Air Fryer Spiced & Herbed Skirt Steak

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms a simple cut of steak into something extraordinary. The fresh parsley and mint balance the smokiness of paprika and cumin, while garlic and vinegar add brightness. Cooking it in the air fryer ensures a quick, even sear without the fuss of outdoor grilling. It’s easy, flavorful, and versatile enough to serve with salads, grains, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and ground black pepper, as required
• ¾ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 skirt steaks (8 ounces each)
• Non-stick cooking spray

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. Pat the skirt steaks dry with paper towels. Place them in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over the steaks, coating evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Remove steaks from the marinade and let excess drip off. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 130–135°F (medium-rare) or desired doneness.
6. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with extra herbs or a drizzle of the reserved marinade if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating), and cooking time is around 8 minutes.

Variations

• Swap skirt steak with flank steak or sirloin for a different cut.
• Add lemon juice to the marinade for a citrusy note.
• Make it smoky by adding a touch of chipotle powder.
• Use less cayenne and red pepper flakes for a milder version.
• Top the cooked steak with crumbled feta or blue cheese for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes or gently warm in a skillet. Avoid microwaving, as it can toughen the meat. For longer storage, freeze cooked steak for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but you can substitute with 1/3 the amount of dried herbs if needed.

How long should I marinate the steak?

At least 1 hour is recommended, but up to overnight gives maximum flavor.

Can I cook the steak without an air fryer?

Yes, you can grill, pan-sear, or broil the steak instead.

What internal temperature should I cook skirt steak to?

For medium-rare, cook to 130–135°F; adjust to your preferred doneness.

Can I use this marinade on other meats?

Absolutely it works great on chicken, lamb, or even shrimp.

Should I slice skirt steak before or after cooking?

Always slice after cooking, against the grain, for tenderness.

How spicy is this recipe?

It has noticeable heat from cayenne and red pepper flakes, but you can reduce or omit them for a milder version.

Can I reuse the leftover marinade?

For safety, do not reuse marinade that touched raw meat unless boiled first.

What sides go well with this steak?

It pairs well with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Is skirt steak the same as flank steak?

They are different cuts, but both are thin and flavorful, and can be used interchangeably here.

Conclusion

Air fryer spiced and herbed skirt steak is a bold, flavorful recipe that combines fresh herbs and warming spices with quick, fuss-free cooking. Perfectly juicy and tender, it’s an easy way to enjoy a steakhouse-quality meal at home. Whether you serve it for a simple dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

Print