Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak Recipe (Fresh & Frozen)

As a food blogger, I'm constantly on the lookout for innovative and delicious ways to whip up classic dishes, and air fryer chicken steak has quickly become a family favorite. I’ve been making air-fried steak for years and learned exactly how to use the air fryer and which cut of meat to use for the best results.

If you're craving a juicy, tender chicken steak with a delightful crunch, you're in for a treat.

Join me on this culinary adventure as I let you in on the secrets to a perfect air-fried chicken steak.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Number of Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 lb cube steak
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water
• Olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Take out the cube steak from the fridge and set it aside.
2. Make a dredging station. Take out two shallow bowls or two dishes and a plate. Whisk all the dry ingredients in one bowl and all the wet ingredients in the other shallow bowl. Mix the ingredients so they are well combined.
3. Place the steak in the flour mixture and fully coat it. Shake off the excess flour. Then, place the steak into the egg mixture and return again to the flour mixture. Coat the steak in the flour again, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off excess flour from the steak and put it on a plate. Repeat with the other steak. Let the steaks rest for ten minutes.
4. Spray the air fryer basket with oil and heat it for five minutes at 400 degrees.
5. Place the cubed steak in the air fryer. Spray them with oil. Fry for about eight minutes.
6. Remove the chicken fried steak from the air fryer and serve with gravy or your favorite sauces.

Recipe Notes

Here’s what to keep in mind when making air fryer chicken fried steak:

• Make sure to shake off excess flour mixture when dredging. Otherwise, the chicken fried steak coating will be too thick and fall off.
• Use separate hands when dredging to make sure your hands don’t turn gummy and sticky. Stick to the dry hand, wet hand method. This means using one hand for dry ingredients and one hand for the wet.
• Once the steaks are coated, let them rest for 10 minutes so the breading adheres to the meat.
• You should preheat the air fryer basket for all air fryer recipes. Use olive oil to make sure the chicken fried steak doesn’t stick to the basket. Grease the basket generously to have crispy and golden brown chicken fried steak.
• You can add some cayenne pepper if you want spicy air fryer chicken fried steak.
• Carefully choose olive spray for the air fryer recipes. Get the type that spritzes instead of an aerosol. Aerosol oil sprays have a propellant that can damage the non-stick coating of the fryer.
• You can add some perforated parchment paper to the fryer. It cooks the steaks more evenly, plus it makes the cleaning easier afterward. Simply remove the paper from the fryer, and it’s clean.
• Use cube steak for this recipe. They are already tenderized and pre-cut. In case you can’t find cube steaks, buy a sirloin, tenderize it with a meat tenderizer, and cut it into cubes.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the air fryer chicken fried steak. It should be 145 degrees [1]. 
• Make sure not to overcrowd cube steaks in the air fryer, or they won’t cook evenly. The steaks can touch but shouldn't be on top of each other. 
• There’s no need to rest the country fried steak. They are thin, and the crispy exterior will turn soggy if you rest it for too long. Serve air fryer chicken fried steak straight away.

“I’m using a flour with seasoning already in it. If I was using a flour that doesn’t have as much seasoning, I’d season my meat a little beforehand for more flavor.”

- No Hippie BBQ and Cooking, YouTube Channel

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 433
• Total Carbs: 18g 
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Net Carbs: 0

What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak?

Here’s what to serve with air fryer chicken fried steak for the most delicious meal:

• Mashed potatoes — Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice to serve with chicken fried steak. They provide a comforting contrast to the crispy steak and are perfect for soaking up any gravy.
• Gravy — Rich and savory gravy goes best with country fried steak. Pour it over the chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
• Southern-style biscuits — Fluffy biscuits are great for sopping up gravy and adding a buttery, carb-filled element to the meal.
• Steamed vegetables — Add freshness and balance to the plate. Use vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, or carrots. They provide a pop of color and nutrition.
• Creamed corn — This is a delightful Southern side dish that pairs well with the crispy chicken fried steak. It has a creamy texture and sweet flavor that complement the savory steak.
• Hot sauce — It adds another layer of flavor without making the country-fried steak spicy.
• Coleslaw — Light and tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken fried steak. It adds a nice crunch and a hint of acidity.
• Cornbread — Its slightly sweet flavor complements the savory steak and gravy.
• Macaroni and cheese — Creamy mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. It's a comforting side dish that pairs well with the chicken fried steak.

The key is to balance flavors and textures, so feel free to mix and match these side dishes based on your personal preferences and the preferences of your guests.

Also Read:

• How Long Can Sous Vide Steak Last in the Fridge
• How to Cook Chicken?
• How Long to Marinate Chicken & Not Over Marine It

Can I Cook Frozen Chicken Fried Steaks?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken fried steaks. Buy frozen country fried steak at your grocery store, preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees, and place the steaks inside. Cook them for four to six minutes, then remove from the air fryer and enjoy.

You can serve these steaks with any of the side dishes mentioned above. This is a great air fryer steak recipe when you need a quick dinner or have guests coming over and you don’t have much time to cook.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Chicken Fried Steak?

Store leftover chicken fried steaks after they have cooled completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three to four days. Then reheat chicken fried steak in an air fryer.

Spray the air fryer with cooking spray and preheat to 400 degrees. Air fry the steaks at 360 degrees for five minutes until the steaks are heated through.

FAQs

References:

1. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2022/10/03/cooking-meat-it-done-ye