Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer chicken fried steak offers a crispy, golden crust without the extra oil from deep frying. This classic Southern dish is lighter but still full of comforting flavors, served with creamy homemade gravy. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet simple to make.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup half-and-half or milk
• 4 cube steaks (about 4–5 ounces each)
• Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half (for gravy)
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• Milk (as needed for gravy consistency)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Set up a breading station with two shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In the second bowl, beat the egg and half-and-half until smooth.
2. Step 2: Dip each cube steak into the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Return to the flour mixture and coat once more, pressing gently so the flour adheres well. Repeat for all steaks.
3. Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
4. Step 4: Place the coated steaks in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them for air circulation. Spray the tops of the steaks generously with oil spray.
5. Step 5: Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. After flipping, spray the underside with oil as well. Cook until the steaks are crispy and cooked through.
6. Step 6: While the steaks cook, prepare the gravy. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
7. Step 7: Gradually whisk in the half-and-half. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little milk until you reach the desired consistency.
9. Step 9: Serve the chicken fried steaks hot with the creamy gravy poured over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, let the coated steaks rest for 10 minutes before air frying to help the coating adhere better.
• You can substitute whole milk for half-and-half in the gravy for a lighter option.
• Add a pinch of cayenne to the gravy for a subtle kick that complements the spices in the coating.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, these steaks can be baked in the oven at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for similar results.

Storage

Store leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispness. The gravy can be kept separately and warmed gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Cube steak is ideal for this recipe because it’s tenderized and cooks quickly. You can try thin-cut sirloin or round steak, but results may vary in texture and cooking time.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Make sure to press the flour coating firmly onto the steak during the second flour dip and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Spraying oil evenly helps the crust crisp and adhere better.

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 144 reviews

• Author: Elara
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A healthier take on classic chicken fried steak, this recipe uses an air fryer to achieve a crispy, golden crust without deep frying. Tender cube steaks are double-dredged in a flavorful seasoned flour and egg mixture, then air fried to perfection. The dish is completed with a rich homemade creamy pepper gravy, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Fried Steak

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup half-and-half or milk
• 4 cube steaks (about 4–5 ounces each)
• Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray

For the Gravy

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• Milk (as needed to thin gravy)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the breading station: In two shallow bowls, combine the dry ingredients—flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper—in the first bowl. In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and half-and-half until smooth and well combined.
2. Bread the steaks: Dip each cube steak first into the seasoned flour mixture, tapping off excess. Then coat it generously with the egg mixture. Return the steak to the flour mixture for a final coating, gently pressing the flour so it adheres evenly to the surface.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Air fry the steaks: Arrange the breaded steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space between them for hot air circulation. Spray the tops of the steaks generously with olive or avocado oil spray. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through cooking. After flipping, spray the new top side with cooking spray to ensure even crisping.
5. Make the gravy: While the steaks are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, stirring constantly. Gradually add the half-and-half, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Season with salt and cracked black pepper. Continue to cook and whisk for 3-4 minutes until the gravy thickens. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency to your liking.
6. Serve: Plate the crispy air-fried steaks and generously ladle the creamy pepper gravy over the top. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• For best results, use cube steaks that are approximately 4-5 ounces each to ensure even cooking.
• If you prefer spicier gravy, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading or add black pepper to the gravy.
• Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model; adjust time as needed to achieve desired crispness.
• Use a light oil spray to avoid adding too much fat while maintaining a crispy crust.
• Leftover gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently while stirring.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American Southern

Keywords: air fryer chicken fried steak, crispy chicken fried steak, southern chicken fried steak, air fryer comfort food, chicken fried steak with gravy