Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Introduction

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak is a crispy, flavorful twist on a Southern classic, made healthier and easier with the air fryer. Enjoy tender cube steaks coated in a perfectly seasoned crust, served with creamy homemade gravy. It’s comfort food you can make with less mess and fuss.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Set up a breading station with two shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the egg and half-and-half until smooth.
2. Step 2: Dip each cube steak into the flour mixture, tapping off excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Return to the flour mixture and coat again, gently pressing the flour to stick evenly.
3. Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive or avocado oil spray.
4. Step 4: Place the coated steaks in a single layer in the basket, leaving space for air circulation. Spray the tops of the steaks generously with oil spray.
5. Step 5: Cook the steaks for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. After flipping, spray the newly exposed side with oil spray to ensure crispiness.
6. Step 6: While the steaks cook, prepare the gravy. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for about 1 minute to make a roux.
7. Step 7: Slowly add half-and-half to the roux, whisking continuously until the gravy thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little milk to reach your desired consistency.
9. Step 9: Serve the hot chicken fried steaks topped with creamy gravy and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use cube steaks for tenderness; avoid thicker cuts as they take longer to cook evenly.
• For extra crispiness, allow the coated steaks to rest for 10 minutes before air frying to help the crust set.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the coating.
• Try using milk instead of half-and-half for a lighter gravy.
• For dairy-free option, substitute half-and-half with unsweetened almond milk and butter with dairy-free margarine.

Storage

Store leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness. Gravy can be refrigerated separately and gently warmed on the stove or microwave, thinning with milk if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular frying instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can pan-fry the coated steaks in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through. The air fryer is a healthier alternative that still provides a crispy crust.

What can I serve with chicken fried steak?

Classic sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, or a simple garden salad. The creamy gravy ties everything together beautifully.

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy Recipe

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4.5 from 55 reviews

This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak recipe offers a healthier twist on a classic southern comfort food by using an air fryer for a crispy, golden crust without deep frying. Tender cube steaks are breaded in a seasoned flour and egg mixture, air fried to perfection, and served with a rich, creamy homemade gravy made from butter, flour, and half-and-half. Perfect for a comforting meal with less oil and mess.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

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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 to thin)

Instructions

1. Prepare the breading station. In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, beat the egg with half-and-half until smooth.
2. Bread the steaks. Dip each cube steak first into the flour mixture, tapping off excess. Then coat generously with the egg mixture, followed by another coating of flour, gently pressing the flour so it adheres well. Ensure all steaks are evenly coated.
3. Preheat the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 400°F and preheat for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray.
4. Cook the steaks in the air fryer. Arrange the coated steaks in a single layer in the basket without overlapping. Spray the tops of the steaks generously with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side after flipping, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Make the gravy. While the steaks are cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add half-and-half, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Season with salt and cracked black pepper. Cook, whisking, until the gravy thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Adjust gravy consistency. If the gravy is too thick, whisk in milk a little at a time to reach the desired consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve. Plate the crispy air fryer chicken fried steaks and ladle the warm gravy over the top. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use cube steaks approximately 4-5 ounces each for best results and even cooking.
• Spraying the steaks generously with oil spray ensures a crispy golden crust without deep frying.
• If your air fryer basket is small, cook the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper air circulation.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper for a milder or spicier flavor.
• The gravy can be thinned with milk to your preferred consistency.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the air fryer or stovetop.

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