Best Cuts of Meat for Air Fryer Cooking

The air fryer has quickly become a favourite in home kitchens, offering an easy way to achieve crisp, golden results without the mess of deep frying. When it comes to meat, this compact appliance delivers something special: juicy centres sealed inside perfectly browned edges.

From busy weeknights to fuss-free entertaining, it has changed how we cook protein at home. But not all cuts respond equally to this method. Some shine under high, circulating heat, while others risk drying out without careful handling.

So, which cuts of meat truly perform best in the air fryer? This guide breaks down the top choices across beef, pork, chicken, and lamb, giving you the confidence to pick the right cut for flavour and tenderness.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Meat?

Air fryers aren’t just convenient, they transform the way meat cooks. Here is why this method has become a go-to for home kitchens:

• Faster Cooking Times: Hot air circulation cooks meat quickly and evenly, cutting down meal prep without compromising tenderness or flavour.
• Healthier Results: With little to no added oil required, you can enjoy crisp, golden edges without the heaviness of deep frying.
• Juicy Interiors: The rapid heat seals in moisture, ensuring steaks, chops, or fillets stay succulent inside while forming a tasty crust outside.
• Consistent Browning: Air fryers create a uniform sear or crisp finish, removing the guesswork that sometimes comes with stovetop or oven cooking.
• Less Mess and Odour: Unlike pan-frying, splatter is reduced, and the compact basket design makes for easier cleanup after cooking.
• Versatile Across Cuts: From thick ribeye steaks to chicken wings or sausages, the air fryer adapts well to a wide range of proteins.
• Energy Efficient: Using less power and heating up faster than conventional ovens, it’s a practical choice for everyday cooking.

Best Beef Cuts for Air Fryer Cooking

Not all beef cuts thrive in the air fryer, but some deliver incredible results. Here are the top choices for flavour and tenderness:

1. Ribeye Steak

Carnivore Society’s grass-fed ribeye steak is one of the best cuts for air fryer cooking thanks to its natural marbling. The fat renders beautifully under circulating heat, creating juicy steak with a crisp, caramelised crust.

Cooking ribeye in the air fryer is quick, usually under 12 minutes, depending on thickness. It needs little more than salt and pepper, though garlic butter after cooking elevates the flavour. With less smoke and mess compared to pan-frying, the air fryer keeps prep simple.

Resting after cooking helps redistribute juices, ensuring every bite is tender and bold. Ribeye’s combination of richness and convenience makes it a standout choice for air fryer meals.

2. Sirloin Steak

Sirloin is a leaner cut than ribeye, but it performs well in the air fryer when cooked with care. Because it has less marbling, seasoning and preparation are important to prevent dryness. A quick marinade or brush of oil before cooking helps lock in moisture and adds depth of flavour.

In the air fryer, sirloin develops a delicious crust while staying tender inside if cooked to medium or medium-rare. Its slightly firmer bite makes it a versatile option, suitable for everything from steak dinners to sliced strips in salads or wraps.

Cooking time is short, usually under 10 minutes, which makes it convenient for weeknight meals. Affordable, flavourful, and easy to portion, sirloin is a smart pick for everyday air fryer cooking.

3. Eye Fillet

Carnivore Society’s premium eye fillet is one of the most tender cuts you can cook in an air fryer. With a fine texture and leanness, it cooks quickly and evenly, producing restaurant-quality results at home.

Since it lacks marbling, finishing with butter, garlic, or herbs adds richness to its delicate flavour. The air fryer locks in juiciness while creating a golden crust in as little as six to eight minutes for medallions.

Eye fillet’s melt-in-the-mouth texture pairs perfectly with bold sauces or simple sides, making it an elegant choice for quick yet impressive meals. It’s a cut that showcases refinement and tenderness in every bite.

4. Beef Burgers (Minced Patties)

Carnivore Society’s grass-fed beef mince is ideal for crafting patties that cook to perfection in the air fryer. The hot air crisps the exterior while sealing in juices, creating burgers with a tender interior and satisfying crust.

