Air Fryer “Moderate Cooker” Swiss Steak

Swiss steak is a comforting classic made with tenderized beef, smothered in a rich tomato-onion gravy. While it’s usually cooked in a slow cooker, this air fryer version gives you a similar melt-in-your-mouth texture in a fraction of the time, thanks to steam-trapping foil and smart layering.

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 40–45 minutes

Total: ~1 hour

Ingredients:

For the Steak & Gravy:

500g (1.1 lb) beef round steak or chuck steak, tenderized (½–¾ inch thick)

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1–2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dredging)

1 tbsp oil (for searing)

Optional: ½ cup beef broth (for more gravy)

To Serve:

Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles

Equipment:

Air fryer-safe deep baking dish

Foil (for covering)

Instructions:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Temp: 375°F (190°C)

Time: 3 minutes

Prep and Sear the Steak

Lightly dredge steak pieces in flour, season with salt and pepper.

Heat oil in a skillet (or in a stovetop-safe dish if using one).

Sear both sides of the steak until browned (2–3 mins per side).

Tip: If not using a stovetop-safe dish, transfer browned steak to your air fryer-safe deep dish after searing.

Layer Ingredients in the Dish

Lay seared steak in the dish.

Top with sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic.

Mix diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, and (optional) beef broth in a bowl.

Pour over steak and veggies.

Cover and Cook (Slow Cook Simulation)

Cover tightly with foil to trap steam.

Air fry at 340°F (170°C) for 30 minutes.

Check & Finish Uncovered

Carefully remove foil (watch for steam).

Stir gently, spoon sauce over steak.

Continue air frying at 375°F (190°C) uncovered for 10–12 minutes to reduce sauce and caramelize top slightly.

Rest and Serve

Let rest for 5 minutes in the air fryer.

Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles with a ladle of the rich tomato-onion gravy.

Tips:

Tenderizing the beef with a meat mallet improves the texture dramatically.

If your air fryer is small, cook in batches or halve the recipe.

To make it saucier, increase beef broth to ¾ cup and cook uncovered a bit longer.

Flavor Profile:

A savory, slow-cooked-tasting dish made fast — with tender beef, sweet onions, and a tomato-rich gravy layered with earthy spices and a hint of Worcestershire umami.