Air Fryer Petite Sirloin Steaks

Petite sirloin steaks are a lean and flavorful cut of beef that can be prepared in many different ways. One of the easiest and most delicious ways to cook petite sirloin steaks is in the air fryer.

Not only are petite sirloin steaks delicious, but there are a cheap cut of meat so you can eat steak and not bust your budget!

This recipe is quick, easy, and packed full of protein! For a hearty and satisfying meal that will please the entire family, try air fryer petite sirloin steaks!

If you love cooking steak in the air fryer, check out this delicious Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye Steak, Air Fryer New York Strip Steaks, Air Fryer T-bone Steak and Juicy Air Fryer Ribeye Steak recipe.

Three cooked petite sirloin steaks on a white plate and topped with butter and herbs.

Why you'll love air fryer petite sirloin steaks

Cooking in the air fryer takes out the guesswork of figuring out how long to cook your steaks plus, there is no need to go outside to cook on the grill or worry about filling your home with smoke from cooking in cast iron.
This recipe requires minimal prep time; season the meat, throw it in the prepared air fryer, and forget about it. In no time, you'll have a delicious steak dinner.
Cooking in the air fryer is perfect for nights that are too hot to turn on the oven or stand in front of a grill, not to mention it frees up your stove to make additional dishes.
Petite sirloin steaks are a lean cut of meat, making them a healthy choice for those watching their calorie intake.
The seasonings used in this recipe can easily be customized to your taste preferences, making it a versatile and adaptable recipe.

Ingredients

Petite sirloin steaks
Seasonings: Kosher Salt and ground black pepper
Optional toppings: grass-fed butter and parsley

Three raw petite sirloin steaks on a white plate with a small dish of salt and a small dish of pepper in front.

Tips & Tricks

It is so important to remember that you need to let the meat rest. If you cut into them too soon, all the juices will run out, leaving you with a dry, flavorless piece of meat.
You want the meat to be at room temperature before you cook them because a sudden temperature change (from the fridge to the air fryer) will cause the muscle fibers to tense up, resulting in a tough piece of meat.

How to make the best petite sirloin steaks in the air fryer

Set your steaks out and let them come to room temperature.
Preheat the air fryer to 390F for 5 minutes.
Next, salt and pepper the steaks on both sides.
Then place the steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes, flip the steak over and cook for an additional 6 minutes. This will result in a medium rare steak (130-135F).
Next, open the air fryer basket and transfer your steak to a plate. Let the steaks sit for 5 minutes before eating. Top with butter or desired toppings.

Three petite sirloin steaks on a white plate topped with salt and pepper. — Season steaks with salt and pepper on both sides

Three raw petite sirloin steaks in an air fryer. — Cook the steaks in the air fryer for six minutes

Three cooked petite sirloin steaks in an air fryer. — Flip the steaks over and cook on the other side for another six minutes

Three cooked petite sirloin steaks on a white plate. — Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for five minutes

Stovetop Directions

Set your steaks out and let them come to room temperature.
Preheat a cast iron skillet on very high heat until extremely hot (4-5 minutes).
Next, salt and pepper the steaks on both sides.
Place steak in skillet and cook for 2-3 on each side.
Continue cooking until it reaches the doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 133-135°; medium, 140°; medium-well, 145°).

Substitutions

Steak can easily be flavored with a variety of herbs and spices. All you have to do is choose your favorites. Aromatic herbs like, oregano, sage, rosemary, and thyme are some of the best herbs that go with steak.

You can also use garlic herb butter, goat cheese, or blue cheese crumbles on top of your steak.

What to serve with air fryer petite sirloin steaks

No steak dinner is complete without some incredible side dishes. Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans or these delicious air fryer red potatoes make an excellent addition to any entree.

Or, if you're looking for a low-carb option, you can try spaghetti squash. You can cook this side in the air fryer too. You can even make these air fryer peppers and onions to top your steak!

One cooked and sliced petite sirloin steak topped with butter and herbs next to a halved and cooked spaghetti squash on a white plate.

How to store

In the fridge, use an airtight glass container to store any leftover steak for 3-5 days.
Freeze steak wrapped tightly in freezer-safe packaging or vacuum-sealed to prevent freezer burn for up to three months.

How to reheat

You can easily reheat your steak in the air fryer. Cook for 2-3 minutes at 390F for best results.

FAQs

How long do you cook petite sirloin steaks in the air fryer?

12 minutes, 6 minutes on each side.

How to make a petite sirloin steak tender?

Let the meat reach room temperature, season it generously with salt and pepper, and rest the steak for at least five minutes after cooking to allow the juices to reabsorb.

Do I need to marinate the steaks?

No, you do not need to marinate the steaks for this recipe, but you can if you prefer.

Can I cook the steaks from frozen?

Yes, you can cook frozen steaks in the air fryer, but you will need to increase the cooking time.

Air Fryer Steak Recipes

If you loved this petite sirloin in the air fryer, check out these other delicious air fryer steak recipes.