Unlike pan-frying, the air fryer requires no extra oil and minimises mess, as excess fat drips away into the tray. Patties typically cook in 8–10 minutes, and flipping halfway ensures even browning.

Season the mince with salt, pepper, or spices for character, and melt cheese on top in the final minute for a finishing touch. Whether for family dinners or quick meals, Carnivore Society beef burgers guarantee flavour, convenience, and consistency every time.

Best Pork Cuts for Air Fryer Cooking

Pork adapts beautifully to the air fryer, giving you juicy centres with crispy edges. Check out these top cuts that perform best under hot air:

1. Pork Chops

Carnivore Society’s Valenca Free-Range Pork Boston Butt is a versatile, flavourful cut that can be sliced into chop-style portions perfect for the air fryer. Known for its excellent marbling, this cut develops a golden, crispy crust when exposed to circulating heat, while staying juicy inside.

In 12–15 minutes, you’ll achieve chops that balance convenience with big flavour. Bone-in style retains moisture better, while boneless slices cook faster. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and rosemary enhances the natural pork flavour, while glazes like honey mustard or garlic butter add indulgence.

Ideal for weeknight meals, Boston Butt chops combine richness and tenderness in a way that feels both rustic and elevated.

2. Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is a lean, versatile cut that shines in the air fryer. Because it cooks quickly, it’s an ideal option when you want a fuss-free yet impressive meal. The key is to season or marinate the tenderloin beforehand, as its low-fat content benefits from added flavour.

Cooking whole, it develops a browned exterior while the centre stays moist and tender. For even better results, consider tying the tenderloin or slicing it into medallions to ensure consistent cooking.

Typical cook time ranges from 20-25 minutes for a whole piece, with internal temperature checks recommended to avoid overcooking. Once rested, it slices beautifully for serving alongside vegetables or salads. Elegant yet simple, pork tenderloin is a strong air fryer option.

3. Pork Belly Slices

Pork belly slices are perfectly suited to the air fryer because the high heat renders fat quickly, creating irresistibly crispy edges. This cut delivers the crunch of crackling combined with tender, flavourful meat inside.

For fans of richness and crispiness, Carnivore Society’s Pork Belly is one of the most rewarding cuts to air fry. Its natural fat content renders quickly at high heat, producing irresistibly crunchy edges while leaving the inside tender and full of flavour.

Preparation is simple: pat the slices dry, then season with salt, pepper, or a spice mix like paprika and garlic powder for depth. Air-frying takes about 18–22 minutes, with a flip halfway to ensure even crisping.

Unlike oven-roasting, the air fryer drains excess fat, leaving a lighter but equally indulgent result. Serve belly slices in bao buns, as a decadent snack, or with sides for a hearty main dish. This cut brings comfort food appeal in every bite.

4. Pork Ribs

Carnivore Society’s Valenca Free-Range Pork Ribs are a perfect match for the air fryer, offering a satisfying balance of flavour and texture. Thanks to their marbling and connective tissue, these ribs turn tender while maintaining a crisp, caramelised exterior under the fryer’s heat.

Cooking them takes around 20–25 minutes, which is significantly quicker than slow roasting, yet still delivers depth of flavour. Rubbing with a spice blend, paprika, cumin, or garlic powder, before cooking enhances smokiness, while a honey or barbecue glaze adds sweetness.

Excess fat drips away into the tray, resulting in ribs that are lighter but still rich. Great as finger food or a main dish, Carnivore Society’s ribs are bold, juicy, and effortless in the air fryer.

5. Sausages

Sausages cook exceptionally well in the air fryer, thanks to the consistent heat that crisps the casings while keeping the meat juicy inside. There’s no need for added oil, and excess fat drains away, leaving a cleaner result than pan-frying.

Air-fried sausages are ready in around 10-12 minutes, depending on size, and turning them halfway ensures an even, golden finish. From classic pork sausages to flavoured varieties like garlic, herb, or spicy blends, all work beautifully. The air fryer also eliminates the hassle of splatter and uneven browning.

