This easy air fryer bison steak recipe is a practically foolproof method to make the most melt-in-your-mouth tender, juicy, and flavorful steaks in less than 15 minutes.

Also try my air fryer bison burgers, Instant pot bison chili and bison carpaccio.

Air fryer bison steak... The name says it all. This fabulous recipe uses everyone's favorite countertop appliance to cook the most tender and flavorful steaks with barely any effort!

Bison's robust, sweet and earthy red meat sears beautifully on the grill and stovetop. However, once you give air frying a try I'm sure you'll be convinced as well that this is the best method for preparing the tastiest steaks.

Start to finish you need less than 15 minutes to make a steakhouse-quality main dish at home, no matter how medium-rare or well done you like your meat. Plus, this recipe requires no marinading and uses no oil... Just 4 simple ingredients, 3 of which are common spices.

Like searing on the stovetop or grilling, air frying bison steaks creates a delicious caramelization on the outside while keeping the inside mouthwateringly juicy. But without taking up a burner or dirtying the stove - or needing to stand over a hot grill outside!

How to cook bison steak in air fryer

Begin by removing the bison steak from the refrigerator, allowing it to sit out and reach room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step helps the steak cook more evenly when placed in the air fryer.

Next, turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it to preheat for a few minutes. A preheated air fryer will start cooking the steak immediately upon placement.

After the steak has reached room temperature, pat it thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. A dry surface on the steak will help to achieve a nice sear. After drying, liberally season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out the best flavors.

For an aromatic touch, lay a sprig or two of fresh rosemary on top of the steak before placing it in the air fryer. This will infuse the meat with the rosemary's fragrant essence as it cooks.

Place the seasoned bison steak, with the rosemary on top, into the air fryer basket. Depending on the steak's thickness, you might want to cook it for approximately 6 minutes to achieve a medium-rare finish. Remember to adjust the cooking time if you're aiming for a different level of doneness or if your steak's thickness varies from the average.

Once cooked, transfer the steak from the air fryer to a plate or cutting board. It's important to let it rest for about 5 minutes before diving in. This resting period allows the juices to settle back into the steak, making every slice juicy and full of flavor.

Now, you're ready to enjoy your perfectly air-fried bison steak! Pair with your favorite sides and dive into the deliciousness.

Recipe ingredients

Bison. Choose one large or two smaller size steaks, whichever cut you like. Top sirloin and New York strip are some of our favorites. If purchasing frozen steaks, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Use a clean towel to pat the meat dry.

Salt and pepper. Season the meat with a generous amount of both staple spices. This combination is classic for cooking juicy, flavorful steaks; it lets the bison shine without overpowering the taste of the meat.

Rosemary. Dried rosemary is earthy and slightly floral. This herb balances the savory, meaty, and rich flavors of the bison steak.

Butter (optional). If your steak doesn't have a lot of marbling, ad about 1 teaspoon of butter on top.

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seasoned raw piece of red meat on the cutting board

Internal temperature chart

When cooking bison steak, it's crucial to be attentive as bison is leaner than beef and can cook faster. Here's a general doneness chart for bison steak:

Rare
- Internal Temperature: 120°F to 125°F
- Appearance: Deep red center; very cool center temperature
- Texture: Very soft, almost spongy
Medium Rare
- Internal Temperature: 130°F to 135°F
- Appearance: Bright red center; warm throughout
- Texture: Soft with some resistance
Medium
- Internal Temperature: 140°F to 145°F
- Appearance: Pink throughout with a hint of brown
- Texture: Firm but still yielding
Medium Well
- Internal Temperature: 150°F to 155°F
- Appearance: Mostly brown with a hint of pink
- Texture: Firmer with slight resistance
Well Done
- Internal Temperature: 160°F and above
- Appearance: Uniform brown throughout
- Texture: Firm and not very pliable

Always let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, and use a meat thermometer to ensure precise internal temperatures.

Storage and leftovers

To store leftover bison steak, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, then refrigerate. When ready to reheat, warm the steak in a preheated oven at 325°F until it reaches your desired temperature, typically for 10-15 minutes. This method helps retain the steak's moisture and prevents overcooking.

To reheat bison steak in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 320°F. Place the steak inside and heat for about 3-4 minutes, checking for your preferred warmth. Using an air fryer to reheat keeps the steak's exterior crispy while warming the inside without overcooking.

Freezer. You can freeze air fryer bison steak. Place the steak in the air tight freezer safe container and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Expert tips and notes

Lightly brushing the steak with a high smoke-point oil, like avocado or grapeseed, can help in getting an extra crispy sear on the outside.

While rosemary is suggested, consider experimenting with other herbs like thyme or sage for different flavor profiles. Placing crushed garlic cloves in the air fryer alongside the steak can add another layer of aroma and flavor.

Always let your steak rest post-cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, preventing them from spilling out when you slice the steak. The result is a juicier steak with every bite.

sliced air fryer rib eye bison steak, top view

When you're ready to serve, always slice the steak against the grain. This breaks down the muscle fibers, making each slice more tender to bite.

Bison meat is leaner than beef, so it benefits from generous seasoning. Don't be shy with your salt and pepper; it'll enhance the natural flavors of the meat.

Frequently asked questions

Why is bison steak so expensive?

The simplest reason has to do with supply and demand: There isn't a large market for bison consumption the same way there is for beef, and "rare" foods are often more expensive than readily available alternatives. Also, the quality of bison vs beef tends to just be better, as the animals are often grassfed on large pastures.

Does bison taste like beef?

They have a similar flavor, but no - they do not taste exactly the same. Beef and bison are both red meat, and therefore have a deep meaty flavor. But while the taste of beef is mostly umami, bison tends to be more gamey and lightly sweet... The animals are often grass fed, which gives the meat its signature earthy taste.

Does bison cook like beef?

For the most part, yes, cooking beef and bison are essentially the same. However, because bison is leaner it will cook faster.

Is cooking steak in air fryer good?

Absolutely! The air fryer is ideal for cooking meat to just the right temperature with barely any effort. There is no need to add any oil, so it's a healthier alternative to traditional pan-frying or searing.

How do I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Add about 1 tablespoon of your preferred cooking oil to a hot skillet set over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the seasoned bison steaks onto the skillet. Leave them to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, flip, and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the steaks reach your desired level of doneness.

How do you know when bison is cooked?

Red meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees for medium doneness. It is not recommended to cook bison any higher than 160 degrees for the best taste and texture. I suggest using an internal meat thermometer to make sure the bison meat is cooked to your preferred temp.

Perfect Air Fryer Bison Steak

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This easy air fryer bison steak recipe is a practically foolproof method to make the most melt-in-your-mouth tender, juicy, and flavorful steaks in less than 15 minutes.

Ingredients

1 bison steak (i used rib eye)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to your preference)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to your preference)
½ dried rosemary or fresh rosemary

Instructions

Let bison steak come to a room temperature. approximately 30 minutes.
Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
Pat dry steak with paper towels. Season bison steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Place some rosemary on top and cook for 6 minutes for medium rare (depends on the thickness of your steak).
Let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Leftovers. To store leftover bison steak, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, then refrigerate. When ready to reheat, warm the steak in a preheated oven at 325°F until it reaches your desired temperature, typically for 10-15 minutes. This method helps retain the steak's moisture and prevents overcooking.

Freezer. You can freeze air fryer bison steak. Place the steak in the air tight freezer safe container and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 322Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 1151mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 53g