Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak recipe offers a healthier twist on a Southern classic by using the air fryer for a crispy exterior without deep frying. Tender cube steaks are double coated in a seasoned flour and egg wash, air fried to golden perfection, and topped with a creamy homemade gravy. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with less oil and hassle.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Breading
- 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
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)
Instructions
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up two shallow bowls. In the first, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In the second, beat the egg and half-and-half until smooth and combined.
- Bread the Steaks: Dip each cube steak first into the flour mixture, tapping off excess. Then dip immediately into the egg mixture, coating both sides generously. Return to the flour mixture for a second coat, gently pressing flour onto the steak to ensure it sticks well. Repeat for all steaks, ensuring even coating.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive or avocado oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Steaks: Arrange the coated steaks in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them for air circulation. Generously spray the tops of the steaks with cooking spray to encourage crisping. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking and spraying the other side with oil spray. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Make the Gravy: While the steaks cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly drizzle in the half-and-half while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Season with salt and cracked pepper and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Adjust Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the air-fried chicken fried steaks while hot and generously spoon the creamy gravy over the top. Enjoy this crispy, flavorful Southern favorite made lighter and easier with the air fryer.
Notes
- Ensure the steaks are evenly coated in the breading for the best crispy texture.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness of the breading.
- Use half-and-half for both breading and gravy for a richer flavor, or substitute with milk for a lighter version.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- If you do not have an air fryer, this recipe can be adapted by shallow frying the steaks in a skillet with oil, though the cooking time and oil amount will increase.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: air fryer chicken fried steak, crispy chicken fried steak, southern fried steak, air fryer dinner, easy chicken fried steak
