These 15-minute Air Fryer Pork Steaks are one of the easiest and tastiest main dishes you can make in your air fryer. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The coating helps the outside stay crispy, and yet helps protect it from drying out.
In addition, the seasoned panko coating makes these air-fried pork steaks taste even better.
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Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years. Their ability to make crispy fried foods with little to no oil is revolutionary. While most people use air fryers for frozen foods and veggies, they can also be used to cook fresh meats like pork cube steak.
Cube steak is a tenderized cut of pork that cooks up quickly. The air fryer is the perfect way to cook cube steak as it gives you that crispy crust without needing to pan fry in loads of oil Cooking cube steak in the air fryer results in a juicy, flavorful pork dinner the whole family will love.
Below I’ll walk you through exactly how to cook pork cube steak in an air fryer I’ll also share timing, temperature tips, and some quick & easy seasoning ideas to take this classic pork dish to the next level Let’s get started!
What You Need to Make Pork Cube Steak in the Air Fryer
Cooking cube steak in an air fryer is simple because you only need a few ingredients:
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Pork cube steak – Look for cube steak cuts about 1/2 inch thick. This tenderized cut of pork sears up nicely.
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Oil – You just need about 1-2 Tbsp oil to lightly coat the cube steak before air frying. I like avocado or olive oil.
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Seasonings – Cube steak takes well to lots of flavors. Try cajun seasoning, brown sugar, garlic powder, pepper and more.
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Air fryer – A standard sized air fryer (at least 3 quarts) will fit 2-4 cubed steaks.
That’s it! Now let’s get into the easy process of cooking this classic pork dinner.
Step 1 – Prepare the Pork Cube Steak
Start by trimming any excess fat or sinew off your pork cube steaks. Then place them between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even 1/2 inch thickness all over.
This helps the steaks cook evenly. Don’t overbeat them or they’ll get tough. Just a few gentle taps will do.
Once your cube steaks are pounded to an even thickness, pat them completely dry with paper towels. Any moisture on the surface will prevent the steaks from getting crispy.
Step 2 – Season the Cube Steaks
Now it’s time to add flavor! Cube steak does great with bold, hearty seasonings.
Some of my favorites include:
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Cajun seasoning – The blend of paprika, garlic, onion, and pepper gives a flavor punch.
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Brown sugar and garlic powder – The sweetness balances the savory garlic notes.
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Italian seasoning – Oregano and basil give these steaks a herbaceous flavor.
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Lemon pepper – Bright citrus and pepper is a tasty combo.
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Steak seasoning – Pre-made blends add tons of flavor without the work.
You really can’t go wrong with any seasoning combo. Apply the dry seasoning generously on both sides, pressing to adhere. Let the seasoned steaks sit for about 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps the flavors soak in.
Step 3 – Add Oil to the Pork
For crispy air fried cube steak, you need just a small amount of oil. This helps promote browning and gives a crispy crust.
Pour 1-2 Tbsp of oil (I like avocado or olive oil) into a small bowl. Use a pastry brush or your hands to lightly coat both sides of each cube steak with the oil. Don’t miss any spots.
Make sure to get the oil into all the nooks and crannies of the pounded steaks. The oil helps conduct heat and cooks the meat evenly.
Step 4 – Air Fry the Pork Cube Steak
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the oiled and seasoned cube steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overlapping.
Air fry the pork for 5 minutes at 400°F. After 5 minutes, flip the steaks over. Air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
The time will vary slightly depending on the thickness of your steaks and your air fryer model. I find 6 minutes on the second side is perfect for juicy, crispy pork.
Step 5 – Check for Doneness
The cube steaks are fully cooked when they register 145°F internally with an instant read meat thermometer. This safe temperature results in juicy, tender pork.
If your steaks need another minute or two, simply place them back in the air fryer until they reach the proper internal temp. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
The finished cube steaks will have a crispy brown crust on the outside with tender, juicy pork on the inside. Enjoy immediately!
Tips for the Best Air Fried Cube Steak
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Don’t overload the air fryer basket – Leave space between steaks for even cooking. Work in batches for 4+ steaks.
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Use a meat thermometer – It’s the only way to ensure safely cooked pork.
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Let steaks rest before eating – Resting allows juices to reabsorb for tender, juicy meat.
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Add vegetables – Roast broccoli, potatoes, peppers, etc right alongside the steaks.
