23 Beef Recipes You Can Make in the Air Fryer
The air fryer isn’t just for fries and snacks—it can handle serious meat dishes too. This list focuses on beef-based meals that range from juicy steaks to creative taco fillings, all made quicker and easier in the air fryer. Whether you’re looking to try bacon-wrapped cuts, street-style tacos, or tender ribs, there’s something here to bring bold, meaty flavor without firing up the grill or stove. Each recipe brings out the richness of beef with the added crisp and convenience the air fryer offers.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chuck Tender Filets
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
These filets are wrapped in bacon to add flavor and help keep them moist during cooking. The air fryer gives the bacon a crisp texture while the steak stays tender inside. It’s a simple dish that feels restaurant-quality. Let the meat rest before serving for maximum juiciness.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chuck Tender Filets
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
Classic meatballs get an upgrade with a layer of bacon around each one. They cook quickly and develop a crispy outside while staying juicy inside. These are great as appetizers or part of a main course. Serve with dipping sauce or over pasta.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye Steak
This steak is rich and flavorful, with the bacon adding another layer of taste and texture. The air fryer helps cook it evenly and crisps the bacon without drying the meat. It’s a quick way to prepare an indulgent dinner. A sprinkle of coarse salt brings out the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye Steak
Air Fryer Beef Taquitos
Filled with seasoned beef and rolled in tortillas, these taquitos get crunchy without needing oil. They make a satisfying snack or meal. Dip them in salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. You can also freeze extras for later.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Taquitos
Air Fryer Cheeseburger
You can make a full cheeseburger in the air fryer, with the patty cooking up juicy and browned. Add cheese at the end to melt just right. The bun can be toasted separately or briefly in the fryer. Top with your favorite fixings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheeseburger
Air Fryer Chimichangas
Stuffed with beef and cheese, these chimichangas crisp up in the air fryer without deep frying. They come out golden and crunchy. Great with salsa or a drizzle of sour cream. You can fill them ahead of time and cook as needed.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chimichangas
Air Fryer Empanadas
These hand pies are filled with seasoned beef and sealed in a flaky crust. The air fryer gives them a golden finish without greasy residue. Perfect for snacks or casual meals. Serve with a dipping sauce or side salad.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas
Air Fryer Filet Mignon
This cut is known for its tenderness and comes out beautifully in the air fryer. It cooks quickly and evenly, ideal for a special meal without the fuss. Just season simply with salt and pepper. Let it rest before slicing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs
These meatballs bring some heat with a spicy glaze that caramelizes slightly in the air fryer. They’re bold, sticky, and full of flavor. Great served over rice or on skewers. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Hot dogs get a slight snap and toasted flavor in the air fryer. It’s a quick and easy way to make several at once. Toast the buns in the fryer too if you like. Add classic toppings or get creative.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef
Thin slices of beef cook quickly and crisp slightly on the edges, absorbing a sweet and savory sauce. This takeout-style dish comes together fast. Serve over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions for freshness.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef
Air Fryer New York Strip Steaks
This steak has great marbling and flavor, and the air fryer cooks it to your desired doneness with a crisp edge. Just season, cook, and rest. The result is rich and satisfying. Serve with a pat of butter on top.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer New York Strip Steaks
Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks
Ribeye is one of the most flavorful cuts and does well in the air fryer. The high fat content keeps it juicy. A quick sear and rest bring out the best texture. Add garlic butter or herbs for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks
Air Fryer Short Ribs
Short ribs turn out tender and rich after air frying, especially with a marinade or glaze. They may need extra time depending on thickness. The air fryer helps create a caramelized crust. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Short Ribs
Air Fryer Skirt Steak
This cut cooks fast and should be sliced thin against the grain. The air fryer gives it a nice char without overcooking. Great for tacos, salads, or bowls. A marinade helps boost tenderness and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Skirt Steak
Air Fryer Steak Bites Wrapped In Bacon
Small steak cubes are wrapped in bacon and cooked until crispy. Each bite has a smoky, meaty punch. They’re great for parties or as a dinner topping. Serve with toothpicks and dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites Wrapped In Bacon
Air Fryer Street Tacos
These small tacos use seasoned beef and heat quickly in the air fryer for a quick meal. Serve with onions, cilantro, and lime. The meat can be marinated ahead of time. Heat tortillas separately or briefly in the fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Street Tacos
Air Fryer T-bone Steak
This large cut combines tenderloin and strip steak in one piece. The air fryer cooks it evenly, and you can get a good crust with minimal effort. Let it rest and slice both sections separately. Great with simple sides like potatoes or salad.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer T-bone Steak
Air Fryer Tacos
Taco shells and filling are heated in the air fryer for a fast, crunchy version. You can use leftover or freshly cooked beef. The shells crisp up nicely. Top with lettuce, cheese, and salsa after cooking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tacos
Air Fryer Tri-Tip
This triangular cut is full of flavor and cooks well in the air fryer when sliced properly. It benefits from a dry rub or marinade. Slice against the grain after resting. Serve it on its own or in sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tri-Tip
Juicy Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
Focused on retaining moisture, this version keeps the steak tender inside with a crisp, seared edge. It’s all about timing and simple seasoning. Let the meat rest to keep the juices in. Best served medium to medium-rare.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer
Individual meatloaves cook faster and come out with crisp edges and a tender center. Great for portion control or freezing extras. Top with a ketchup glaze before the final minutes. Pair with mashed potatoes or green beans.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer
Steak in the Air Fryer
This general method works for many cuts, offering a quick and hands-off way to cook steak to your liking. Just season, cook, flip once, and rest. It’s a flexible base for different flavors. Works well for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Steak in the Air Fryer
