Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak

Name: Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 pound sirloin (shaved); 2 garlic cloves; 1/3 teaspoon salt; 1/3 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup green bell pepper (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup red bell pepper (thinly sliced); 1/2 sweet onion (thinly sliced); 1 cup cremini mushrooms (sliced); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 6 slices provolone cheese; 4 hoagie rolls; 1 tablespoon butter (melted); 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe

A hearty and savory meal with perfectly melty cheese, this Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak is a new way to prepare the classic sandwich, without filling your kitchen with grease splatters and smoke.

Several air fryer philly cheesesteak sandwiches on a platter lined with parchment.

Table of Contents

This recipe is amazing because there’s minimal chopping and preparation required. You can buy all of the veggies pre-sliced at the grocery store if you really want to cut prep time and you can grab a jar of lazy girl garlic (minced garlic in a jar) to save you from mincing it yourself!

And if you love this recipe, my Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Eggrolls are another fun and easy dish that’s perfect for a fun appetizer or finger food dinner.

Simple Formula That Keeps Steak Juicy

Jordan Zelesnick in a white sweater serving food.

Instead of cooking everything separately on the stovetop, the air fryer uses high, circulating heat to quickly sear the steak while softening the vegetables at the same time.

Cooking them together lets the onions, peppers, and mushrooms release moisture that helps prevent the steak from drying out; which is especially helpful when working with leaner cuts like sirloin. Finishing with cheese directly in the basket ensures it melts fully without overcooking the meat.

Hearty and satisfying: A combination of steak and fragrant veggies makes for a filling cheesesteak!
Easy cleanup: No greasy pans or splatters to deal with.
Kid-friendly: A hit with both adults and kids, making it a family favorite.
Customizable: Easily adjustable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Jordan

Ingredients You’ll Need

Labeled ingredients for air fryer philly cheesesteak.

Steak – I like to use sirloin or ribeye steak for this air fryer cheesesteak.
Seasonings – A combination of salt and black pepper is all you need! If you want to throw a dash of garlic powder in there too, feel free!
Veggies – I use a combination of garlic, sliced onions, bell peppers (both green pepper and red pepper for color), and cremini mushrooms for lots of savory and earthy flavor.
Cheese – Cheez Whiz is the “cheese of choice” for most Philly cheesesteaks, but I prefer a nice melty provolone.
Rolls – Nice sturdy hoagie rolls are perfect for these hearty sandwiches.
Toppings – Optional toppings like freshly chopped parsley and yellow mustard can take your sandwich to the next level.

For best results, slice the steak thin and against the grain — this makes even budget-friendly cuts tender once cooked.

*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.

Substitutions/Additions

Ribeye can also be used in place of sirloin.
If you’re looking to make a true authentic Philly cheesesteak, white American cheese or deli provolone are the classic options.
Cheez Whiz or any kind of cheese spread or sauce is also commonly used in Philly cheesesteaks.

How to Make Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak

Step 1: Cook steak filling. Season steak and veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then air fry at 400 F for about 10 minutes, until the steak is just cooked through and the vegetables are softened with lightly caramelized edges.

Adding provolone cheese to steak and veggies in the air fryer.

Step 2: Melt cheese. Add the sliced provolone and cook an additional 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted. The cheese should be fully melted and draped over the steak — not bubbling aggressively.

Step 3: Prepare cheesesteaks. Brush the insides of the rolls with melted butter if you like, then load up with cooked steak mixture.

Filled philly cheesesteaks in the air fryer.

Step 4: Finish air frying. Place cheesesteaks in the air fryer and heat for a few minutes, until warm and lightly toasted.

Expert Tips From Testing

Slice steak thin before cooking — it cooks quicker and more evenly than slicing after.
Don’t overcrowd the basket; spread the mixture in an even layer.
If your air fryer runs hot, check at the 8-minute mark.
Toast the rolls separately if you prefer extra crisp edges.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Store leftover steak and vegetables separately from the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat the filling in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through, then assemble and toast the sandwich briefly so the bread stays crisp and the steak doesn’t overcook.

Recipe FAQs

What cuts of meat should I use for Philly cheesesteak?

When it comes to air fryer Philly cheesesteaks, I prefer to go for ribeye steak whenever I can. A more affordable option is sirloin steak, and whatever option you choose, make sure to choose something with lots of marbling for plenty of flavor.

What is the difference between a cheese steak and a Philly cheesesteak?

A cheesesteak is any sandwich that features thin slices of cooked steak and melty cheese. A Philly cheesesteak, a staple sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, PA, specifically includes slices of ribeye with melted provolone and grilled onion, but can also sometimes be made with American cheese or Cheese Whiz.

What’s the best way to reheat air fryer cheesesteak?

To reheat, go through the same process of heating up the steak filling in the air fryer, then assemble the sandwich and toast the bread and ensure all the cheese is melty.

4 air fryer cheesesteaks on parchment paper.

More Air Fryer Steak Recipes

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