Can I make this chicken fried steak in an air-fryer?

You sure can! Lightly spray your breaded steaks with oil and air-fry at 375˚F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. They won't get quite as golden as pan-fried, but still deliciously crispy. Just make your gravy separately since you won't have those yummy pan drippings!

What's the best substitute for gluten-free flour?

My favorite gluten-free hack is using half almond flour and half cornstarch - it gives great crunch! Just be sure your buttermilk is GF too (regular milk with a squeeze of lemon works in a pinch). The gravy thickens beautifully with cornstarch instead of regular flour.

Can I use a different cut of meat besides cube steak?

Absolutely! Sirloin or round steak work wonderfully - just tenderize them well with a mallet first. Budget tip: sometimes I find inexpensive "minute steaks" that are already thin enough. Whatever you use, that buttermilk soak is key to tender results.

How can I make this dish ahead for company?

Two great options: 1) Bread the steaks and freeze them (fry straight from frozen, adding a couple minutes). 2) Fry earlier in the day, then crisp in a 350˚F oven for 5 minutes before serving. Gravy reheats beautifully with a splash of milk.

Why does my breading keep falling off?

Two likely culprits: 1) Not letting excess buttermilk drip off before flouring (a quick shake helps!), or 2) Oil wasn't hot enough when you added the steaks. That immediate sizzle seals the coating. Also - don't move them around too much while frying!

Irresistible Chicken Fried Steak with 3 Secret Crunch Tips

Name: Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy White Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick); 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying); 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy); 2 cups whole milk; Salt and pepper to taste (for gravy)

Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy White Gravy

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A classic Southern comfort food featuring tender cube steak coated in a crispy breading and smothered in rich white gravy. Perfect for a hearty dinner.

Author: Sophia Collins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Southern
Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale

4 cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
2 cups whole milk
Salt and pepper to taste (for gravy)

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Instructions

Place the cube steaks in a shallow dish and pour buttermilk over them. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
In another shallow dish, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove each steak from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then coat in the flour mixture.
Fry the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
For the gravy, melt butter in the same skillet. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve the steaks hot, topped with the creamy white gravy.

Notes

For extra crispiness, double-dip the steaks in buttermilk and flour.
Use a meat mallet to tenderize the steaks if needed.
Make-ahead tip: Freeze breaded steaks before frying for quick meals later.
Find more recipe inspiration on our Pinterest account.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
Calories: 520
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/chicken-fried-steak-recipe-crispy-southern/