Cooking Frozen Steak In An Air Fryer: Can It Be Done?

Yes, you can cook a steak from frozen in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to cook a delicious, juicy steak with minimal prep time and no fancy preparation steps. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and how well you like it cooked. For a 1-inch-thick steak, rare will take around 10 minutes, medium-rare 12-14 minutes, medium 16 minutes, medium-well 20 minutes, and well-done 22 minutes. You can use any cut of steak, but fattier cuts like ribeye will give a juicier result. To season your steak, brush it with oil and season with salt and pepper, or a seasoning mix of your choice. You can preheat the air fryer for best results, but this isn't essential.

Cooking times and temperatures for different levels of doneness

The cooking time for a steak in an air fryer depends on the desired level of doneness, the thickness of the steak, and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Here are some general guidelines for cooking times and temperatures for different levels of doneness:

For a rare steak, cook for approximately 10 minutes at 400°F/200°C. The internal temperature should reach 120-130°F/49-57°C.

For a medium-rare steak, cook for approximately 12-14 minutes at 400°F/200°C. The internal temperature should reach 130-135°F/54-57°C.

For a medium steak, cook for approximately 16 minutes at 400°F/200°C. The internal temperature should reach 135-145°F/57-63°C.

For a medium-well steak, cook for approximately 20 minutes at 400°F/200°C. The internal temperature should reach 145-155°F/63-68°C.

For a well-done steak, cook for approximately 22 minutes at 380°F/190°C. The internal temperature should reach 155-165°F/68-74°C.

It is important to note that these are approximate cooking times and temperatures, and the actual time may vary depending on the specific air fryer and the thickness of the steak. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and adjust the cooking time as needed. Additionally, it is recommended to let the steak rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and for the internal temperature to reach the desired level of doneness.

The advantages of cooking steak from frozen

Advantages of Cooking Steak from Frozen

Cooking steak from frozen in an air fryer has several advantages. Firstly, it saves time and effort by eliminating the need for thawing or defrosting the steak beforehand. This is especially useful for those who are short on time or forget to defrost their meat. With an air fryer, you can go directly from freezer to cooking, making it a quick and convenient option for a delicious dinner on busy weeknights.

Another benefit of cooking steak from frozen is the ability to achieve a perfect crust without overcooking the meat underneath. Starting with a frozen steak helps prevent the formation of grey bands just under the crust, which can occur when the outer part of the meat overcooks before the inside reaches the desired temperature. By cooking from frozen, you can develop a nice sear while maintaining a juicy and tender center.

Additionally, cooking steak from frozen can result in a more even cook throughout the steak. When cooking a thawed steak, the outer parts can cook faster than the inner parts, leading to an uneven doneness. With a frozen steak, the heat has to penetrate the steak more slowly, resulting in a more evenly cooked center.

Cooking steak from frozen also offers flexibility in terms of steak cuts and cooking methods. Various cuts of steak, such as ribeye, sirloin, and filet, can be cooked from frozen in an air fryer with excellent results. This method can also be combined with other cooking techniques, such as pan-searing or grilling, to create a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.

Lastly, cooking steak from frozen can be a great option for those who enjoy experimenting with different cooking techniques and flavors. By trying out this method, you may discover new ways to prepare steak that suit your taste preferences and cooking style.

How to season a frozen steak

Yes, you can cook a steak from frozen in an air fryer. The convenience of cooking a steak from frozen without defrosting it first is a significant advantage of using an air fryer. The result is a juicy, tender, and delicious steak that tastes almost as good as fresh.

Prepare the Steak

Take the steak out of the freezer and remove its packaging. If you are cooking multiple steaks, ensure they fit comfortably next to each other in the air fryer. If not, you will need to cook them in batches.

Slightly Thaw the Steak

Place the frozen steak in the air fryer basket and air fry for 4 minutes to slightly thaw it. This step is essential, as seasoning the steak before slightly thawing it will cause the seasoning to fall off.

Coat the Steak with Oil

Spritz the steak with olive oil or your oil of choice. Coating the steak with oil ensures that the seasonings will stick to the meat. If you cannot use oil, spritz the steak with cold water before applying the seasonings.

Season the Steak

Generously season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice. It is recommended to use at least 50% more seasoning than you normally would for a thawed steak, as most seasonings only penetrate about ¼" into the meat. You can also make a seasoning blend by mixing garlic powder, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil.

Air Fry the Steak

Place the steak in the air fryer and set the temperature and timing according to your desired doneness and the thickness of the steak. For a 1" steak cooked to medium rare, air fry at 400℉/200℃ for a total of 20 minutes, flipping the steak after 10 minutes to ensure even browning and a crust on both sides.

Let the Steak Rest

Once the steak is cooked to your desired internal temperature, transfer it to a cutting board. If desired, top the steak with butter or season with sea salt flakes. Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

The best cuts of steak for air frying from frozen

Yes, you can cook steak from frozen in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to cook a delicious, juicy steak with minimal prep time. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness.

When it comes to choosing the best cut of steak for air frying from frozen, there are several options that work well. Here are some recommended cuts:

Ribeye

Ribeye is a popular choice for air frying, known for its rich, buttery flavor and marbling of fat. It's a versatile cut that can be cooked to your desired level of doneness, from rare to well done. When air frying a frozen ribeye steak, consider adding a few extra minutes per side to ensure it cooks through.

Sirloin

Sirloin is another good option for air frying from frozen. It's a leaner cut compared to ribeye, so it may not have the same level of basting from the rendering fat. However, it's still a great choice for those who prefer a leaner steak. Sirloin steaks are typically around 1-inch thick and will take about 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer.

Cube Steak

Cube steak is a convenient and versatile cut that usually comes from the top or bottom round of the cow. It's a very lean cut that can benefit from marinating to help tenderize the meat. Acidic components like balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, or Worcestershire sauce are great for this. Cube steak is best cooked to medium-rare in the air fryer, as it can dry out if overcooked.

Flank Steak

Flank steak is an extremely lean and tender cut that comes from the loin primal section of the cow. It's best cooked rare, medium-rare, or medium, as it can become chewy if overcooked. Season it with a spice rub and cook it in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for the best results.

Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is a cut known for its soft texture and mild flavor. This cut works well with various rubs, marinades, butters, and sauces. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and oil it before adding the steak. Filet mignon slices are typically 1-2 inches thick and will take around 10-12 minutes to cook.

When cooking steak from frozen in an air fryer, it's a good idea to let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to settle. Additionally, consider using a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Side dishes to serve with air-fried steak

Yes, you can cook steak from frozen in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious steak with minimal prep time. The steak will be juicy, tender, and tasty.

Now, for the side dishes! Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your air-fried steak:

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with steak. The smooth, buttery texture of the potatoes goes well with the steak and soaks up the flavours of the gravy.

Brussels Sprouts

Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized and seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper, add a burst of flavour and crunch to your meal. The slightly bitter, nutty taste of the sprouts provides a delicious contrast to the rich, savoury flavours of the steak.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that pairs well with steak. The creamy, cheesy pasta adds a rich and savoury element to the meal, and the smooth and gooey texture complements the crispy and tender steak.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries offer a sweet and savoury contrast to the steak. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a hint of sweetness that complements the savoury steak.

Green Beans

Lightly battered and fried green beans make for a crunchy side dish that goes well with steak. They add a bit of texture and freshness to the meal.

Cornbread

Cornbread is a slightly sweet and crumbly side dish that complements the savoury and crispy steak. It can be enjoyed warm with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of butter, or used to soak up any leftover gravy.

Frequently asked questions