Name: Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 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; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups half-and-half; 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); Milk as needed

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 7 reviews

If you’ve been craving that classic Southern comfort food flavor but want a quicker, less greasy version, you’re going to flip for this Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe. I’ve made this a bunch of times, and every single time, it turns out perfectly crispy on the outside with tender steak inside—all without deep frying. Plus, the homemade cream gravy? Absolute game changer. Stick around, because I’m about to walk you through every step for a foolproof, delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Without Deep Frying: The air fryer makes the coating perfectly golden and crunchy using minimal oil.
Tender Steak Every Time: The double coating locks in juiciness and the optional buttermilk soak makes it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Rich, Homemade Cream Gravy: Made from scratch, this gravy pairs beautifully with the chicken fried steak, no canned shortcuts here!
Quick and Easy Prep: From start to finish in under 30 minutes, this recipe fits right into busy weeknights.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here is chosen to create that authentic chicken fried steak experience, just lighter and fresher thanks to the air fryer. I always recommend fresh spices for the coating because they punch up the flavor in a way that pre-mixed blends just can’t match.

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy, chicken fried steak, crispy fried steak, homemade gravy, Southern comfort food - Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small pile of white cornstarch, a heap of bright red paprika powder, a small white bowl filled with garlic powder, a small white bowl holding onion powder, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl with cracked black pepper, a small white bowl containing cayenne pepper, one large uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl with creamy half-and-half, four raw cube steaks with fresh marbling, a small white bowl of pale yellow butter cubes placed neatly, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: This is your base for the coating—a mix with cornstarch makes for extra crispiness.
Cornstarch: It helps create that crunchy exterior without getting greasy.
Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper: These spices give the breading a subtle kick and depth.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors in the steak and coating.
Egg and half-and-half (or milk): These bind the flour to the steak and keep the breading moist yet crispy.
Cube steaks: The star of the show—these tenderized cuts cook perfectly in the air fryer.
Olive oil or avocado oil spray: Helps the breading crisp up nicely in the air fryer without deep frying.
Butter, flour, half-and-half (for gravy): Classic ingredients to make that luscious cream gravy that ties everything together.

Note:
Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you like it spicy, mild, or a little herby, you have full freedom to tweak the seasoning to your taste. I often adjust the heat by cutting back on cayenne or adding extra herbs when I want a twist.

Spicy Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika and a dash more cayenne to amp up the flavor without overpowering the steak.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use almond milk in place of half-and-half and a dairy-free butter substitute for the gravy, and it still comes out creamy and delicious.
Buttermilk Soak: If you have time, soaking the steaks in buttermilk for 30 minutes before breading makes them extra tender—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy, chicken fried steak, crispy fried steak, homemade gravy, Southern comfort food - A white round plate filled with a thick layer of dry pale flour mixed with light spices, with a large rectangular piece of food fully covered in the same flour mixture placed in the center, the flour texture is powdery and slightly clumpy, resting on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Set Up Your Breading Station

I start by preparing two shallow bowls—one with the seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture, and the other whisked egg and half-and-half. This double-dipping process is what gives the chicken fried steak its iconic crispy crust, so don’t skip it. I like to tap off any excess flour gently so the coating isn’t too thick or clumpy.

Step 2: Double-Coat Your Cube Steaks

Dip each steak first in the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and then back into the flour mixture again. Press the flour gently onto the steak so it really sticks—this keeps the crust intact through the air frying process. Every edge should be covered evenly for that perfect crunch.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with your choice of oil. Place the steaks in a single layer with space between to let the air circulate. Before cooking, don’t forget to spray the tops generously; this makes sure the crust crisps up golden-brown.

