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Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 133 reviews

This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak recipe offers a crispy, golden coating without deep frying. Cube steaks are breaded with a seasoned flour mixture, air fried to perfection, and served topped with creamy, homemade white gravy. A lighter, healthier spin on a classic Southern comfort food favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Fried Steak

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half or milk
  • 4 cube steaks (about 4–5 ounces each)
  • Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray

For the Gravy

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • Milk (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. In another shallow bowl, beat the egg together with half-and-half or milk until smooth and well combined.
  2. Bread the Steaks: Dip each cube steak first into the flour mixture, tapping off any excess. Immediately dip the steak in the egg mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Return the steak to the flour mixture for a second coating, gently pressing the flour onto the meat to ensure it sticks well. Repeat for all steaks.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray to prevent sticking.
  4. Air Fry the Steaks: Place the coated steaks in a single layer in the basket, leaving space for air circulation. Spray the tops of the steaks generously with cooking spray. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking time. After flipping, spray the other side with cooking spray as well. Cook until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches a safe level.
  5. Make the Gravy: While the steaks cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add the half-and-half, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking and whisking until the gravy thickens, about 3-4 minutes. If the gravy is too thick, thin it out with a splash of milk until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Serve: Plate the hot air-fried steaks and generously spoon the creamy white gravy over them. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, ensure steaks are patted dry before breading.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that steaks reach at least 145°F for safe consumption.
  • You can use milk instead of half-and-half in both the breading and gravy to reduce fat.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on air fryer model and steak thickness.
  • Leftover gravy can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk to loosen.

Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak, Air Fryer Cube Steak, Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, Southern Comfort Food, Crispy Air Fried Steak

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/air-fryer-chicken-fried-steak-recipe/