Who doesn’t love creating a whole meal for the family in under 30 minutes AND with less mess?
This is a traditional southern recipe but made easier with the use of an air fryer! Nothing soothes and comforts the soul more than some chicken fried steak smothered in a creamy, peppery, country gravy!

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Don’t let the name fool you, this is made with beef cube steak! This dish get’s its name due to the meat being breaded and fried like the traditional fried chicken. This particular recipe though, uses the modern technology of an air fryer!
Ingredients
For Chicken Fried Steak
- 1 lb. Cube Steak, cut into 4 portions
- 1/2 c. All-Purpose Flour, can use GF if needed
- 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
- 1/2 c. Buttermilk
- 1 Egg
For Country Gravy
- 2 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
- 2 Tbsp. Flour
- 3/4 c. Milk
- 1/4 tsp. Salt
- 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
- Dash of Hot Sauce
Instructions
To Prepare the Steak
- Preheat the air fryer to 400º F
- In a bowl mix the flour and spices together.
- In a second bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg.
- Dip each piece of steak into the flour mixture, then dredge in the buttermilk mixture, and then back into the flour mixture ensuring the steak is FULLY coated.
- Place steaks in single layer in air fryer and spray lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, turn, and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes (don’t forget to spray with cooking oil.)
- DO NOT overcrowd the basket/tray. You may need to do a few batches.
For the Gravy
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan set over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes until well combined
- Slowly whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer until it thickens and remove from heat.
- Add in hot sauce if desired.
- Serve overtop the cooked steaks.
Notes
Ensure you spray the food with oil prior to air frying.
Always follow your own air fryer instructions on proper cooking and handling of your food.
Never overcrowd the basket/tray. Food must be cooked in a single layer with space around it.
This recipe can be gluten-free! Simply switch out the regular all-purpose flour used in the chicken fried steak and the gravy with a gluten-free all-purpose flour!