Cook for about 10-12 minutes total, flipping halfway through, and spraying the other side with oil as well. The key here is not to overcrowd the basket; you may need to cook in batches. If you do, keep the first batch warm in a low oven or pop them back in for a minute before serving to keep that crispiness.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Gravy

While the steaks cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in flour and whisk continuously for about a minute to make a roux—this is what thickens the gravy beautifully. Gradually drizzle in half-and-half, whisking so lumps don’t form. Add salt and black pepper to taste, and let it thicken for about 3-4 minutes.

If your gravy seems too thick, a splash of milk will loosen it up just right. I love making the gravy fresh because it’s so rich and creamy, and that peppery kick is just right alongside the crispy steak.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Serve those crispy, golden steaks hot, smothered generously with your creamy gravy. The contrast between the crunchy crust and luscious sauce is what makes this Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe a real winner at the dinner table.

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe

Double Breading is Key: Don’t skip the second flour dip—it’s what makes the crust sturdy and crispy in the air fryer.
Generously Spray Oil: Make sure every part of the breading is coated with oil spray to achieve that golden color without frying in oil.
Avoid Overcrowding: Air needs to circulate to crisp the coating properly, so cook steaks in batches if needed.
Keep It Warm Without Steaming: Use a warm oven set to low to rest cooked steaks; this keeps them crispy until serving.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy, chicken fried steak, crispy fried steak, homemade gravy, Southern comfort food - The image shows three pieces of cooked fried food with a rough, crispy brown texture. Two pieces are in a black air fryer basket at the center, each piece showing darker brown grill marks and some uneven crispy patches. Another piece is on a white wooden cutting board to the top left, showing the same rough texture and golden brown color. To the top right, there is a white jug filled with a thick creamy sauce speckled with black pepper. The background is a white marbled surface with a bit of green herb at the top left corner and a wooden tool partially visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing it off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives—they add a fresh pop of color and a light herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the gravy. Sometimes I toss on a few crispy fried onions on top for some extra crunch and flavor.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes are my go-to side—they soak up that cream gravy perfectly. I also like serving with roasted green beans or a crisp, tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. For a real Southern feast, mac and cheese is an unbeatable companion here.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated smaller “mini” chicken fried steaks as sliders on soft buns with a dollop of gravy on top. It’s a fun twist that gets everyone chatting! Also, arranging the steaks standing up with gravy cascading over looks fancy but is super simple.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken fried steak and gravy separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keeping the gravy separate prevents the crust from getting soggy. They’ll keep well for about 3 days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked, breaded steaks successfully by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and freezing in a zip-top bag. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge then re-crisp in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. I don’t recommend freezing the gravy—it’s best fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the gravy on low in a saucepan, whisking occasionally. For the steaks, the air fryer is your best bet to revive that crispy crust—heat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway. Avoid the microwave, unless you want a soggy crust!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Cube steaks are best since they’re tenderized and cook quickly with a great texture. Using other tougher steaks might require pounding and could result in a chewier bite, but you can experiment if you have thin cutlets.
Is the air fryer really healthier than deep frying?

Absolutely! The air fryer uses very little oil compared to deep frying, which cuts down on fat and calories while still giving you crispiness. It’s a great way to enjoy classic chicken fried steak with less guilt.
Can I make the cream gravy vegan?

It’s possible by substituting butter with vegan margarine and using plant-based milk like oat or almond milk. You might need a bit of nutritional yeast or a vegetable broth base to boost flavor, but it’s doable!
How do I keep the breading from falling off?

The double-coating method is key, and pressing the flour firmly ensures it sticks well. Also, spraying oil evenly helps set the crust during air frying, preventing it from flaking off when you flip or serve.
What if I don’t have half-and-half?

No worries! You can substitute with whole milk or a mix of milk and cream to get similar richness. The gravy and coating still come out lovely with these swaps.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines nostalgia with a modern twist that fits into even the busiest weeknight. I love how approachable it is—you get that undeniable Southern comfort flavor without the mess or time of deep frying. Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and I’m sure it will become a family favorite too. I can’t wait for you to serve it up and hear how much your crew loves it!