This air fryer steak strips recipe delivers both, offering a perfectly crispy, juicy, and protein-packed meal with minimal effort. With just steak, tallow, and sea salt, you can achieve a delicious and satisfying dish in 15 minutes.
Whether you’re meal prepping or need a quick bite, this recipe fits seamlessly into your carnivore lifestyle.
Best Cuts of Steak for Air Fryer Steak Strips
Choosing the right cut of steak enhances both the texture and flavor of your crispy strips. Some of the best options include:
- Ribeye – Rich in marbling for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Sirloin – A leaner option that still provides great taste and tenderness.
- New York Strip – Slightly firmer texture with a bold beefy flavor.
- Filet Mignon – Exceptionally tender but benefits from added fat for cooking.
- Flank Steak – Best when sliced thinly for quick air frying.
For optimal results, cut the steak into uniform strips to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Flavor Variations for Extra Indulgence
While the base recipe calls for sea salt, you can enhance the steak strips with different flavors while still keeping it carnivore-friendly. Here are some delicious variations:
- Garlic Butter Drizzle – Melt garlic butter and drizzle over the steak strips after cooking for a rich, savory finish.
- Peppered Steak Strips – Add freshly cracked black pepper before air frying for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Steak Strips – Top with grated Parmesan or blue cheese in the last minute of cooking for a melty, cheesy crust.
These variations add depth to the dish without introducing unnecessary carbs or non-carnivore-friendly ingredients.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Crisp
Getting steak strips crispy in an air fryer is all about technique. Follow these key tips for the best results:
- Preheat the air fryer – Ensures even cooking and a crispy texture from the start.
- Use beef tallow or clarified butter – This helps create a flavorful crust without burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – Arrange the strips in a single layer to allow air to circulate properly.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking – This promotes even browning on all sides.
- Let the strips rest before serving – This keeps the juices locked in for maximum tenderness.
Serving Ideas for a Carnivore-Friendly Meal
Crispy steak strips are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other carnivore-approved sides. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Dipped in melted butter for an extra-rich experience.
- Served with bone broth for added nutrients and hydration.
- Paired with eggs for a high-protein meal that’s perfect for breakfast or dinner.
- Wrapped in crispy bacon for an indulgent twist.
- Topped with a fried egg for extra protein and healthy fats.
This carnivore diet air fryer recipe is easy, delicious, and perfectly suited for anyone looking to enjoy a high-protein, low-effort meal.
With just a few simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can achieve crispy, flavorful steak strips that fit seamlessly into your carnivore lifestyle.
Crispy Steak Strips Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- 4 to 6-quart air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak such as sirloin or ribeye, cut into thin strips
- 1 tbsp beef tallow or clarified butter for greasing
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Season the steak strips: Lightly coat the steak strips with sea salt, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Grease the air fryer basket: Use beef tallow or clarified butter to lightly grease the air fryer basket.
- Cook the steak strips: Place the steak strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the strips are crispy on the outside and cooked to your desired doneness (internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare).
- Serve: Let the steak strips rest for a couple of minutes before serving hot.
Notes
Variations (Flexible Carnivore Diet):
- Garlic Butter Drizzle: After cooking, drizzle melted garlic butter over the steak strips for an extra layer of flavor.
- Peppered Steak Strips: Add freshly cracked black pepper to the steak strips before air frying for a spicier kick.
- Cheesy Steak Strips: Top the steak strips with grated Parmesan or blue cheese during the last minute of cooking for a cheesy finish.
Nutrition
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.