Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy - A Delicious Homestyle Dish
Indulge in the Classic Comfort of Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak is a classic homestyle dish that brings nostalgia and comfort to every bite. This Southern favorite features tenderized steak that is breaded and fried until crispy and golden. To take this beloved dish to the next level, we’re sharing a delicious recipe that uses an air fryer to achieve the perfect texture without all the extra oil. Get ready to satisfy your cravings with this air fryer chicken fried steak with gravy.
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces of cube steak
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together.
- Dip each piece of cube steak into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the breaded cube steak pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the top of the steaks with cooking oil spray.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken fried steak is golden and crispy.
- While the steaks are cooking, make the gravy. In a pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth and milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the air fryer chicken fried steak hot with the homemade gravy poured over the top.
How to Prepare:
Preparing this air fryer chicken fried steak is incredibly simple. Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure your cube steaks are at room temperature before breading to ensure even cooking. Create a breading station with the flour mixture in one bowl and the egg mixture in another. Dip each piece of steak into the flour, then the egg, and back into the flour for a double coating. This will give the fried steak its irresistible crunch.
Once the steaks are breaded, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature. Place the breaded steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. A well-spaced basket allows for better air circulation and results in a crispier exterior. Cook the steaks for the specified time, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
While the steaks are cooking, prepare the gravy. Heat oil in a pan and whisk in the flour until a paste forms. Slowly whisk in the beef broth and milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the air fryer chicken fried steak is done, serve it hot with the homemade gravy poured generously over the top. The combination of the crispy exterior and tender meat, along with the rich and creamy gravy, creates a harmonious flavor that will transport you to a comforting dining experience.
Preparation Time:
Preparing this air fryer chicken fried steak with gravy takes approximately 20 minutes of active preparation time. Cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model, but it typically takes around 10 minutes.
Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutrition Facts:
Each serving of this air fryer chicken fried steak with gravy contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 30g
Tips:
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Make a double batch of the breaded cube steaks and freeze them for future use. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each piece to prevent sticking.
- Experiment with different seasonings and spices in the flour mixture to customize the flavor of your chicken fried steak.
Enjoy this air fryer chicken fried steak with gravy as a comforting main course that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The crispy texture, succulent meat, and creamy gravy will leave everyone craving for more of this delicious homestyle dish.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
A: While cube steak is traditionally used for chicken fried steak, you can try this recipe with other cuts of meat such as round steak or even chicken breast. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can still enjoy chicken fried steak without an air fryer. Simply follow the same breading and cooking instructions, but use a skillet with oil to fry the steaks until golden and crispy.
Q: Can I reheat leftovers?
A: Yes, you can reheat the leftover chicken fried steak in the oven or air fryer to maintain its crispy texture. Warm the gravy separately on the stovetop or in the microwave.








