Crispy & Healthier Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak: Your Ultimate Homemade Comfort Meal
Craving a classic Southern comfort dish but want to skip the deep-fryer guilt and mess? This incredibly crispy and tender Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak, smothered in rich, peppery white country gravy, is your answer. It’s a wonderfully satisfying weeknight dinner that brings all the beloved flavors and textures of traditional chicken fried steak right to your table, but with a lighter, healthier twist thanks to the magic of air frying. Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly golden-brown, flavorful steak without a pool of oil – and it’s ready in about 30 minutes! Forget endlessly searching “best chicken fried steak near me”; you’re about to make the best version right in your own kitchen.
This air fryer chicken fried steak recipe is a game-changer, not only cutting down on cooking time but also significantly reducing the calories often associated with this indulgent dish. It’s a perfect meal for two, offering a hearty and comforting experience without all the fuss. Whether you’re a long-time fan of chicken fried steak or new to this Southern staple, preparing it in an air fryer will quickly become your preferred method for its ease and delicious results.
Looking for more quick and delicious weeknight meal ideas? You might also love my Easy Weeknight Chicken Parmesan Bake (5 ingredients!) or my elegant Salmon & Shrimp with Lemon Caper Sauce!
This post is proudly sponsored by Paisley Farm Foods. My enthusiasm for their products and all opinions expressed are genuinely my own!
Understanding Chicken Fried Steak: History, Cuts, and Distinctions
Chicken fried steak, often referred to as CFS, is a beloved dish with roots deep in American Southern cuisine. The name itself is a nod to its preparation method rather than its ingredients; the steak is breaded and fried in a manner similar to traditional fried chicken. This technique results in a wonderfully crispy exterior that locks in the juices, ensuring a tender and flavorful bite every time.
What Type of Steak is Used for Chicken Fried Steak?
The most common cut of meat used for chicken fried steak is a tenderized steak, specifically cube steak. Cube steak is essentially a cut of beef, typically from the round, that has been mechanically tenderized by passing it through a machine that creates small indentations. These indentations help to break down tough fibers, making the meat incredibly tender and receptive to breading. While some might confuse cube steak with “minute steak,” they are distinct. Minute steaks are usually thinly sliced top sirloin and lack the characteristic indentations of cube steak. For the best, most authentic chicken fried steak, tenderized cube steaks are the ideal choice as they readily absorb the breading and become wonderfully succulent during cooking.
Chicken Fried Steak vs. Country Fried Steak: What’s the Difference?
Many people use “chicken fried steak” and “country fried steak” interchangeably, but there are traditional distinctions, especially in different regions of the country. Generally, the main differences lie in the breading and the accompanying gravy:
- Chicken Fried Steak: This version is traditionally breaded with a multi-step process involving flour, then an egg wash (often with buttermilk), and then back into flour or breadcrumbs (like panko for extra crispiness). It is almost always served with a rich, peppery white cream gravy made from the pan drippings or a roux with milk.
- Country Fried Steak: Typically, country fried steak is simply flour-dusted (not double-breaded with egg) and usually served with a brown gravy, which might include onions or mushrooms. It’s also often pan-fried rather than deep-fried, though cooking methods can vary.
For this recipe, we embrace the classic chicken fried steak style, complete with a delightful double breading and a savory white peppered gravy.
Our Little Secret: Effortless Sides with Paisley Farm Foods
My friends at Paisley Farm Foods and I share a common goal: to help you create incredible tasting home-cooked meals without the usual kitchen fuss. We believe in providing foods that you can feel good about serving to your family – nutritious, delicious, and easy to prepare.
This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak recipe is already a breeze to make, and pairing it with a side of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad makes your entire meal wonderfully effortless and nutritious! There’s no cooking required for the side – simply open a jar, pour the vibrant salad into a bowl, and serve. It’s a colorful, tangy, and healthy accompaniment that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken fried steak and gravy. Let’s keep it our little secret just how incredibly easy it is to put together such a fantastic meal!
Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy
For the Crispy Chicken Fried Steaks:
- Cube Steaks: The foundation of our dish. Ensure they are pre-tenderized and flattened for optimal texture and quicker cooking. This cut guarantees a tender interior.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are a must for that signature crunch! They absorb less oil than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a lighter, crispier coating that holds up beautifully in the air fryer.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the initial dredging layer and combines with the panko and seasonings to create a robust crust. Enriched flour provides additional vitamins and minerals.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the meat and enhancing all the other flavors in the breading. Add to taste, but don’t skimp!
- Black Pepper: A crucial seasoning that pairs perfectly with the savory steak and the creamy gravy. Freshly ground is always best for a more vibrant flavor.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a wonderful earthy, aromatic depth to the breading, complementing the beef.
- Paprika: Contributes a mild, sweet pepper flavor and a beautiful reddish hue to the coating without adding any heat. It also helps achieve that golden-brown color.
- Garlic Powder: Offers a pungent, savory kick. Powdered garlic is preferred over raw minced garlic here as it disperses evenly and won’t clump or add moisture to the breading.
