How Long To Cook Steak In NuWave Air Fryer | Quick Guide

You probably bought your air fryer thinking of crispy fries and wings. Steak might not have crossed your mind — but it should. The NuWave line of air fryers handles steak surprisingly well, creating a crust while keeping the inside tender. The catch is that each model and cut has its own sweet spot.

The straightforward answer for most people: a 1-inch steak in a NuWave Brio air fryer cooks at 390°F for about 12 minutes for medium, flipping once halfway. Thicker steaks, other NuWave models, and personal doneness preferences all shift that baseline. This guide gives you the times for the Brio and Bravo XL Pro, plus a general air fryer chart to reference.

NuWave Brio Steak: The Manufacturer’s Recommendation

The official recipe for a standard steak in the NuWave Brio air fryer starts with preheating the unit to 390°F. Season your steak with salt, pepper, and garlic — the manufacturer keeps it simple. Place the seasoned steak directly on the included Grill Pan.

Cook for a total of 12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. The 6-minutes-per-side rhythm ensures even cooking and browning. A 1-inch steak cooked this way lands at medium doneness, per the recipe.

If your steak is thicker or thinner, adjust the time by about 2 minutes per additional half-inch. The real key is a quick-read meat thermometer. The official NuWave steak recipe stresses that the internal temperature is your most reliable guide.

Why Different Models Need Different Settings

Not all NuWave air fryers run the same way. The Bravo XL Pro, for instance, cooks at 450°F — a full 60 degrees hotter than the Brio. That higher temperature means faster cooking and a deeper sear, but also demands careful monitoring.

The main differences between the two common models break down like this:

• Cooking temperature: The Brio recipe uses 390°F; the Bravo XL Pro recipe for a New York Strip uses 450°F.
• Doneness method: The Brio relies on a fixed time (12 minutes). The Bravo XL Pro instructs you to use the built-in internal probe to check temperature.
• Cut of steak: The Brio recipe is for a standard steak (any cut). The Bravo XL Pro recipe is specifically for a New York Strip.
• Extra touch: The Bravo XL Pro recipe includes a garlic butter topping — the Brio recipe does not mention it.
• Cooking surface: The Brio uses the Grill Pan; the Bravo XL Pro uses the air fry basket.

If you own a Bravo XL Pro, preheat to 450°F, place your New York Strip on the air fry basket, and rely on the probe. A 1-inch steak will finish in about 8 to 10 minutes depending on your preferred doneness.

General Air Fryer Steak Time Chart

When a recipe blog tested a 1-inch steak at 400°F, they produced a handy cross-reference that works for most standard air fryers, including the NuWave line if you adjust for model differences. Many recipes suggest these times for a 1-inch steak cooked at 400°F with a flip halfway through.

These times assume a preheated air fryer and flipping exactly at the halfway mark. Since the NuWave Brio runs at 390°F instead of 400°F, you may need an extra minute or two for the same doneness level. The chart works best as a starting point — trust your thermometer over the timer.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Steak Every Time

A few simple habits separate a steak that’s just okay from one you’ll crave. Follow these steps for consistently better results:

1. Preheat the air fryer. Cold air fryers cook unevenly. The NuWave Brio recipe specifically says to preheat before adding the steak.
2. Season generously. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder work well. Don’t be shy — the air fryer circulates air that can dry out the surface, so proper seasoning is key for flavor.
3. Flip halfway through. Flipping ensures both sides develop a crust and cook evenly. The general guideline says flip after about half the total time.
4. Use a meat thermometer. Times are estimates. The only way to know for sure is to check internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F.
5. Rest the steak. Let the steak sit for 3 to 5 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.

Handling Thicker or Thinner Steaks

Thickness changes everything. A ½‑inch steak will cook in roughly half the time of a 1‑inch steak, while a 1½‑inch steak will take longer. The general air fryer steak time chart from recipe blogs accounts for thickness by suggesting about 2 extra minutes per additional half-inch.

If you’re cooking a thin cut like a sirloin strip that’s only ¾ inch thick, start checking at the 6-minute mark. For a thick ribeye over an inch, plan on at least 14 minutes at 390°F and verify with your probe. The NuWave Brio recipe’s 12‑minute recommendation is calibrated for a standard 1‑inch steak — don’t treat it as universal.

Another factor: bone‑in steaks (like T‑bone or porterhouse) take longer because the bone conducts heat differently. Add 2 to 3 minutes to the total time. And if you want that browned crust, pat the steak dry with paper towels before seasoning — moisture is the enemy of browning in an air fryer.

The Bottom Line

Cooking steak in a NuWave air fryer comes down to model, thickness, and temperature. For the Brio, 390°F for 12 minutes with a flip gives you a solid medium. For the Bravo XL Pro, 450°F using the internal probe is the path. In both cases, a meat thermometer removes all guesswork.

The next time you’re deciding between the grill and the air fryer, give the NuWave a shot. Season your favorite cut, set the timer based on your model and thickness, and let the thermometer tell you when it’s ready — your dinner table will appreciate the consistency.