Pair with mash, rolls, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For convenience, minimal cleanup, and consistently tasty results, sausages are one of the easiest meats to cook in the air fryer.

Best Chicken Cuts for Air Fryer Cooking

Few proteins suit the air fryer as well as chicken. From wings to thighs, here are the cuts that shine with crisp skin and juicy meat:

1. Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are one of the most forgiving cuts for air fryer cooking, thanks to their higher fat content. This keeps the meat juicy and flavourful even under high heat. Skin-on thighs crisp beautifully, delivering golden, crunchy skin with tender meat underneath.

Boneless thighs also work well, cooking faster and evenly. For best results, season generously or marinate for added depth before air frying. Cook times usually range from 18–22 minutes, depending on size.

Because thighs remain succulent even if slightly overcooked, they’re a reliable choice for beginners. Whether used in simple weeknight dinners or seasoned with bold spices for a more indulgent meal, chicken thighs consistently come out juicy, crisp, and packed with flavour in the air fryer.

2. Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a classic choice for the air fryer and one of the easiest cuts to perfect. The skin crisps quickly under circulating heat, creating a crunch that rivals deep frying without the extra oil.

Season simply with salt and pepper or toss in a dry rub before cooking, then add sauces like buffalo or honey soy after frying. Wings usually take 20–25 minutes, with a quick shake of the basket halfway through for even crisping.

The result is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, ideal for sharing platters or game-day snacks. Because of their size, wings also cook faster than larger cuts, making them both convenient and crowd-pleasing. Few meats showcase the air fryer’s strengths better than wings.

3. Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is lean and healthy, but it can dry out quickly without proper care. In the air fryer, the key to success is seasoning generously or marinating beforehand to add moisture and flavour.

Cooking at high heat for a short time locks in juices, while resting after cooking helps redistribute them. Slicing breasts into even fillets or strips ensures faster, more consistent results. Cook time typically ranges from 15–18 minutes, depending on thickness.

Because it pairs well with almost any seasoning or sauce, chicken breast offers endless versatility, from meal prep to family dinners. With the right preparation, the air fryer turns this lean cut into tender, juicy meat with a lightly crisped exterior.

4. Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are another cut that excels in the air fryer. The combination of bone and skin means they stay juicy inside while crisping beautifully outside. A simple seasoning of herbs, garlic, and spices enhances their natural flavour, though marinades also work well.

Drumsticks take about 20–25 minutes to cook, depending on size, with a quick turn halfway through for even browning. The result is crispy, golden skin and tender, flavourful meat that falls easily from the bone.

They’re also cost-effective, making them a popular choice for feeding families. Served with dipping sauces, salads, or fries, drumsticks prove that the air fryer can deliver both convenience and a hearty, satisfying meal.

Best Lamb Cuts for Air Fryer Cooking

Lamb offers bold flavour that benefits from the air fryer’s high heat. Here are the cuts that deliver the best balance of taste and texture:

1. Lamb Chops

Lamb chops are one of the best cuts to cook in an air fryer. Carnivore Society’s Grass-Fed Lamb Rack / Chops are a top pick for the air fryer because of their ideal size and rich flavour. These chops cook quickly, usually in just 10–12 minutes, which makes them perfect for weeknight meals or an elegant weekend dinner.

High heat in the fryer creates a beautifully seared, golden-brown crust while locking in the natural juices of the meat. Simple seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary highlights their grass-fed quality without overpowering the meat’s delicate taste.

For best results, flip halfway through to ensure even browning. Served with roasted vegetables, couscous, or a fresh salad, Carnivore Society’s lamb chops strike the perfect balance between indulgence and convenience.

2. Lamb Ribs (Forequarter-Style Cuts)

Although Carnivore Society doesn’t list classic “lamb ribs,” cuts such as their Boneless Lamb Square Cut Shoulder or Lamb Forequarter perform beautifully in the air fryer when prepared rib-style.