- Onion Powder: Provides a rich, savory base note that rounds out the spice blend. Like garlic powder, it disburses evenly for consistent flavor throughout the dish.
- Egg: Acts as the binding agent, helping the dry breadcrumb mixture adhere firmly to the steak after the initial flour dredge.
- Buttermilk: Soaks into the steak, adding moisture, tenderness, and a slight tanginess that deepens the flavor profile. It also helps the breading stick. (No buttermilk on hand? Make this easy homemade substitute!)
For the Creamy White Peppered Gravy:
- Butter: Forms the base of our roux, providing richness and flavor. Unsalted butter is ideal to control the saltiness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Combined with butter, it creates a roux that acts as a thickening agent for the gravy, ensuring a smooth, luscious consistency.
- Whole Milk: The primary liquid for the gravy, contributing to its creamy texture and classic white color. Whole milk yields the richest result, but you can use lower fat milk if preferred.
- Salt and Pepper: Crucial for seasoning the gravy to perfection. A generous amount of freshly ground black pepper is key for that signature “peppered” flavor. Adjust to your taste preferences.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Cube Steak with White Gravy
Making delicious chicken fried steak in your air fryer is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfectly crispy and tender result:
1. Prepare the Steaks
Begin by removing your cube steaks from the refrigerator and letting them rest on the counter for about 10-15 minutes. This brings them closer to room temperature, which promotes more even cooking. Before breading, it’s crucial to thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving a truly crispy crust.
2. Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly with a fork until well combined. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the large egg and buttermilk until smooth. These two bowls will form your breading station.
3. Bread the Steaks (The Shake & Dunk Method)
First, take one piece of dry steak and press it firmly into the flour and panko mixture, ensuring both sides are completely coated. Give it a gentle shake to remove any excess breading; you want a good, even layer, not thick clumps. Next, dunk the flour-coated steak into the egg and buttermilk mixture, making sure both sides are thoroughly moistened. Immediately transfer it back to the dry flour mixture for a second coating. Press firmly again to ensure the breading adheres well. This double-dredging technique is crucial for a thick, crispy crust.
4. Rest the Coated Steaks
Place the fully coated steak on a plate or baking sheet. Repeat the breading process with your other piece of steak. If you have any leftover dry mixture, feel free to press it onto the two steaks to ensure maximum coverage. Once both steaks are breaded, let them rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period is vital as it allows the breading to hydrate and bind to the meat, preventing it from falling off during air frying.
5. Preheat Your Air Fryer
While the steaks are resting, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). It’s incredibly important to preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes before placing the food inside. Just like a conventional oven, a preheated air fryer ensures that your food starts cooking immediately at the correct temperature, leading to a much crispier and more evenly cooked result.
6. Spray and Cook
Generously spray the inside of your preheated air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps promote a beautiful golden-brown crust. Next, spray both sides of each breaded steak with cooking spray before carefully placing them in the air fryer basket. Ensure there’s enough space between them for air to circulate; do not overcrowd the fryer. If necessary, cook in batches.
Cook for 6 minutes, then carefully flip the steaks. Give them another light spray of cooking spray on the flipped side, and continue to cook for another 6-7 minutes, or until the steaks are crisp, golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your steaks and your specific air fryer model.
7. Prepare the White Peppered Gravy
While your chicken fried steaks are air frying, prepare your luscious white peppered gravy. In a small skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. This cooks out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to whisk as the gravy comes to a gentle simmer and thickens. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, gravy will naturally thicken more as it sits, so if it becomes too thick for your liking, simply whisk in a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the steaks are done and the gravy is perfectly smooth and seasoned, it’s time to serve! Place your crispy Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, or even some fluffy rice, and generously douse it with the warm white peppered gravy. For a complete and easy meal, remember to open a jar of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad and serve it alongside. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
Achieving the perfect air fryer chicken fried steak is easy with a few key tips and tricks:
- Avoid Overcrowding: This is paramount for air frying. Overcrowding the basket prevents hot air from circulating properly, leading to soggy, unevenly cooked results instead of crispy ones. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, always cook your steaks in separate batches. Patience pays off!
- Know Your Air Fryer: Not all air fryers are created equal. Cooking times and temperatures can vary between brands and models. It’s always a good idea to check your steaks periodically during cooking, especially the first time you make this recipe. This ensures they don’t overcook or undercook.
- Resting the Steaks (Again!): The initial 10-minute rest after breading is crucial for the coating to adhere. However, allowing the cooked steaks to rest for 3-5 minutes after air frying before serving lets the juices redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful piece of meat.
- Achieving Extra Crispy Breading: For an even crispier crust, ensure your cube steaks are thoroughly patted dry before breading. You can also lightly press the breading firmly onto the steak after the second dredge. Don’t be shy with the cooking spray—it acts as the “oil” for frying in the air fryer, promoting browning and crispness.
- Perfecting Your Gravy: To ensure a lump-free gravy, always add the milk gradually to the roux while whisking constantly. If your gravy gets too thick, simply thin it out with a splash of warm milk or broth. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it gently to reduce, or whisk in a very small amount of a flour-water slurry.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftover chicken fried steak and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the steak, place it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. Reheat gravy gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore its consistency.
