Make crispy Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with tender cube steak and seasoned crunchy coating Southern comfort food with less oil and easy air fryer cooking.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak made with tender cube steak, seasoned flour coating, and classic Southern flavors perfectly crunchy without deep frying. A quick and easy comfort food dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cube steak (4 pieces)
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup hot sauce (optional)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup water
👨🍳 How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
Step 1: Prepare the coating
In one bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce.
In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, herbs, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
In a third bowl, whisk eggs and water together.
Step 2: Season the steak
Pat cube steaks dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Bread the steak
Dip each steak into the buttermilk mixture, then flour, then egg mixture, and finally coat again in flour for extra crispiness. Shake off excess flour.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 5: Air fry the steak
Place steaks in a single layer inside the basket.
Cook for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 5–10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach about 150°F.
Step 6: Rest and serve
Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with white gravy, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
🔥 Tips for Best Results
- Use cube steak for authentic texture
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
- Double dredging makes the crust crispier
- Spray lightly with oil for extra crunch
- Flip halfway through cooking for even browning
❓ FAQ
What is chicken fried steak?
Chicken fried steak is a Southern dish made with breaded cube steak cooked like fried chicken.
Can I make it without deep frying?
Yes, the air fryer creates a crispy coating using much less oil than traditional frying.
What meat is best for chicken fried steak?
Cube steak is the traditional and best option because it’s already tenderized.
Why isn’t my coating crispy?
Usually from overcrowding the basket or not preheating the air fryer properly.
What sides go well with chicken fried steak?
Mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, fries, corn, or biscuits are classic pairings.