Air-Fryer Skirt Steak: Can It Be Done?

Skirt steak is a tender cut of beef that can be cooked in an air fryer. It is a quick and simple way to prepare a juicy steak when grilling is not an option. The air fryer method is also a great option for those who want to avoid the mess of cooking steak in a skillet. The cooking time for skirt steak in an air fryer depends on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, cook the steak for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F. For a medium steak, cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. To ensure even cooking, it is important to cut the steak into equal sizes and not overcrowd the air fryer basket.

Skirt steak is a quick and simple way to prepare juicy steak

Skirt steak is a quick and simple way to prepare a juicy steak. It is a tender cut of meat that can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as six minutes.

To start, cut the skirt steak into equal sizes to ensure even cooking. You can then season the steak with salt, pepper, and spices of your choice. Some popular spice combinations include Longhorn Steakhouse signature seasoning, Vegeta seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also marinate the steak in a mixture of chopped cilantro, avocado oil, and the zest and juice of a lime. Allow the steak to marinate for about 15 minutes.

Next, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 425°F for at least five minutes. This will ensure that the basket gets hot and helps to form a crispy crust. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-10 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. The cooking time will depend on your preferred level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 6-8 minutes. For a medium steak, cook for 8-10 minutes.

Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover the steak with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender steak.

It's best to avoid fatty skirt steak

Skirt steak is a delicious, economical cut of beef that is popular in home and restaurant dishes. It is a long, thin, ribbon-like cut that comes from the plate (belly) section just below the rib of the cow. It is a tender cut with excellent beefy flavor.

While skirt steak is not considered a particularly lean cut of beef, it is still a well-sought-after choice. It has a moderate amount of marbling and fat within the meat, which contributes to its flavor and juiciness. However, when using an air fryer, it is best to avoid a very fatty skirt steak. This is because the air fryer is a contained cooking environment with hot air circulating inside. The fat in the steak can render and affect the cooking process, and may not give you the desired results.

Additionally, skirt steak is best cooked quickly and served medium-rare to avoid becoming tough. The air fryer is a great option for this, as it cooks the steak quickly and efficiently. However, due to the high heat and speed of cooking, the fat in a very fatty skirt steak may not render properly, and could affect the taste and texture of the final dish.

When choosing a skirt steak for the air fryer, opt for a cut with less fat. You can still enjoy the benefits of the air fryer, such as quick cooking time and minimal mess, while ensuring your steak turns out juicy and delicious.

Remember, the key to a great skirt steak in the air fryer is finding the right balance between flavor and leanness, and cooking it to the proper temperature.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5-6 minutes

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process. It ensures that your steak cooks evenly and efficiently, and helps to achieve that desirable grill-like browning and sear on the surface of the meat.

To preheat your air fryer to 400°F, simply press the power button, set the temperature to 400°F, and let it heat up for 5-6 minutes. Most air fryers will reach this temperature in 3-5 minutes, but it's important to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions. During the preheating process, the temperature display may blink, indicating that the appliance is heating up.

While preheating, you can prepare your skirt steak. Cut the steak into 3 or 4 smaller pieces, as this cut of meat is typically long and thin. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels, and then season. A simple yet delicious seasoning mix includes avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub each piece of steak with oil on both sides and sprinkle with the seasonings.

After preheating, open the air fryer and place the seasoned skirt steak inside. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook 2 to 3 steaks at once. Set the timer for the desired cooking time, which will depend on your preferred level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. For a thin steak, 5 minutes will be sufficient, while a thicker steak will take 6-7 minutes for a medium-rare finish.

Flip the steak once or twice during cooking

Flipping the steak once or twice during cooking is an important step in ensuring your skirt steak is cooked evenly and thoroughly. Depending on your desired level of doneness, you will need to adjust the cooking time and flip the steak accordingly.

For a medium-rare skirt steak, cook the steak for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking process. This means you will flip the steak once, after 3 minutes, to ensure even cooking on both sides. If you prefer your steak medium, increase the cooking time to 8-10 minutes, still flipping halfway through.

It is important to note that the thickness of your steak will impact the cooking time. A thinner steak will cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly and flip the steak once or twice to ensure even cooking. For example, a very thin skirt steak may only need 5 minutes in the air fryer, with a flip halfway through.

Additionally, if you choose to pan-sear the steak before air frying, you will need to reduce the cooking time in the air fryer by 1-2 minutes. This will prevent overcooking and ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

By flipping the steak during the cooking process, you can achieve a nice crispy crust and appetizing caramelized edges on your skirt steak.

Rest the steak for 5-10 minutes before slicing

When cooking skirt steak in an air fryer, it is important to let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the steak to cool down slightly and gives the juices a chance to redistribute throughout the meat, making the steak more tender and juicy.

The exact resting time depends on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. For a thin skirt steak, cooking in the air fryer for 5 minutes will result in a medium-rare steak. Letting it rest for a minute in the air fryer is recommended before slicing. If a thicker cut, cooking for 6-7 minutes will yield a medium-rare steak. It is then best to let it rest for a minute before removing it from the air fryer.

The goal is to allow the internal temperature of the steak to reach between 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit, with the exterior between 125-140 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be checked with a probe thermometer. Resting the steak for 5 minutes per inch of thickness is a good guideline, with thicker cuts requiring 10-20 minutes of resting time.

During the resting period, the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise slightly due to residual heat, while the outer portions will cool down. This temperature equilibrium allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak when sliced.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces, set the table, or simply relax with a refreshing beverage.

Frequently asked questions