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Make a pan sauce – Drippings in the basket make an easy, flavorful sauce. Deglaze with broth.
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Pound steaks evenly – Irregular thickness leads to uneven cooking. Gentle taps = even thickness.
With these simple steps and tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked cube steak from your air fryer any night of the week. Keep reading for even more flavorful recipes to try!
More Air Fryer Pork Cube Steak Recipes
The basic cubed steak recipe above is just the beginning. There are so many delicious ways to season and sauce these juicy, tender pork steaks.
Here are a few of my favorite air fryer cube steak recipes:
Sweet and Savory Brown Sugar Garlic Pork
- Seasoning: Brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- Sauce: Whisk maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth together. Brush over steaks before & during cooking.
Cuban Mojo Pork
- Marinade: Orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, oregano. Soak steaks 1 hour.
- Sauce: Reduced marinade with minced garlic. Pour over cooked steaks.
Steakhouse Peppercorn Cube Steak
- Seasoning: Coarse black pepper and garlic powder.
- Sauce: Heat cream, brandy, peppercorns. Finish with Dijon and Worcestershire.
Korean Bulgogi Cube Steak
- Marinade: Soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic and ginger. Marinate 1-2 hours.
- Topping: Sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and lime wedges.
Pork Schnitzel
- Coating: Flour, egg wash, seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Press coating onto steaks.
- Sauce: Lemon wedges and/or gravy.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to seasoning and saucing air fried pork cube steak. Let your imagination run wild!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about cooking cube steak in the air fryer? Here are some common FAQs:
What cut of pork is cube steak?
Cube steak is made from the top round or top sirloin. It’s sliced, tenderized, and cubed to make it more tender.
Should cube steak be marinated?
It’s not required, but marinating 1-2 hours definitely amps up the flavor! Go for acidic marinades or dry rubs.
Is cube steak tough?
Thanks to mechanical tenderizing, cube steak cooks up tender and juicy. Proper cooking is key though. Overcooking makes any meat tough.
Can you cook frozen cube steak in an air fryer?
For food safety, always thaw frozen steaks before cooking. Air fryers don’t heat evenly enough to safely cook frozen meat.
What sides go with cube steak?
Cube steak pairs nicely with rice, potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh side salad. Play with complementary flavors and textures.
Enjoy Juicy, Crispy Air Fried Cube Steak
With its short prep time and huge flavor payoff, cube steak is a budget-friendly weeknight win. Ditch the frying pan and give this classic cut of pork new life with the air fryer.
In just minutes, you can cook up tender, juicy steaks with an incredibly crispy crust. Just pound, season, lightly oil, and air fry. That’s it!
Let the air fryer work its magic for quick, easy meals the whole family will request again and again. For more air fry
How to Air Fry Pork Steaks
Start by preheating your Air Fryer while you do your prep work. If you want your food to be crispy and cook evenly every time, you need to do this before using your air fryer. It’s just like how you preheat your oven and deep fryer before cooking.
Season your pork steaks with salt and pepper and set to the side while you mix your coating.
Spread panko bread crumbs and a pinch of smoked paprika in a small bowl. The paprika adds a smokey flavor that really helps the pork steaks taste like they were grilled.
Add the regular paprika, onion, and garlic. You can use my old favorite, Montreal Steak Seasoning, instead of a bunch of different spices if you don’t want to. It’s like an all-purpose, one-stop-shop for seasoning. It’s used in a lot of recipes, like my Air Fryer Country Fried Steaks with Gravy and my Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts.
Montreal steak seasoning just takes the guesswork out of seasoning meat and poultry.
Add salt and pepper to the steaks, and then coat them in the crumb mixture, making sure to cover them all the way through.
They should be air-fried until they’re done, and you should flip them over to get a crispier outside.
Use a digital thermometer to test that the temperature has reached at least 145 degrees in the center.
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Before serving, dab your air-fried pork steaks with a mixture of melted butter and parsley to make them taste even better. Do not do this too soon as it can make the coating soggy.
Storing Air Fried Leftovers
Like most fryer and air fryer foods, these are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Storing them can change the texture and the flavor. Usually not for the best.
These will last in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for 4 to 5 days. If you want to eat them later, don’t freeze them because the texture can get soggy when they thaw.
To warm it up again, put it in the toaster oven for 5 to 6 minutes, the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, or the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes. The air fryer or toaster oven will give you the best texture.
