If you’re craving that classic Southern comfort food but want to keep things a bit lighter and faster, I have just the recipe for you. This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe is everything you love about that crispy, tender steak paired with luscious gravy—without the heavy frying mess. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll be hooked on how simple and delicious it is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Comfort Food: Using the air fryer cuts down on oil but keeps that crispy, golden crust we all crave.
- Quick and Easy: The whole process, from breading to gravy, comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Rich, Homemade Gravy: The cream gravy is silky and flavorful, elevating this dish beyond ordinary.
- Double Breading Magic: This technique creates the perfect “chicken-fried” texture every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe plays its part in creating that irresistible balance of flavors and textures. The combination of flour and cornstarch gives the crust a crispy, light crunch, while the blend of spices adds depth. And of course, that cream gravy brings it all home with comforting richness.
- All-purpose flour: The base for our breading and gravy roux, it provides structure and crispness.
- Cornstarch: Helps create an extra crunchy coating in the air fryer.
- Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper: Add subtle heat and bold, savory flavor to the breading.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the flavors.
- Egg and half-and-half (or milk): Combine to create a smooth wash that helps the coating stick.
- Cube steaks: The star of the show; tenderized beef perfect for breading.
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray: Gives the breading that crispy air-fried finish without deep frying.
- Butter and half-and-half for gravy: Make a creamy roux-based gravy that’s dreamy over the steak.
Note:
Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Make It Your Way
I love making this Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe just how my family likes it, but don’t be shy about putting your own twist on things! Whether you like it spicier, or want a dairy-free gravy option, it’s easy to customize.
- Variation: I sometimes soak the cube steaks in buttermilk before breading—it tenderizes the meat and adds tang.
- Make it spicy: Up the cayenne or add a pinch of chili powder if you want a little kick in your crust.
- Dairy-free gravy: Swap the half-and-half for coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter for a lovely vegan twist.
- Double coating: Don’t skip the second round of flour coating—that’s the secret to the perfect crust.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Set Up Your Breading Station
First things first, get your breading bowls ready. In one, whisk together the dry ingredients like flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. In the second, beat your egg and half-and-half until smooth. I like to have everything within arm’s reach because the double-dipping process goes quickly once you start. This setup saves time and keeps things neat!
Step 2: Double Dip Those Steaks
Now for the fun part! Coat each cube steak in the seasoned flour mixture, tapping off any extra. Then dunk it into the egg wash, making sure both sides are fully coated. Finally, back into the flour mixture for a second coating—this is what gives the crust that “chicken fried” texture you’re aiming for. Pat the flour in gently so it sticks. Make sure every inch is covered evenly; that’s key to a consistent, crispy crust.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with your preferred oil spray—olive or avocado oil both work great. Arrange the steaks in a single layer, leaving a bit of space to let the hot air circulate. Spray the tops generously; you’ll want the entire breading to be coated to get that golden crunch. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, and don’t forget to spray the flipped side too. Cooking in batches is fine—I keep mine warm in a low oven to maintain that crispiness before serving.
Step 4: Whisk Up That Creamy Gravy
While your steaks are cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in flour to make a roux and whisk continuously for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in half-and-half while whisking, creating a smooth, thick gravy. Season with salt and cracked black pepper, adjusting to your taste. If it gets a bit too thick, I add a splash of milk to loosen it up. The smell of this gravy simmering always gets me excited—the perfect partner for that crispy steak.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
Plate your golden, crispy chicken fried steaks and ladle the creamy gravy right over the top. It’s best enjoyed fresh and hot, so dive in while the crust is still crispy and the gravy is silky smooth. Trust me, your family and friends will ask for seconds!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe
- Preheat Your Air Fryer Properly: Starting with a hot air fryer ensures the breading crisps up quickly without drying out the meat.
- Don’t Skip the Double Coating: The second flour dip is what creates that signature crunchy “chicken fried” crust that holds up in the air fryer.
- Use Oil Spray Generously: Spraying the whole crust—not just a once-over—is the secret to an even, golden crust without deep frying.
- Keep Cooked Steaks Warm and Crispy: If cooking in batches, keep finished steaks in a warm oven or briefly re-air fry for a couple of minutes before serving.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple here—a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a bright pop of color and freshness to contrast with the rich gravy. Sometimes, a little cracked black pepper on top of the gravy brings out even more flavor.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are a classic for a reason—they soak up the creamy gravy beautifully. I also recommend creamy coleslaw, roasted green beans, or buttery corn on the cob for a perfect balance of hearty and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the steaks sliced on a big platter with the gravy poured in a gravy boat for dipping. Adding a side of crispy fried okra or a small salad with a zesty vinaigrette can make it feel more festive and balanced.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers, I store the chicken fried steaks and the cream gravy separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the crust from getting soggy overnight. They usually stay great for up to 3 days.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the breaded, cooked steaks before by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze the gravy separately in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To keep that crispiness, I reheat the steaks in the air fryer for a few minutes until warm. The gravy reheats beautifully on the stove with a gentle stir, adding a splash of milk if needed to smooth it out.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Cube steaks are ideal because they are tenderized and thin, which works perfectly with the breading and air frying method. That said, you could try thinly pounded round steak or sirloin. Just make sure they’re tenderized and about the same thickness so they cook evenly.
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Do I really need to do the double breading?
Absolutely! The double breading locks in moisture and creates that crispy crust with enough texture to stand up to the air fryer’s hot circulating air. Skipping it might result in a less crunchy coating.
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Can I make the cream gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the gravy ahead and keep it warm on very low heat or reheat gently with a splash of milk. It tastes even better when the flavors have had time to mingle.
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What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can pan-fry the steaks in a shallow layer of oil, turning carefully to keep the crust intact. The cook time will be similar but keep an eye so they don’t burn; adjust the heat as needed for even browning.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe is one of my go-to comfort meals when I want the classic Southern taste without the heavy frying. I love how simple it is, how fast it cooks, and how the air fryer gives that perfect crisp crust every time. If you try it at home, don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a family favorite in your kitchen, just like it did in mine!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic Southern comfort food by using an air fryer to achieve a crispy, golden crust without deep frying. Coated in a flavorful blend of spices and served with creamy homemade gravy, these steaks are tender and delicious with a perfect golden crust.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or milk
- 4 cube steaks about 4–5 ounces each
- Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray
For the Cream Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Milk as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up two shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. In the second bowl, beat the egg and half-and-half together until smooth.
- Coat the Steaks: Dip each cube steak first into the flour mixture, tapping off excess flour. Then dip into the egg mixture, coating both sides generously. Return to the flour mixture and coat again, packing the flour gently to adhere evenly.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Heat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the bottom of the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Steaks: Place the coated steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air circulation. Generously spray the tops of the steaks with oil spray. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side to ensure a golden crust.
- Make the Cream Gravy: While the steaks cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour continuously for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add half-and-half, whisking constantly until the gravy thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Adjust Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, whisk in milk gradually until reaching desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the hot chicken fried steaks and generously spoon the creamy gravy over the top. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra tender steaks, soak them in buttermilk for 30 minutes before breading.
- Avoid overcooking as the steaks cook at a high temperature; proper oil spraying ensures a golden crust.
- If cooking in batches, keep cooked steaks warm in an oven or briefly reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Double breading is crucial for the signature chicken-fried texture; feel free to customize the spice blend to your taste.
