Air Fryer Cube Steak with Gravy

Introduction to Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal that combines crispy, tender cube steak with a rich, creamy gravy, this Air Fryer Cube Steak with Gravy recipe is exactly what you need. Using an air fryer to cook the cube steak gives it a crispy exterior without the mess of frying in oil. Pair it with homemade gravy for a comforting dish that’s perfect for dinner.

Cube steak is a versatile cut of meat that’s affordable and easy to cook. With the air fryer, you can achieve that crispy, golden coating while keeping the steak tender and juicy. The gravy, made from butter, flour, and milk, complements the steak perfectly, adding a creamy richness to every bite. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.

For more inspiration on cooking steak, check out How to Cook Cube Steak and Air Fryer Tips and Tricks for expert tips!

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Air Fryer Cube Steak with Gravy Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Air Fryer Cube Steak with Gravy is a crispy, tender, and flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make using your air fryer. The cube steaks are perfectly seasoned, breaded, and air-fried to golden brown perfection. Topped with a rich, creamy gravy, this comforting meal is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or special occasion. It’s a healthier twist on the classic cube steak and gravy that doesn’t sacrifice any of the flavor!

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Ingredients

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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

• 1 ½ cups milk

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Cube Steak:

1. Season the Cube Steak:

   • Season the cube steaks with salt and black pepper on both sides.

2. Prepare the Dredging Stations:

   • In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.

   • In another shallow bowl, place the flour.

   • In a third shallow bowl, add the seasoned bread crumbs.

3. Coat the Cube Steaks:

   • Dredge each piece of cube steak in the flour, making sure both sides are well-coated.

   • Dip the floured cube steak into the egg mixture, then coat with the seasoned bread crumbs, pressing down gently to make sure the crumbs adhere well.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

5. Air Fry the Cube Steaks:

   • Place the breaded cube steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer).

   • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Make the Gravy:

1. Cook the Roux:

   • While the cube steaks are cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

   • Add the flour and whisk continuously to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and slightly golden.

2. Add the Milk:

   • Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.

   • Continue cooking and whisking until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Season the Gravy:

   • Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. If the gravy is too thick, add a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Serve:

• Once the cube steaks are done, plate them and drizzle with the freshly made gravy.

• Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite side dishes!

Notes

Bread Crumbs: If you don’t have seasoned bread crumbs, you can use plain bread crumbs and add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or garlic powder for extra flavor.

Cube Steak Substitution: If you can’t find cube steak, you can use round steak or other tender cuts of beef.

Gravy Tip: If you prefer a smoother gravy, you can strain it before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
• Method: Air Frying, Stovetop (for Gravy)
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cube steak with gravy
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 175mg

Keywords: Air Fryer Cube Steak with Gravy Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cube Steak
   Start by seasoning the cube steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
2. Coating the Cube Steaks
   In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs and buttermilk together. In another shallow bowl, mix the flour and seasoned bread crumbs together.
   Dip each cube steak into the egg mixture, coating it evenly, then dredge it in the flour and bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thorough coating.
3. Air Fry the Cube Steaks
   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated cube steaks in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the cube steaks are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
4. Make the Gravy
   While the cube steaks are cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, and continue stirring until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve
   Once the cube steaks are finished cooking, remove them from the air fryer. Pour the creamy gravy over the top of each steak and serve immediately. Enjoy your Air Fryer Cube Steak with Gravy with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or any of your favorite side dishes.

Advanced Techniques

While the basic Air Fryer Cube Steak with Gravy recipe is already delicious, you can add extra depth of flavor and texture by trying these advanced techniques:

1. Marinate the Cube Steak

For even more tender and flavorful steak, marinate the cube steak for at least an hour (or up to overnight) in a mixture of buttermilk, garlic, and herbs before coating. The buttermilk helps tenderize the meat while the garlic adds an extra layer of flavor.

2. Adding Parmesan to the Coating

For an extra crispy, savory crust, add a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to the flour and bread crumbs mixture. This will give the steak a cheesy, golden crunch that complements the gravy perfectly.

3. Use a Cast Iron Skillet for the Gravy

If you want to enhance the flavor of the gravy, try making it in the same pan you used to cook the steak (if you used a cast iron skillet). The browned bits left in the pan (fond) can be scraped up and incorporated into the gravy, adding extra flavor.

4. Experiment with Gravy Flavors

For a twist on the classic gravy, you can infuse it with different flavors. Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a dash of hot sauce, or even sautéed mushrooms for a gourmet touch.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

The Air Fryer Cube Steak with Gravy is perfect for leftovers and can be stored properly for later enjoyment. Here’s how to maintain the quality of your dish:

1. Storage

Allow the cube steaks to cool down before storing them in an airtight container. The steak can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the gravy in a separate container to maintain its creamy texture.

2. Freezing

You can freeze the cooked cube steak, but it’s best to freeze the steak and gravy separately. Wrap the steaks tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. The steak will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. The gravy can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

3. Reheating

To reheat the steak, place it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. For the gravy, reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little milk if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.

4. Maintaining Crispiness

Reheating the cube steak in the air fryer will help restore its crispy exterior. However, if you’ve stored the gravy with the steak, avoid microwaving the steak with the gravy on top, as this will make the crust soggy.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

While Air Fryer Cube Steak with Gravy is a hearty and flavorful dish, it can be easily modified to suit various dietary preferences and restrictions.

1. Gluten-Free Version

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free bread crumbs. The rest of the ingredients in the dish are naturally gluten-free.

2. Dairy-Free Version

For a dairy-free version, replace the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk (such as almond milk or oat milk) and use dairy-free butter and milk in the gravy. There are plenty of non-dairy alternatives that will still give you a creamy, flavorful result.

3. Lower-Carb / Keto Version

For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, replace the flour and bread crumbs with almond flour and crushed pork rinds or a keto-friendly bread crumb substitute. You can also skip the breading entirely if you’re on a stricter low-carb or keto diet and cook the cube steaks without a coating.

4. Paleo Version

To make the dish paleo-friendly, swap out the buttermilk for coconut milk, and use coconut flour or almond flour for the breading. You can also replace the butter with ghee or olive oil in the gravy for a more authentic paleo experience.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook the cube steaks in a skillet or bake them in the oven instead of using an air fryer. To skillet fry, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and cook the breaded cube steaks for 4-5 minutes per side. For the oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use regular steak instead of cube steak?

Cube steak is a great option because it’s tenderized, but if you don’t have cube steak, you can use regular steaks, like sirloin or ribeye. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

Can I use frozen cube steaks?

Yes, you can use frozen cube steaks. Just be sure to thaw them completely before coating and cooking them in the air fryer for the best results.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Cube Steak with Gravy is the perfect combination of crispy, tender meat and a rich, creamy gravy that makes every bite a satisfying experience. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results. Plus, with the air fryer, you can achieve that crispy, golden crust without the extra grease.

Try this dish today and enjoy the flavors of a classic comfort meal made with a modern twist. Happy cooking!