Love It? Pin It!
Don’t let this incredible air fryer cube steak recipe slip away! Pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest before you go, so you can easily find it for your next comforting meal!
Why You’ll Love Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad
Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad is more than just a convenient side dish; it’s a healthy, flavorful addition to any meal. This salad is low in calories, naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, and packed with plant-based protein, including nutrient-rich chickpeas (garbanzo beans). It features a delicious blend of green, kidney, garbanzo, pinto, and wax beans, all perfectly accented with freshly diced onions and sweet red peppers. The beans offer a unique sweet pickled taste straight from the jar, making them incredibly versatile. While fantastic on their own, they also make a wonderful addition to hearty dishes like five-bean chicken chili or a comforting ground beef & noodle skillet meal.
Got leftover ham? Elevate it with this delicious Five Bean Ham & Rice Salad – a perfect way to use Paisley Farm beans!
Creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor, this effortlessly simple Dilled Brussels Sprouts Dip is made with pickled Brussels sprouts, savory smoked ham, and smooth cream cheese. An absolute crowd-pleaser!
How about a sensational appetizer? Try wrapping some of Paisley Farm’s zesty Hot Brussels Sprouts in crispy bacon! This Bacon Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and tangy.
EXPLORE ALL MY DELICIOUS PAISLEY FARM RECIPES HERE
Ready to experience the convenience and flavor of Paisley Farm products? Find where you can pick up their delicious Five Bean Salad, or any of their other fabulous offerings, by visiting their official website. Stay connected for more great recipes all year long by following Paisley Farm on their social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
More Comforting & Easy Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re looking for more delicious dishes that bring comfort and convenience, explore these fantastic recipes:
- Air Fryer Taco Salad Bowls (pictured above) – Crispy and flavorful, a fun twist on taco night!
- Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy – A savory, hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
- Beef Tips & Gravy – Tender beef in a rich, velvety gravy, ideal for serving over noodles or mashed potatoes.
- Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli – A crispy, cheesy appetizer or light meal, made healthier in the air fryer.
- Steak Fried Rice – A quick and satisfying one-pan wonder, bursting with flavor.
- Pepper Steak – Colorful bell peppers and tender steak in a savory sauce, perfect with rice.
- Salisbury Steak Meatballs – A fun, bite-sized take on a classic comfort food.
- Reuben Pot Pies – All the flavors of a Reuben sandwich baked into a savory pot pie.
- Five Bean Ground Beef & Noodle Skillet Casserole – A hearty and easy one-pan meal, perfect for busy evenings.
Get ready to enjoy a fantastic, less-guilty version of this Southern classic. Let’s make some incredibly delicious Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak tonight!
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Print Recipe
Chicken Fried Steak in the Air Fryer
Equipment
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Hamilton Beach Air Fryer Oven Digital and Programmable, Nonstick (35050), 2.5 Liters, Black
Ingredients
- FOR THE STEAKS:
- 2 6 ounce Cube Steaks (tenderized and flattened)
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 cup buttermilk (or homemade substitute)
- FOR THE WHITE PEPPERED GRAVY:
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)
Instructions
-
Remove cube steaks from the fridge and let them rest on the counter for about 10-15 minutes to take the chill off. Thoroughly pat them dry with a paper towel before you begin dredging them.
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In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well with a fork until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
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In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until smooth.
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Take one piece of steak and press it into the dry flour mixture, coating both sides completely. Give it a little shake to remove any excess breading.
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Dunk the flour-coated steak into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are fully covered. Then, immediately place it back into the dry flour mixture for a second coating, pressing firmly to adhere the breading.
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Place the fully coated steak on a clean plate or baking sheet. Repeat the same breading method with the other piece of steak. If there’s any dry mixture left, you can gently press it onto the breaded steaks.
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Let the breaded steaks rest for at least 10 minutes on the counter before air frying. This helps the breading adhere firmly.
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Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for at least 5 minutes before you begin cooking.
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Generously spray the inside of the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
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Spray both sides of each breaded steak with cooking spray and carefully place them in the preheated air fryer. Ensure not to overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
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Cook for 6 minutes. Then, open the air fryer, carefully flip the steaks, give them another light spray of cooking spray, and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes. The steaks should be crisp and golden brown, and their internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked. Cooking time may vary based on steak thickness and air fryer model.
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While your steaks are cooking, prepare the white peppered gravy: In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the top and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk. Continue whisking as the gravy simmers and thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Note: The gravy will thicken considerably as it cools; if it becomes too thick, add a little more milk to thin it to your desired consistency.
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Serve the crispy air fryer chicken fried steak immediately over creamy mashed potatoes, and generously top with the warm white peppered gravy. Enjoy with a side of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad for a complete and delicious meal!
Notes
Air fryer models can vary in cooking performance. It’s recommended to check your steaks occasionally during the cooking process to adjust times as necessary and prevent over- or under-cooking.