
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Fast and Easy: Ready in about 10 minutes with minimal prep.
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Juicy and Tender: Air frying locks in moisture and flavor.
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Perfect Sear: Achieves a nice crust without needing a grill or stovetop.
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Versatile: Great for tacos, salads, or served with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 pound skirt steak
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Optional: fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for serving
Directions
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Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
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Prepare Steak: Pat skirt steak dry. Rub olive oil over both sides. Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then season steak evenly.
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Cook Steak: Place steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until desired doneness is reached (135°F for medium-rare).
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Rest: Remove steak and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
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Serve: Drizzle with fresh lime juice and sprinkle chopped cilantro if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 2-3
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Preparation Time: 5 minutes
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Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Marinate: Marinate steak for 30 minutes with soy sauce, lime, and garlic for extra flavor.
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Spicy: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
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Herb Garnish: Top with fresh parsley or thyme instead of cilantro.
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Different Cuts: Try the same method with flank steak or hanger steak.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store cooked steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen skirt steak?
It’s best to thaw the steak before cooking for even results.
How do I slice skirt steak properly?
Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Can I use other seasonings?
Yes, customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
What’s the best doneness for skirt steak?
Medium-rare to medium is ideal for tenderness and flavor.
Can I cook more than one steak at a time?
Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low-carb and high-protein.
How do I prevent the steak from drying out?
Don’t overcook and let it rest before slicing.
Can I add sauce?
Serve with chimichurri, salsa verde, or your favorite steak sauce.
How thick should the steak be?
About 1/2 to 1 inch thick works best for air frying.
Can I use this method for other meats?
Yes, thinner cuts of pork or lamb can be cooked similarly.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Skirt Steak is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful beef with minimal fuss. Perfect for busy nights or casual meals, this recipe delivers a juicy steak with a perfectly crisp exterior every time.

Air Fryer Skirt Steak
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- Author: Ava
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
Description
Air Fryer Skirt Steak is a quick and flavorful way to cook this tender, thin cut of beef. The air fryer creates a beautifully seared crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender, perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a tasty steak salad.
Ingredients
- 1 pound skirt steak
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for serving
Instructions
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Steak: Pat skirt steak dry. Rub olive oil over both sides. Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then season steak evenly.
- Cook Steak: Place steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until desired doneness is reached (135°F for medium-rare).
- Rest: Remove steak and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Serve: Drizzle with fresh lime juice and sprinkle chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Marinate: Marinate steak for 30 minutes with soy sauce, lime, and garlic for extra flavor.
- Spicy: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Herb Garnish: Top with fresh parsley or thyme instead of cilantro.
- Different Cuts: Try the same method with flank steak or hanger steak.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg