juicy pork is worth the wait!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Pork Steaks

Pair your crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside pork steak with:

• Air fryer roast potatoes
• Mashed potatoes (classic and comforting)
• Roasted veggies (broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts—air-fried for double the ease!)
• A simple side salad (something fresh to balance the richness)
• A drizzle of BBQ sauce or honey mustard (optional but oh-so-good!)

Simple & Tasty Pork Steaks Air Fryer Seasoning

Keep it classic or get creative! Here’s a simple go-to rub that will give you enough seasoning for 2-4 pork steaks:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Want a little kick? Add a pinch of cayenne. If you love garlic, add garlic powder. If you crave Asian flavors, toss in some Chinese Five Spice.

Have you tried this air fryer pork steak? How did it go? You can let me know by leaving a ⭐star rating and a comment below. I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for visiting!