Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

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Our Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak recipe is the ultimate comfort food, especially when you top it with homemade gravy. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s perfect for small families or a dinner for two. 

Because chicken fried steak is usually deep-fried, I was a little hesitant to test it in the air fryer. I have heard complaints from some that when they use their traditional deep-fried recipes they feel like they don’t taste the same when air fried. 

And honestly, that’s to be expected because we’re using minimal amounts of oil. So there is NO WAY the food will taste the same, right? While air fried food may not taste exactly the same as it’s deep fried counterpart, I’m OK with that because it’s healthier.

For the most part, I have had amazing success with transforming traditional fried foods into easy air fryer recipes. And this one is no different! Be sure to check out our scratch-made Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan – it’s divine.

What is Cube Steak and Where Can I Find It? 

There are several cuts of meat you can use to make this recipe, but I am working with cubed steak, also known as minute steak.

It’s a cut of beef taken from the top or bottom round and considered a tougher cut of meat. When you purchase cubed steak in the store, it’s already been flattened and tenderized. 

You can find this cut of beef at most local grocery stores where the beef cuts are located. It will be flat, in pre-cut pieces, and most likely have a square or diamond pattern from the tenderizing process.

It’s best to cook these budget-friendly steaks quickly over High heat to keep them from becoming tough and dried out.

Difference Between Chicken Fried Steak and Country Fried Steak 

On the surface these may seem like the same dish but there are a couple of differences. Chicken Fried Steak typically has a thicker breading made from eggs and flour and served with a white or cream gravy. 

Lightly dusted with flour, Country Fried Steak is a little less crispy and usually topped with onions and brown gravy. 

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak Ingredients

Eggs

Nature’s Seasoning

Flour – I am using all purpose

Cubed steak – about a pound

Homemade Gravy Ingredients: 

Butter

Milk

Salt and pepper

All-purpose flour

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak in the Air Fryer

Remove the cube steak from the refrigerator and allow to rest on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes. 

Set up a dredging station. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs together. Set up a second shallow bowl or plate and stir together the Nature’s Seasoning and flour. 

Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F. 

Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and cut into 4 pieces.

Dip each piece of cubed steak into the flour, then the egg and back in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. You may need to press them down a little if it seems the breading is not sticking well. 

Spray the air fryer basket with a little oil or use a parchment paper liner. Place the steaks in the basket and mist lightly with oil. 

Air fry for 11 minutes, flip the steaks, then cook for another 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. 

How to Make Homemade Cream Gravy

While the steaks are cooking, start making the cream gravy by melting the butter over Medium heat in a saucepan. Add the salt, pepper, and milk. 

Whisk in the flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the gravy thickens. I used about 3 tablespoons. If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it out with a little more milk. 

Serve the chicken fried steaks immediately after cooking and topped with a couple of spoonfuls of gravy. 

Tips for Making 

• If you have one large steak, cut it into 4 portions before breading. Cut into 2 pieces if you prefer larger portions.
• While you can skip allowing the steaks to hang out on the counter for a few minutes, we highly recommend this step because it produces a more tender steak.
• Depending on how many steaks you want to make, you might need to cook in batches. For crispiest results, place the steaks in a single layer and minimize overlapping the pieces.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 
• To reheat in the air fryer, cook at 360 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.

What to Serve with Country Fried Steak

The most obvious popular side dish is mashed potatoes. I like to include a lighter dish or two, like Easy Vegetable Salad, Mom’s Creamy New York Fruit Salad or Air Fryer Corn Muffins.

More Easy Main Course Air Fryer Meals: 

• Air Fryer Shrimp Po’Boys
• Air Fryer Beef Kebabs
• Air Fryer Hamburgers {From Scratch}
• The BEST Air Fryer Meatloaf
• Air Fryer Cod

**Save Air Fried Chicken Fried Steak for Later**