You know, sometimes you just need a dinner that feels fancy but is secretly super easy, right? That’s exactly how I feel about this Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak. I stumbled upon this gem when I was completely swamped one weeknight and needed something delicious FAST. I couldn’t believe how a simple steak cooked in the air fryer, topped with this vibrant, fresh chimichurri sauce I whipped up in minutes, could be so incredibly satisfying. It’s become my go-to for a quick dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak
Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
- Lightning Fast: It’s ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when hunger strikes!
- Ridiculously Easy: Most of the magic happens in the air fryer and a quick chop for the sauce. No complicated techniques here!
- Bursting with Flavor: That fresh, zesty chimichurri sauce takes the steak from basic to brilliant. It’s a flavor explosion!
- Healthier Choice: Air frying uses way less oil than traditional frying, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients for Your Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak
Alright, let’s get cooking! For this amazing Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak, you’ll need a few things. Don’t worry, they’re all super common and easy to find. Freshness is key for that bright chimichurri flavor, so try to grab the freshest herbs you can find!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank work great!) – Make sure it’s a cut you love!
- 1/4 cup olive oil – Extra virgin is best for that fresh taste.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – Packed, so make sure it’s nice and fluffy.
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped – This stuff is potent and delicious!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is so much better than powder here.
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar – Gives that perfect tang.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes – Adjust this if you like it spicier or milder!
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Always season well, my friends!
Essential Equipment for Making Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak
You don’t need a whole lot for this recipe, which is part of why I love it so much! You’ll definitely want an air fryer (obviously!), a good sharp knife and cutting board for chopping your herbs, a small bowl for mixing up that yummy chimichurri sauce, and a trusty meat thermometer is super helpful to nail your steak’s doneness. That’s really it!
Simple Steps to Prepare Your Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak
Okay, let’s get this flavor party started! Making your Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated to cook steak at home. Just follow these easy steps and get ready for a seriously delicious meal. It’s as simple as whipping up a quick sauce and letting the air fryer do its magic.
Preparing the Chimichurri Sauce
First things first, let’s whip up that amazing chimichurri. Grab a small bowl, toss in your chopped fresh parsley and oregano, the minced garlic, that glug of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and those red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a little spicy! Give it all a good whisk until it’s nicely combined. Don’t stress about perfection here; it’s a rustic sauce and meant to be fresh and vibrant. Just mix it all up!
Cooking the Steak in the Air Fryer
Now for the star of the show! Make sure your air fryer is preheated to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, pat your steak super dry with paper towels – this is crucial for a good sear, just like when you’re marinating tuna steaks like this. Season it generously all over with salt and pepper. Seriously, don’t be shy with the seasoning! Pop that seasoned steak right into the preheated air fryer basket. For a medium-rare steak, you’ll want to cook it for about 6 minutes, flipping it halfway through. If you like it more medium, aim for 8-10 minutes. The best way to be sure? Use a meat thermometer! You’re looking for about 130-135°F for medium-rare and 140-145°F for medium. This way, your Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak is always perfectly cooked!
Resting and Serving Your Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak
This is a super important step, so don’t skip it! Once your steak is cooked to perfection, carefully take it out of the air fryer and let it sit on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This lets all those delicious juices redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite super tender and moist. Then, slice your steak against the grain – you’ll see the lines in the meat, just slice perpendicular to them. Arrange those beautiful slices on a plate, and generously spoon that fresh chimichurri sauce right over the top. Now dig in and enjoy your fantastic Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak!
Tips for the Best Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak
Okay, so you’ve got your main recipe, but let’s really make this Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak sing! A few little tricks can take it from good to absolutely spectacular. For starters, don’t skimp on the steak quality – a good cut like sirloin or ribeye really makes a difference. And seriously, if you can, use fresh herbs for the chimichurri. You can taste the difference! Make sure your air fryer is fully preheated, too; it’s key for getting that perfect sear and ensuring your steak doesn’t just steam inside. If you’ve got a good meat thermometer, use it – no more guessing games about doneness! For a little extra something, try toasting the herbs *very* lightly before chopping if you’re feeling adventurous, but honestly, fresh is always fantastic. And always, *always* let your steak rest. It’s the secret to juicy perfection after you make your amazing air fryer steak.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Steak
Let’s chat about these ingredients for our Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak! Olive oil is pretty standard here, but if you’re out, a neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed oil will totally work in a pinch for the sauce. For the steak itself, sirloin, ribeye, and flank are fantastic, but really, any good quality steak cut you enjoy will be delicious. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness! If fresh parsley or oregano are hiding from you, dried herbs can work, but you’ll need way less – maybe start with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. And hey, if red wine vinegar isn’t in your pantry, a splash of apple cider vinegar or even regular white vinegar will do the trick for that tangy bite!
Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Steak
Now that you’ve got that gorgeous Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak ready to go, what should you serve with it? So many things! Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts like these are always a hit – they have that perfect crunch. Or, for something a little heartier, how about a scoop of creamy Mexican street corn pasta salad to mix things up? A simple side of roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad also works beautifully to round out this amazing meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got some leftover Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak? Lucky you! Store the sliced steak and any extra chimichurri sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They should keep well for about 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm the steak in a skillet with a tiny bit of oil over medium-low heat, or pop it in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. Don’t overheat it, or it’ll get tough! If you have extra chimichurri, it’s great on eggs or other meals!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak
Got some burning questions about whipping up this awesome Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use different cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin, ribeye, and flank steak are fantastic choices, feel free to use your favorite cut. Just remember that thicker cuts might need a few extra minutes in the air fryer.
How do I prevent my steak from drying out in the air fryer?
The keys to a super moist air fryer steak are not overcooking it (use a thermometer!) and letting it rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. Patting it dry before seasoning also really helps get a nice crust.
Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you totally can! This flavorful chimichurri sauce just gets better as it sits. Make it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a little heads-up, these nutrition facts are estimates, okay? They can vary a bit depending on the exact cut of steak you use and the brands of ingredients you pick up. But generally, for one serving of this amazing Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak, you’re looking at about 550 calories, around 35g of fat, a hefty 50g of protein, and only about 4g of carbohydrates. Pretty darn good for such a flavorful meal!
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Chimichurri Air Fryer Steak
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and flavorful steak dinner made easy in the air fryer, topped with vibrant homemade chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak (such as sirloin, ribeye, or flank)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, chopped parsley, chopped oregano, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes. This is your chimichurri sauce.
- Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, depending on your desired level of doneness (e.g., 6 minutes for medium-rare, 8-10 for medium). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy: 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare, 140-145°F (60-63°C) for medium.
- Once cooked, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately, generously spooning the chimichurri sauce over the top.
Notes
- For best results, use a good quality steak.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Chimichurri sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Ensure your air fryer is preheated for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Argentinian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak (approx. 8 oz)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 150mg



