Air-Frying Prime Sirloin Steak: A Quick Cooking Guide

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare a juicy and tender steak. Air-fried steak is a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion and can be served with a variety of side dishes. The cooking time will depend on the desired doneness and the thickness of the steak, but it typically takes less than 20 minutes. This method is especially useful when outdoor grilling is not possible due to weather conditions or time constraints. By following simple steps and using the right ingredients, you can cook a prime sirloin steak in an air fryer and enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal.

How to get the perfect sear

Yes, you can cook prime sirloin steak in the air fryer and get a perfect sear. Here's how:

Firstly, take your steak out of the fridge about 15 minutes before cooking so it can come to room temperature. Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then rub both sides with olive oil. This will help you achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior. Next, season the steak. A simple combination of salt and pepper will work, but you can also use steak seasoning or Italian seasoning for extra flavour. Massage the spices well into the meat.

Now, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 5 minutes, though some sources recommend 10 minutes. Place the steak in the basket, ensuring there is enough space for the steak to cook evenly and without touching any other steaks. Cook for 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. This will give you an even sear on both sides. Continue cooking for a few more minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 125°F, 130 to 135°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium.

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a plate and loosely cover it with foil. Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. For the perfect finish, top with a pat of garlic herb butter.

Choosing the right cut of steak

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook steak, making it easier than ever to achieve a perfect sear while keeping the meat juicy and tender. When choosing the right cut of steak to cook in an air fryer, there are several factors to consider, including thickness, marbling, and personal preferences for flavour and texture.

Firstly, it is important to select a steak that is at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks may overcook more easily, while thicker cuts may require a longer cooking time. A good rule of thumb is to aim for steaks that are around 1-1.5 inches thick, as this will ensure they cook evenly and thoroughly without drying out.

Next, consider the marbling of the steak, which refers to the fat content within the meat. Steaks with good marbling, such as ribeye, tend to stay juicier and more flavourful after air frying. Look for cuts with white flecks of fat dispersed throughout the meat, as this indicates a higher fat content that will enhance the flavour and texture of the cooked steak.

When it comes to specific cuts, there are several options that are well-suited for air frying. These include:

• Sirloin: A great all-around choice due to its balance of flavour and price. Sirloin is divided into top sirloin, which is more tender, and bottom sirloin, which is larger, leaner, and slightly tougher.
• Ribeye: A prime choice for air frying due to its marbling, which ensures a juicy and flavourful result.
• Filet Mignon: Renowned for its tenderness, the air fryer keeps this cut juicy while producing a beautiful crust.
• Porterhouse: This cut comes from the same section of the cow as the T-bone and club steaks, and it is known for its hearty flavour.
• New York Strip: A good option for air frying, offering a balance of flavour and tenderness.
• T-Bone: A versatile cut that can be cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

In addition to the cut of steak, it is important to consider the quality of the meat. Look for well-marbled meat with a good distribution of fat to enhance the flavour and juiciness of the cooked steak.

Lastly, personal preferences for flavour and texture play a significant role in choosing the right cut of steak. Some people prefer the rich flavour and tenderness of filet mignon, while others may opt for the more affordable sirloin or the hearty flavour of porterhouse. Experimenting with different cuts and cooking methods will help you determine which combinations of meat and preparation techniques best suit your taste.

Seasoning and toppings

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels, and brush both sides with a high-heat cooking oil like avocado oil or olive oil. This helps the steaks brown and develop a nice crust. Next, season generously with salt and pepper, or a steak seasoning blend. Be sure to press the seasonings into the steak so they stick even when the steak is flipped during cooking.

After cooking your steak to the desired level of doneness, let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. You can serve the steak with a pat of compound butter, which is a simple yet effective way to add flavour. Make your own compound butter by mixing together softened butter with herbs like parsley, chives, rosemary, thyme, or dill, and other ingredients like garlic, edible flowers, or crushed red pepper flakes. Toppings like caramelised onions, mushrooms, chimichurri sauce, seafood, or peppercorn sauce also pair well with air fryer sirloin steak.

For a complete meal, serve your steak with sides such as roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a fresh salad. Some specific side dish suggestions include roasted butternut squash, roasted green beans, air fryer potatoes, a classic Caesar salad, or mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer sirloin steak will depend on the thickness of the steak, the desired level of doneness, and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to let the steak reach room temperature before cooking, which can be done by taking it out of the fridge 15 minutes to 30 minutes beforehand. The air fryer should be preheated to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes.

For a 1-inch thick steak, the cooking time will be around 10 to 12 minutes for a medium-rare steak, and 12 to 18 minutes for a well-done steak. If the steak is thicker, such as 1.5 inches, the cooking time will be longer, with a medium-rare steak taking about 13 minutes, and a well-done steak taking up to 15 minutes.

To achieve the desired level of doneness, it is important to monitor the internal temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 125-130°F, while a medium-rare steak should have an internal temperature of 135°F. A medium steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of 140-150°F, and a medium-well steak should reach 150-160°F. To avoid overcooking, it is important not to exceed an internal temperature of 165°F.

During the cooking process, the steak should be flipped at least once to ensure even cooking. It is recommended to flip the steak after 4 minutes, or halfway through the cooking time, and then continue cooking until the desired level of doneness is achieved.

What to serve with air fryer steak

Air fryer sirloin steak is a quick and easy meal to make, and it goes well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried steak:

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great option to serve with steak. Try roasted butternut squash, green beans, broccolini, or asparagus. You can also cook these vegetables in the air fryer while the steak is resting. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole.

Potatoes

Potatoes are always a good choice to serve with steak. Baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, or mashed potatoes are all excellent options. For something a little different, try chili lime potato stacks or sweet potato fries. If you're using an air fryer, you can cook the potatoes while the steak is resting, or even make some crispy air fryer roasted potatoes.

Salad

A classic Caesar salad is a refreshing side dish to pair with steak. Or, if you're feeling creative, try a spicy Mexican corn salad or a steak salad with your leftover steak.

Toppings and Sauces

To take your steak to the next level, add some toppings or sauces. Caramelized onions, mushrooms, chimichurri, seafood, or peppercorn sauce are all great choices. For an extra indulgent touch, top your steak with garlic herb butter or compound butter with herbs like dill, parsley, rosemary, thyme, or chives.

Other Sides

If you're looking for something a little more substantial, try twice-baked potatoes or air fryer baked potatoes. For a complete meal, serve your steak with a side of fajitas or a classic steakhouse side like creamed spinach.

Frequently asked questions