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Air fryer carne asada topped with chimichurri on a cutting board.
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5 from 1 vote

Carne Asada (Air Fryer Flank Steak Recipe)

Delicious air fryer carne asada steak is a quick and easy dinner. This juicy tender steak is perfect for tacos and burrito bowls.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Marinate time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 18 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: air fryer, carne asada, mexican
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 381kcal
Author: Elise Shivamber

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds flank steak
  • ¼ cup avocado oil or olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice about 2-3 medium limes
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice about ½ orange
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro fresh
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon honey optional

Instructions

  • If needed, cut flank steak in half, and place in a gallon sized zip top bag. Add remaining ingredients to the bag, and zip closed, removing any excess air. Turn the bag over several times, massaging all ingredients into the steak.
  • Place the bag flat in the refrigerator, ensuring the pieces of flank steak are not overlapping and are well coated with the marinade. Allow the flank steak to marinate for up to one hour. For the last 30 minutes of marinating, leave flank steak out on the counter to come to room temperature. Flip the steaks over and gently massage in marinade periodically.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Once the air fryer has preheated, place the flank steak in the air fryer.
  • Cook for 8 minutes, until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 145°F. If desired (if you prefer your steak slightly more cooked), cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove the steak from the air fryer and allow it to rest, gently tented with foil, for 10-15 minutes before thinly slicing against the grain.
  • Serve on your favorite tacos or quesadillas, or in a plate or burrito bowl with my delicious Mexican Cauliflower Rice and chimichurri!

Notes

  • Honey is optional, but I recommend it for creating a nice color on the outside of the steak.
  • Can substitute flank steak for skirt steak. 
  • For Skirt Steak: Marinate for AT LEAST 8 hours. Cooking skirt steak should take the same amount of time, unless it is very thin, then reduce cook time by 2 minutes.
  • Store leftover air fryer carne asada steak in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 678mg | Potassium: 638mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 137IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 3mg