Air-Frying A T-Bone Steak: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook a T-bone steak in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to cook a juicy, tender steak with a flavourful crust, without the need for a grill or stovetop pan. The air fryer's hot air circulation cooks food without the excessive use of oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness, but it generally doesn't take more than 15 minutes to cook a T-bone steak in an air fryer.

Choosing the right steak

T-bone steaks are generally considered one of the highest-quality steaks, but when it comes to choosing the right steak for your air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First and foremost, always opt for high-quality meat. Look for steaks with marbling, as this intramuscular fat will give your steak rich flavour and tenderness. The thickness of your steak is also important; aim for a steak that is at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick to ensure even cooking and a juicy interior. If you're using a T-bone steak, which is usually thicker, you may need to increase the cooking time accordingly.

When it comes to cooking steak in an air fryer, it's essential to bring the meat to room temperature before cooking. This helps ensure that it cooks evenly throughout. You'll also want to preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) to create a perfect sear on the outside of your steak.

While T-bone steaks are a great option for the air fryer, other cuts like ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon are also ideal choices due to their tenderness and flavour. If you're looking for a leaner option, sirloin is a versatile choice that still delivers great taste and texture. For a special occasion, filet mignon is renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich flavour.

Remember, the key to a perfect air-fried steak is in the preparation and cooking method. By choosing a high-quality, well-marbled steak with the right thickness, bringing it to room temperature, and preheating your air fryer, you're well on your way to a mouthwatering meal.

Seasoning

Firstly, remove your steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This is an important step as it helps the inside of the steak cook evenly while the outside sears beautifully. It also ensures that the steak cooks evenly throughout.

Next, rub both sides of the steak with olive oil. This will help the seasonings adhere to the meat. You can also add extra olive oil before placing the steak in the air fryer to achieve a perfect sear.

Now, it's time to season! You can use your favourite spices and herbs. A common blend includes salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Combine the seasonings in a small bowl and sprinkle the mixture evenly on both sides of the steak. Don't be afraid to be generous with the seasoning, as it will enhance the flavour of the meat.

You can also try making a compound butter to top your steak with. For example, you can make a garlic butter by mixing butter with garlic and salt. Or, for something different, try a Gorgonzola butter by mixing Gorgonzola cheese with butter. You can make these in advance and store them in the fridge, ready to top your steak with.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in cooking a T-bone steak. It ensures that your steak starts cooking immediately, creating a perfect sear on the outside. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer is 400°F (200°C). Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can season your steak. Brush the T-bone steak with olive oil on both sides and sprinkle salt and pepper as desired. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or other herbs to enhance the flavor.

Additionally, it is recommended to let the steak come to room temperature before cooking. This helps ensure that it cooks evenly throughout. Remove the steak from the fridge and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to reach room temperature.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can carefully place the seasoned steak into the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space between the steak and the sides of the basket to allow for proper air circulation.

By preheating your air fryer and following these steps, you'll be on your way to cooking a delicious T-bone steak with a beautiful sear and a juicy, tender texture.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your T-bone steak in an air fryer will depend on the level of doneness you want to achieve.

First, let the steak come to room temperature before cooking. This helps ensure that it cooks evenly throughout. Brush the steak with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or a blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

For a medium-rare steak, cook at 390°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. You can also cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Thinner steaks can reach medium-rare within 4 to 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). For a medium steak, cook for 10 minutes, and for medium-well, cook for 12 minutes. Thicker steaks will take longer, but they can go from too rare to done in under a minute, so check often with a meat thermometer.

Let the steak rest for at least 4 to 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a tender and flavorful steak.

Resting and serving

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any desired toppings or sauces to enhance the flavour of your T-bone steak. A popular option is to top the steak with a compound butter, such as garlic butter or Gorgonzola butter. These compound butters can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Other topping options include grass-fed butter, horseradish aioli, or a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.

For serving, transfer the rested T-bone steak to a clean plate or cutting board. If desired, you can slice the steak into thinner pieces to ensure even cooking throughout. Pair your steak with side dishes such as mashed potatoes, potato wedges, sweet potatoes, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. A glass of your favourite red wine can also complement the meal.

Leftovers from your air-fried T-bone steak can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 4 to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, you can use the air fryer again at a lower temperature of around 360°F (180°C) for 5 to 6 minutes, ensuring a tasty steak without overcooking.

Frequently asked questions