Air Fryer Steak: Is It Possible?

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a juicy, tender steak with a crispy, seared exterior. Air fryers maintain a consistent temperature in a small space, ensuring your steak is cooked to perfection every time. The process is quick, simple, and healthier than traditional methods, cutting down on cooking time and fat content without sacrificing flavor. You can cook different cuts of steak in the air fryer, including ribeye, skirt steak, and filet mignon, and achieve a delicious, evenly cooked steak with minimal effort.

How to choose the best cut of steak for an air fryer

Cooking steak in an air fryer is an easy, quick, and healthy alternative to grilling or using a stove. The air fryer's small, enclosed space and fan mechanism ensure a consistent temperature, so your steak will be cooked perfectly every time.

When choosing the best cut of steak for an air fryer, consider the following:

Temperature and Timing

Steaks should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 125 F for rare, and up to 160 F for well-done. The timing will depend on the desired level of doneness, with rare steaks taking less time to cook than well-done steaks. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare, and 12 minutes for medium, flipping halfway through. Adjust the timing according to the thickness of your steak.

Cut and Texture

The cut and texture of the steak will impact the cooking time and final texture. For example, flank steak is best cooked rare, medium-rare, or medium, as it can become chewy if overcooked. On the other hand, tougher cuts like cube steak benefit from marination, which helps to tenderize the meat.

Size and Spacing

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Leave some space between the steaks for proper airflow. If needed, cook the steaks in batches.

Preparation

For the best flavour and texture, allow the steaks to come to room temperature before cooking. Pat the steaks dry and consider adding a dry rub or marinade for extra flavour. A little oil rubbed onto the steaks will help them brown better.

Thickness

Steaks that are at least 1-inch thick are recommended for air frying. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly and won't have a chance to brown properly.

In summary, when choosing the best cut of steak for an air fryer, opt for steaks that are at least 1-inch thick, and bring them to room temperature before cooking. Consider the desired level of doneness and adjust the timing and temperature accordingly. With the right preparation and spacing, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, juicy steaks every time.

The benefits of cooking steak in an air fryer

There are several benefits to cooking steak in an air fryer. One of the main advantages is the convenience it offers. Air fryers require little to no preparation, and you can cook the steak without having to stand over it constantly. This hands-off approach means you can focus on other tasks while your steak cooks to perfection.

Air fryers also deliver consistent results. The small, enclosed space and fan mechanism ensure a consistent temperature, so you can be confident your steak will cook evenly every time. This takes the guesswork out of cooking times and reduces the risk of overcooking or undercooking.

Air fryers are incredibly versatile, allowing you to cook various steak cuts and experiment with different seasonings and spices. You can also cook frozen food in an air fryer, although you may need to adjust the cooking time.

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to traditional methods. It requires less oil, reducing the overall fat content of your meal without compromising on flavor. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air around the food also results in a crispy, seared exterior and a juicy, tender interior that steak lovers crave.

Finally, air fryers are energy-efficient, cutting down on cooking time and the amount of cleanup required afterward. With an air fryer, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked steak any night of the week without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to season and prepare your steak

Preparing your steak before air frying is an important step in the cooking process. Firstly, you should allow your steak to come to room temperature before cooking. Take the steak out of the fridge for 20-30 minutes before you plan to cook it. This will ensure your steak is less tough and will help it cook evenly.

Pat the steak dry with kitchen paper or a clean cloth, or a paper towel. This step is important to ensure you achieve a perfect sear and crust. Then, brush the steak with oil on both sides. You can use olive oil, or a neutral oil such as butter. This will help the steak to brown.

Now it's time to season. You can use salt and pepper, or a specific steak seasoning, or Italian seasoning. You can also add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a subtle flavour and colour. If you want to add a dry rub, now is the time to do this. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the salt and create a caramelized crust.

If you want to add a marinade, you can do this before you add the oil and seasoning. You can marinate the steak in a dressing or marinade to add an extra flavour punch. You can also add spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a smoky flavour.

Cooking times and temperatures for different steak doneness levels

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that delivers a perfectly cooked steak every time. The temperature control of an air fryer allows you to cook your steak to your desired level of doneness, be it rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done. Here is a guide to help you achieve your desired steak doneness:

Rare Steak:

For a rare steak, cook a 1-inch thick steak in the air fryer for around 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The internal temperature of a rare steak should be between 125°F and 130°F.

Medium-Rare Steak:

To achieve a medium-rare steak, cook your 1-inch thick steak in the air fryer for about 10 minutes, flipping it at the halfway mark. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of your steak. Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F.

Medium Steak:

For a medium steak, cook a 1-inch thick steak for approximately 12 minutes in the air fryer, flipping it after 6 minutes. As with the previous doneness levels, adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your steak. The internal temperature of a medium steak should be around 140°F to 150°F.

Well-Done Steak:

Well-done steaks will require a longer cooking time. Cook your 1-inch thick steak for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Keep in mind that thicker steaks will need a bit more time. The internal temperature for a well-done steak is 160°F.

It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of your steak and ensure your desired level of doneness. Additionally, preheating the air fryer and allowing the steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking are crucial steps for optimal results.

How to make garlic herb butter to top your steak

Yes, you can cook steak in an air fryer! It is a quick and easy method that produces a juicy steak with a crispy crust seared outside and a tender inside.

Now, for the star of the show: garlic herb butter. This compound butter is super easy to make and is a delicious way to add some extra flavor to your steak. Here's how you can make it:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need butter, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, basil, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Fresh garlic and parsley will give you the best flavor. You can adjust the quantities of the ingredients as per your taste. As a general rule, remember that the ratio of fresh herbs to dried herbs is 1 tablespoon to 1 teaspoon.

Next, mince the garlic and parsley and add them to a bowl with the softened butter. You can use a hand mixer or a rubber spatula to combine the ingredients until they form a homogeneous mixture. You can also add other ingredients of your choice, such as chives, oregano, or red pepper flakes, to make it your own.

Once combined, transfer the mixture to a piece of wax paper or parchment paper. Shape the butter into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter and twist the ends of the paper to close. You can also use silicone candy molds to form the butter into fun shapes. Place the butter in the refrigerator until it is firm.

Your garlic herb butter is now ready to be used! It will keep in the refrigerator for about two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months. When you're ready to serve your steak, simply slice a pat of butter and place it on top of the hot steak. As the butter melts, it will create a delicious garlicky sauce that will take your steak to the next level.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked air-fried steak with a mouthwatering garlic herb butter topping!

Frequently asked questions