If you’re craving that iconic, mouthwatering sandwich that’s loaded with tender steak, melted cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions, you’re in for a treat with this Air Fryer Philly Cheese Steaks Recipe. It’s a quick, foolproof way to enjoy the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak right from your very own kitchen, with a perfect crispy toast shell thanks to the air fryer. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying this sandwich for the first time, this recipe brings together simplicity and bold flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Air Fryer Philly Cheese Steaks Recipe lies in a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to build layers of flavor and satisfying texture. Each one plays a key role, from the juicy beef to the savory garlic toast creating the perfect crispy foundation.
- Garlic Texas Toast (4 pieces, frozen): The crispy, buttery toast provides a flavorful, crunchy exterior that holds all the delicious fillings.
- Frozen Beef Steaks (2 pieces, Steak Eze or Steak Umms): These tender, thinly sliced steaks cook quickly and shatter into perfect pieces for the sandwich.
- Green Bell Pepper (½, sliced): Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color that balances the savory meat.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Used to sauté the peppers and onions, imparting rich flavor and silky texture.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every element of the dish.
- Yellow Onion (½, sliced): Brings natural sweetness and depth when sautéed with the peppers.
- Provolone Cheese (4 pieces): Melts beautifully and adds creamy, mild sharpness that crowns the sandwich.
- Seasoning Salt (½ tsp): Gives an extra boost of savory flavor to the steak and veggies mixture.
How to Make Air Fryer Philly Cheese Steaks Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Start by slicing your green bell pepper and yellow onion thinly. These will get sautéed to a lovely tender, slightly caramelized state that brings out their natural sweetness and balances the savory beef.
Step 2: Sauté Peppers and Onions
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan set over medium heat. Add your sliced peppers and onions, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté until they soften and develop a fragrant, slightly golden edge. Then, transfer this tasty mixture into a bowl to rest momentarily.
Step 3: Cook the Frozen Steaks
Next, cook the frozen beef steaks exactly as the package directs—generally about 2 minutes on each side. After cooking, use a spatula or tongs to break the steaks into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every bite of your sandwich has tender, flavorful beef spread evenly.
Step 4: Combine Steak with Veggies
Return the sautéed peppers and onions to the pan with the chopped steak. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of seasoning salt and mix everything thoroughly. At this point, all those savory flavors start melding together, creating a fantastic filling for the sandwich!
Step 5: Toast the Garlic Texas Toast
Place all four pieces of frozen garlic Texas toast in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 3 minutes. This toasting step is crucial to get that irresistible crunch and buttery garlic flavor that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay one piece of provolone cheese each onto two of the toasted garlic bread slices. Pile the hot Philly cheesesteak mixture generously over the cheese, making sure it’s evenly spread for every cheesy, meaty bite to come. Add the remaining provolone slices atop the filling, then cover each sandwich with the last two pieces of toasted bread.
Step 7: Melt Cheese and Final Air Fry
Pop the fully assembled sandwiches back into the air fryer, setting the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Let them cook for an additional 3 minutes. This final step melts the provolone perfectly and lets all the flavors marry together while keeping the bread crispy.
How to Serve Air Fryer Philly Cheese Steaks Recipe
Garnishes
While the sandwich is incredible on its own, you can elevate it by adding some fresh garnishes. Try a few crushed red pepper flakes for heat, a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color, or even a swipe of horseradish sauce to cut through the richness with a little zing.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Philly Cheese Steaks Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crispy French fries, onion rings, or a simple crisp green salad. For a cozy twist, creamy coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch that complements the savory steak.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Philly cheese steaks with a side of pickles or stack them into smaller sliders for parties. Wrap the sandwiches in parchment paper for a neat take-and-go lunch, or dangle them on skewers with mini peppers for a fun appetizer version. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay delicious for up to 2 days, though the toasted bread will lose some crispness, which can be refreshed upon reheating.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled sandwiches before the final air fryer step. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing much flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw thoroughly in the fridge overnight, then air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the bread regains its crunch. Alternatively, a toaster oven works well too.
FAQs
Can I use fresh steak instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh thinly sliced steak will work beautifully — just cook it in the pan until browned, then follow the recipe as usual for the best flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can replicate similar results by using a toaster oven for the toasting and finishing steps, though the air fryer does such a great job achieving that perfect crispiness that the texture might differ slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the beef for sliced mushrooms or a hearty plant-based meat substitute. The peppers, onions, and provolone cheese will still create a fantastic, flavorful sandwich.
Is provolone cheese necessary?
Provolone is traditional for Philly cheesesteaks because it melts well and complements the beef’s flavor. However, you can substitute with mozzarella, American cheese, or cheddar if you prefer.
How spicy is this sandwich?
This Air Fryer Philly Cheese Steaks Recipe is naturally mild. If you like spice, feel free to add hot sauce or sliced jalapeños either during assembly or as a garnish!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and bold flavor of a Philly cheese steak, and this Air Fryer Philly Cheese Steaks Recipe makes it easier than ever to enjoy at home. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a fantastic way to whip up a crowd-pleasing sandwich any night of the week. Give it a try, share it with friends, and savor every cheesy, savory, crispy bite!
Print
Air Fryer Philly Cheese Steaks Recipe
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
Description
A quick and delicious Air Fryer Philly Cheese Steak recipe that combines tender sautéed beef, caramelized peppers and onions, and melted provolone cheese, all piled high on crispy garlic Texas toast for a perfect sandwich experience.
Ingredients
Sandwich Base
- 4 pieces of Garlic Texas Toast (frozen)
- 4 pieces provolone cheese
Steak and Vegetables
- 2 Frozen Beef Steaks (Steak Eze or Steak Umms)
- ½ Green Bell Pepper, sliced
- ½ Yellow Onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- ½ tsp seasoning salt
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Slice the green bell peppers and yellow onions thinly and set them aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the sliced peppers and onions, season with salt and pepper to taste, and sauté until softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from pan and keep in a bowl.
- Cook Steaks: Cook the frozen beef steaks according to package instructions—approximately 2 minutes per side in the pan over medium heat. Once cooked, break up the meat into smaller pieces.
- Combine Meat and Vegetables: Add the cooked peppers and onions back into the pan with the broken-up steak. Mix in ½ teaspoon of seasoning salt, stirring well to blend the flavors.
- Toast the Bread: Place the four pieces of frozen garlic Texas toast in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 3 minutes, then flip each piece and cook for an additional 3 minutes until toast is crispy and golden.
- Assemble Sandwiches – Layer 1: Place one slice of provolone cheese on two pieces of the toasted garlic bread. Use tongs to evenly pile the Philly cheesesteak mixture on top of the cheese on both pieces.
- Assemble Sandwiches – Layer 2: Add another slice of provolone cheese on top of the steak mixture on each sandwich.
- Complete Sandwich: Top each sandwich with the remaining two pieces of garlic Texas toast to close the sandwich.
- Final Air Fry: Place the assembled sandwiches back into the air fryer. Cook at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes to melt the cheese thoroughly and heat through.
Notes
- Use frozen beef steaks like Steak Eze or Steak Umm for convenience and quick cooking.
- Adjust seasoning salt and pepper according to your preference for saltiness and spice.
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables; they should be softened but still retain some texture.
- The air fryer helps achieve crispy toast and melty cheese without the need for traditional oven baking.
- This recipe is designed for 2 servings but can be easily doubled.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
