This Air Fryer Cube Steak with Gravy is a game-changer for busy weeknights, delivering tender, juicy steak and rich, savory gravy in just 20 minutes. The air fryer locks in moisture, creating a crispy outer crust while keeping the inside melt-in-your-mouth tender. Paired with a velvety gravy that’s bursting with umami flavors, this dish feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly.
Every bite is a perfect balance of textures—crispy edges, succulent meat, and smooth gravy that coats your palate. With its hearty, comforting flavors and quick prep time, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a satisfying meal without the fuss. It’s comfort food made modern, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cube Steak with Gravy
- Cube Steak:
- ▢ 2 pounds cube steak (divided into 4 portions)
- ▢ 2 teaspoons salt
- ▢ 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ▢ 3 eggs (whisked)
- ▢ 2 Tablespoons buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk mixed with ½ teaspoon vinegar)
- ▢ 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ▢ 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- Gravy:
- ▢ 3 Tablespoons butter (unsalted preferred)
- ▢ 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ▢ 1½ cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- ▢ Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the meat: Lay the cube steak flat on a cutting board and cover it with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound each piece to an even thickness (about 1/3 inch).
- Season the steak: Sprinkle both sides of the cube steak with salt and pepper.
- Set up the dredging station: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. Place the flour in a separate bowl and the breadcrumbs in another. Arrange the bowls in this order: flour, egg mixture, breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 425°F (218°C) and let it preheat while you bread the steak.
- Bread the steak: Dip each piece of cube steak into the flour, coating both sides. Shake off excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage. Finally, coat it in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat with all pieces.
- Air fry the steak: Place the breaded steak in a single layer in the air fryer basket (avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed). Air fry for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the gravy: While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook until smooth and slightly bubbly (about 1-2 minutes). Gradually add the milk, ½ cup at a time, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the air-fried cube steak and generously drizzle with the homemade gravy. Enjoy warm!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Cube Steak
Serve your air fryer cube steak with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic green beans for a classic comfort meal. For a lighter option, pair it with a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables. Don’t forget to drizzle extra gravy over everything for maximum flavor!
Storing and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
Store leftover cube steak and gravy in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steak in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to keep it crispy. Warm the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Recipe Variations to Spice It Up
Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a smoky or spicy kick. For a gluten-free version, swap the flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko. You can also experiment with different seasonings, like Italian herbs or garlic powder, in the breading.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Prep the dredging station and preheat the air fryer while pounding the steak to save time. If you’re short on time, skip the buttermilk and use plain milk in the egg mixture—it still works great! Double the gravy recipe and freeze half for future meals.
Air Fryer Pro Tips for Perfect Cube Steak
To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the breaded steak with cooking oil before air frying. If your air fryer has a preheat function, use it to maintain consistent cooking temperatures.
Air Fryer Cube Steak with Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
Cube Steak
- 2 pounds cube steak, divided into 4 portions
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 eggs
- 2 Tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
Gravy
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 1½ cups milk
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pound the meat. Lay the cube steak flat on a cutting board and cover it with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to flatten each piece to an even thickness (about 1/3 inch).
- Season. Season the cube steak on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up your dredging station. Whisk the eggs and buttermilk together in a shallow bowl large enough to dip the steak into. Put the flour in another bowl and the breadcrumbs in yet another bowl. Line the bowls up in the following order: flour, egg mixture, breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 425 degrees F.
- Bread. Dip a piece of cube steak in the flour and flip to coat both sides. Next, dip it in the egg mixture, coating both sides. Finally, dip the cube steak in the breadcrumbs, coating both sides. Repeat with the remaining steaks.
- Air fry. Arrange the breaded steak in a single layer in the basket of the preheated air fryer. Don’t crowd the air fryer. If you have to cook in batches, do so. Fry for 5 minutes on either side.
- Make the gravy. While the steak is cooking, make the gravy. Melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook until smooth and bubbling slightly. Whisk continuously. Slowly add the milk, ½ cup at a time, whisking continuously. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes or until thickened to your liking. You can add more milk if you prefer a thinner gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve. Serve the cube steak warm, doused in gravy.