Steak cooking times
How long to cook steak: 2–3 min per side pan-fried, 3–5 min per side under the grill, 3–5 min per side on the barbecue and 8–12 min in an air fryer at 200°C. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook steak
Times are for a sirloin, ribeye or rump steak 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan-fry Rare | 2–3 min per side | in a very hot pan | For rare. |
| Pan-fry Medium rare | 3–4 min per side | in a very hot pan | For medium rare. |
| Pan-fry Medium | 4–5 min per side | in a very hot pan | For medium. |
| Pan-fry Well done | 5–6 min per side | in a hot pan | For well done; turn the heat down a little after searing. |
| Grill | 3–5 min per side | under a very hot grill | For medium rare to medium; 2 minutes per side for rare. |
| Barbecue | 3–5 min per side | over very hot direct heat | For medium rare to medium. |
| Air fryer | 8–12 min | 200°C (400°F) | For medium rare to medium; turn halfway. It won’t get the crust of a pan. |
| Oven Thick steaks, pan then oven | 6–8 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | For thick steaks (4 cm or more): sear in an ovenproof pan for 2 minutes per side, then finish in the oven for medium rare. |
Also see: Roast beef cooking time (rare, medium or well done).
Before you start
Take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before, pat dry and season well with salt. Oil the steak, not the pan.
How to tell it’s done
Use a thermometer in the middle: rare 50°C (120°F), medium rare 55°C (130°F), medium 60°C (140°F), well done 70°C (160°F). It rises a few degrees as it rests.
Food safety: Whole steaks are safe served rare, as long as the outside is seared: bacteria are on the surface, not inside.
Tip: Rest the steak for 5 minutes on a warm plate before cutting. Thicker steaks need longer: a 4 cm steak takes about half as long again.
Questions
How long to pan-fry steak?
Rare: 2–3 min per side in a very hot pan. For rare. Medium rare: 3–4 min per side in a very hot pan. For medium rare. Medium: 4–5 min per side in a very hot pan. For medium. Well done: 5–6 min per side in a hot pan. For well done; turn the heat down a little after searing.
How long to grill steak?
3–5 min per side under a very hot grill. For medium rare to medium; 2 minutes per side for rare.
How long to barbecue steak?
3–5 min per side over very hot direct heat. For medium rare to medium.
How long to cook steak in an air fryer?
8–12 min at 200°C (400°F). For medium rare to medium; turn halfway. It won’t get the crust of a pan.
How long to cook steak in the oven?
Thick steaks, pan then oven: 6–8 min at 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7. For thick steaks (4 cm or more): sear in an ovenproof pan for 2 minutes per side, then finish in the oven for medium rare.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.