Name: Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Southern American
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; 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)

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 to thin gravy)

Instructions

Step 1: Set up a breading station with two shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together the 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.

Step 2: Dip each cube steak into the flour mixture, tapping off excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Return the steak to the flour mixture and coat again, pressing gently so the coating sticks evenly.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the bottom of the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the steaks in a single layer, leaving space for air circulation; cook in batches if necessary.

Step 4: Spray the tops of the coated steaks generously with oil spray. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. After flipping, spray the other side with oil spray to ensure crispiness.

Step 5: While the steaks cook, prepare the gravy. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 6: Gradually whisk in the half-and-half, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and cracked black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Step 7: If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little milk until desired consistency is reached. Serve the chicken fried steaks hot, topped with the creamy gravy.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy coating, ensure the steaks are evenly coated and well sprayed with oil before air frying.

Use cube steaks that are about 4–5 ounces for even cooking; thinner cuts may overcook quickly.

Try substituting half-and-half with whole milk or a milk alternative to adjust richness in the gravy.

Add a pinch of thyme or smoked paprika to the gravy for a flavorful twist.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour and cornstarch with gluten-free flour blends or rice flour, ensuring the coating stays crispy. Check that your seasonings and thickeners are gluten-free as well.

Will using an air fryer affect the texture compared to traditional frying?

The air fryer produces a crispy crust with less oil, making the dish lighter but still crunchy. While it won’t have the exact same richness as deep-fried, it’s a healthier alternative with great flavor and texture.