- TEMP
- 180-205°C
- TIME
- 5-20 MIN
- CORE
- CAN BE PINK
The FSA says whole cuts of meat such as steaks only have bacteria on the outside surface, so they can be served pink in the middle once the outside is seared; this is different from poultry and pork, which need cooking all the way through.
Manufacturer charts for steak range from 180 to 205°C for 5 to 20 minutes, a wide spread because steak thickness, weight and how well done you want it all change the time far more than they do for other meats. Ninja's own website chart gives a wider range than its printed quick start guide for the same appliance. The Fryer Guide lists every brand's exact figure below.
Based on 6 manufacturer sources. Figures last checked 27 September 2026. See the full list of manuals and articles used on this site on the about and methodology page.
What each brand's guide says
| Brand | Temp | Time | Shake | Amount | Model | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja | 200°C | 8-12 min | not stated | 2 (230g each) | AF400UK (Foodi MAX Dual Zone) | Ninja Quick start guide, p.11 |
| Ninja | 190°C | 8-20 min | not stated | not given | AF400UK / AF100UK | Ninja Brand chart |
| Instant | 205°C | 5-10 min | not stated | not given | Instant Vortex range (UK, brand-level chart) | Instant Brand chart |
| Tower | 180°C | 10-15 min | not stated | 100-600g | T17082 (4 Litre Manual Air Fryer) | Tower Manual, p.8 |
| Tower | 180°C | 15-20 min | not stated | 100-500g | T17149 (7.2 Litre Digital Air Fryer) | Tower Manual, p.14 |
What each source actually says
- Ninja (AF400UK (Foodi MAX Dual Zone)): Chart row, page 11: Steaks 2 (230g each) 200°C 8-12 mins source
- Ninja (AF400UK / AF100UK): Chart row: Steak oven 200°C 10-18 min vs Ninja Air Fryer 190°C 8-20 min source
- Instant (Instant Vortex range (UK, brand-level chart)): Chart row: Steak 205°C 5-10 mins Grill source
- Tower (T17082 (4 Litre Manual Air Fryer)): Chart row, page 8: Steak 180 10-15 100-600 source
- Tower (T17149 (7.2 Litre Digital Air Fryer)): Chart row, page 14: Steak 180 15-20 100-500 source
Reference figure (separate chart, not blended in above)
| Brand | Temp | Time | Shake | Amount | Model | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosori | ~232°C* | 6-12 min | not stated | boneless ribeye, 1-inch | Iconic (different model - reference only) | Cosori Brand chart |
*Converted from a Fahrenheit-only figure given by the source.
What each source actually says
- Cosori (Iconic (different model - reference only)): Chart row: Steak (Boneless Ribeye, 1-inch) 450°F 6-12 min, Flip source
Cosori's Iconic web chart gives a boneless ribeye figure at 450°F (about 232°C), one of four cuts it lists (New York strip, boneless ribeye, bone-in ribeye and flank), all at the same temperature with times from 6 to 14 minutes depending on cut. Cosori states the Iconic chart applies to that model only, not the Pro LE, Dual Blaze or L501 models used elsewhere on this site, so it's shown here for reference rather than blended into the range above.
Cite this page: The Fryer Guide. “How Long to Cook Steak in an Air Fryer (UK Times by Brand).” https://thefryerguide.com/cooking-times/steak/. Last checked 27 September 2026. See every source row for steak in the full dataset.
Fresh vs frozen
None of the sourced charts on this page give a separate frozen steak figure. Defrost steak fully before air frying it, or check your own air fryer's manual for a frozen setting.
Size and thickness adjustments
Ninja's quick start guide gives 8 to 12 minutes at 200°C for two steaks (230g each), brushed with oil. Tower's two manuals give a wider 100g to 600g weight range at 180°C: 10 to 15 minutes on the T17082 and 15 to 20 minutes on the T17149. Instant's chart gives 5 to 10 minutes at 205°C on its Grill function, with no weight stated.
Browning and doneness
The FSA says whole cuts of meat such as steaks only ever have bacteria on the outside surface, so they can be served pink in the middle once the outside has been properly seared at a high temperature. This is different from minced or reconstituted meat such as burgers and sausages, which need cooking all the way through. If in doubt, use a food thermometer rather than judging by time or colour alone.
Ninja's own figures don't agree with each other: its printed quick start guide gives 8 to 12 minutes at 200°C for two 230g steaks, while its own website chart gives a wider 8 to 20 minutes at a lower 190°C with no weight stated. Instant runs hottest at 205°C on its Grill function. None of the sourced charts explain these gaps, so check doneness rather than relying on time alone.
From the oven instead?
If you have an oven time and temperature and want the air fryer equivalent, use the oven to air fryer converter.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should steak be cooked at in an air fryer?
Sourced figures range from 180°C (Tower) to 205°C (Instant, on its Grill function), for 5 to 20 minutes depending on thickness and how well done you want it.
Can steak be served pink in the middle from an air fryer?
Yes. The FSA says whole cuts of meat such as steaks only have bacteria on the outside surface, so they can be served pink once that surface has been properly seared.
Does steak need turning in an air fryer?
None of the manufacturer charts on this page state a shake or turn instruction specifically for steak; check your own air fryer's manual.
Why does Ninja give two different steak times?
Ninja's printed quick start guide gives 8 to 12 minutes at 200°C for two 230g steaks, while its own website chart gives 8 to 20 minutes at 190°C with no weight stated. The two Ninja sources don't agree with each other.
