Cooking Techniques
Airfryfeast
Air Fryer Brazilian-Style Picanha Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Apr 3, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
Brazilian
25 mins
air-fryer-friendlyhealthyeasygluten-freehigh-proteincrispfamily-friendlyweeknight-dinnersavory30-minutes-or-less
Savor tender picanha steak cooked to crispy perfection in your air fryer, paired with a zesty homemade chimichurri sauce bursting with fresh herbs and garlic. This quick, healthy, and gluten-free Brazilian beef recipe is perfect for family dinners or anytime you crave bold, savory flavors.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
Brazilian
Ingredients
Servings
4
- 1.5 lb (700g) picanha steak (top sirloin cap), trimmed and scored
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for steak)
- For the Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small red chili or fresh red pepper, finely chopped (optional for mild heat)
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
-
Score the fat cap of the picanha steak in a crisscross pattern about 1/4-inch deep, being careful not to cut into the meat.
-
Pat the steak dry with paper towels before rubbing with olive oil.
-
Rub the steak all over with olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
-
Place the steak fat-side up in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through cooking. Adjust the time for your preferred doneness.
-
While the steak cooks, prepare the chimichurri sauce: In a bowl, combine parsley, oregano, minced garlic, chopped chili (if using), red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and taste to adjust seasoning.
-
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
-
Slice the picanha steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
-
Serve the sliced steak with generous spoonfuls of chimichurri sauce on top or on the side.
-
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Brazilian-style picanha steak with fresh, vibrant chimichurri!
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.
If you need to customize this Air Fryer Brazilian-Style Picanha Steak recipe to suit ingredient availability or dietary preferences, consider these substitution options while maintaining its bold flavor profile:
- Picanha steak: Substitute with top sirloin, ribeye, flank, or sirloin steak for similar taste and texture.
- Kosher salt: Sea salt or Himalayan pink salt work equally well.
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley: Swap for cilantro, basil, or a combination for a fresh herbaceous twist in the chimichurri.
- Fresh oregano leaves: Use dried oregano (about 1 tbsp) or marjoram as alternatives.
- Red chili or fresh red pepper: Omit for milder chimichurri or replace with crushed red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce for heat.
- Red wine vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar provide good tangy substitutes.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Avocado oil or light vegetable oil are suitable substitutes, excellent for air frying and sauce consistency.
These replacements help keep the recipe easy, healthy, gluten-free, and family-friendly while allowing flexibility with pantry or dietary needs.
Air Fryer Model Notes
This authentic Brazilian-style picanha steak cooks beautifully in most standard air fryers, though cooking times may vary slightly by model. Compact or lower wattage air fryers might take longer to reach the ideal 400°F temperature and could need extra minutes for a perfectly crisp fat cap and tender medium-rare center.
Larger, high-powered air fryers with convection fans typically deliver even and faster cooking results. Ensure your steak fits flat in the air fryer basket with enough space for proper air circulation—overcrowding causes steaming instead of the desired crispy crust. For thicker or larger cuts, increase cooking time slightly and check doneness early to prevent overcooking.
If your air fryer has steak presets or high-heat modes, these can simplify cooking, but be sure to monitor the first cook carefully to tweak timing for your preferred doneness and your specific appliance.
Preheating your air fryer completely before cooking is key for achieving the signature crispy fat cap and juicy steak interior. Follow these guidelines to enjoy bold, savory Brazilian flavors and texture with ease.
Crispiness Control
Achieve the perfect crispy crust on your Air Fryer Brazilian-Style Picanha Steak by starting with a well-scored fat cap and ensuring the steak is dry before seasoning. The high heat of 400°F (200°C) renders the fat, creating a golden, crackling crust that seals in juices while crispening the edges.
For maximum crispness, cook for the full 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures even rendering and browning without sacrificing the medium-rare center’s tenderness. To slightly reduce crispness, shorten cooking by 2 minutes and tent the steak loosely with foil during resting to retain moisture.
Because this recipe is high-protein, gluten-free, and family-friendly, it balances a crispy exterior with juicy tenderness. Avoid crowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate freely, enhancing crispness. You can also experiment with fat cap orientation: cooking fat-side up crisps the top layer, while fat-side down crisps the underside.
Rest the steak for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and let the crisp fat set, delivering a satisfying texture contrast. Paired with chimichurri, this steak is a deliciously savory treat!
Reheat In The Air Fryer
Reheating your Brazilian-style picanha steak in the air fryer preserves its juicy tenderness and crispy crust with these simple steps:
- Preheat the air fryer: Set to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes to warm gently.
- Prepare the steak: Bring refrigerated steak to room temperature for 10-15 minutes for even reheating. Optionally, brush lightly with olive oil to maintain moisture and crispy texture.
- Reheat: Place the sliced or whole steak in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat at 350°F for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through. This preserves the steak’s texture without overcooking.
- Check warmth: Ensure steak is heated through but still tender; avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
- Serve: Reheat chimichurri sauce separately at room temperature and spoon fresh over warm steak for best flavor.
Tip: Avoid higher reheating temps or longer times to keep the steak’s high-protein, gluten-free integrity and delicious crispness intact. This method is perfect for quick, family-friendly leftover meals.
What To Serve With This In The Air Fryer
Enhance your Air Fryer Brazilian-Style Picanha Steak meal with these delicious, easy, and air fryer-friendly sides that complement the bold flavors while keeping the meal healthy and quick:
- Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes tossed with olive oil and garlic makes a fresh, crisp, and nutritious side.
- Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Offering a slightly sweet contrast, these fries seasoned with smoked paprika and sea salt add perfect crunch and balance.
- Air Fryer Garlic and Herb Cauliflower: Low-carb and packed with flavor, this side crisps beautifully alongside the steak for a wholesome addition.
- Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Chips: Crunchy, savory, and family-friendly, these chips bring a delightful Italian twist to the Brazilian main.
- Air Fryer Plantains: For authentic South American flair, prepare golden, lightly salted plantains that pair perfectly with chimichurri’s herbaceous zing.
Including one or two of these sides rounds out the plate with complementary textures and flavors, keeping your meal balanced, quick, and satisfying.
Related Articles
Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.
More Recipes
Explore more recipes you may like.
Reviews
Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.
No reviews yet.
Save this recipe
Log in to keep this recipe in your favorites.
Reset password Register