With generous marbling, these cuts render fat well under high heat, creating a crisp outer layer while keeping the interior juicy and tender. In 20–25 minutes, the air fryer delivers the same crunch and savouriness you’d expect from roasting, but with less grease thanks to the fat dripping away.

Adding a spice rub with paprika, cumin, or a honey-garlic glaze brings depth to every bite. Flip halfway through for even crisping. Whether served as finger food for sharing or plated with sides, these cuts offer bold lamb flavour with minimal effort.

3. Lamb Steaks

For tender, flavourful results in the air fryer, Carnivore Society’s Lamb Leg Boneless and Lamb Backstrap are standout choices. These lean yet succulent cuts cook in under 15 minutes, making them ideal for quick, flavour-packed dinners.

The air fryer’s circulating heat sears the exterior beautifully while preserving juiciness inside. Because steak thickness can vary, checking doneness with a thermometer ensures accuracy, particularly for those who prefer medium-rare.

A light seasoning with salt, pepper, thyme, or rosemary allows the natural grass-fed flavour to shine, while a simple marinade adds extra complexity. Resting the steak for five minutes after cooking helps lock in moisture. For a fast yet indulgent meal, these Carnivore Society lamb steaks deliver both convenience and bold taste.

Salmon Fillets

Salmon fillets are one of the best seafood choices for the air fryer, delivering crisp skin and buttery, flaky flesh in minutes. Thanks to their natural oils, salmon stays moist without needing extra fat, making it a healthy yet indulgent option.

Carnivore Society’s Regal King Salmon and Ora King Salmon are outstanding choices for air fryer cooking, delivering both convenience and luxury in every bite. The Regal King Salmon, portioned into easy 150 g packs, cooks in just 8–10 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Its firm flesh holds up beautifully in the fryer, while the circulating heat crisps the outside and keeps the inside moist and flaky. For those looking for something truly premium, the Ora King Salmon, often called the “Wagyu of the sea”, offers unparalleled marbling and a buttery richness that turns any meal into a gourmet experience.

Minimal seasoning is needed: a touch of salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon allows the natural flavour to shine. Whether you choose Regal King for practicality or Ora King for indulgence, Carnivore Society’s salmon ensures restaurant-quality results at home.

Cooking Tips for Air Frying Meat

Here are the key tips to ensure your meat comes out crisp, juicy, and full of flavour every time you use the air fryer:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Warming it up for a few minutes before cooking ensures an even sear and reduces overall cooking time.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Leaving space between pieces allows hot air to circulate, giving every cut a crisp, golden finish.
• Flip or Shake Midway: Turning steaks, chops, or wings halfway through guarantees even browning on all sides.
• Pat Meat Dry Before Cooking: Removing excess moisture helps the surface crisp up faster without steaming.
• Season Generously: Meat cooked in an air fryer benefits from bold seasoning or spice rubs to enhance flavour.
• Use Light Oil When Needed: A small brush of oil improves browning, especially on leaner cuts like chicken breast or pork tenderloin.
• Check Internal Temperature: Using a meat thermometer helps avoid overcooking while ensuring food safety.
• Let Meat Rest Before Serving: Resting for a few minutes allows juices to redistribute, keeping the interior tender and moist.

Air Fry Your Way to Premium Perfection

Now that you know the best cuts of meat for your air fryer, it’s time to put that knowledge to work and enjoy tender, juicy, perfectly cooked steak and more.

Whether you’re choosing a marbled Wagyu ribeye or a lean, flavour-packed eye fillet, the air fryer is the perfect tool for bringing out the best in every cut. With minimal effort and maximum taste, these meats deliver the ultimate in convenience and gourmet results.

Ready to elevate your air fryer meals? Visit Carnivore Society for premium cuts of Wagyu, grass-fed beef, and more, all hand-selected for unbeatable quality and flavour. Order today and bring restaurant-quality steak straight to your kitchen.