Defrosting Steak Using An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

You can cook a frozen steak in an air fryer without defrosting it first. It's a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy, tender and tasty steak. You'll need to brush the steak with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasonings. Then, preheat the air fryer to between 380°F/190°C and 400°F/200°C, depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

How long does it take to defrost steak in an air fryer?

Yes, you can defrost steak in an air fryer! It is best to brush the steak with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper before placing it in the air fryer. The time it takes to defrost steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak, the power of the air fryer, and the desired level of doneness.

For a 1-inch thick steak, it will take around 18-30 minutes to defrost in an air fryer set at 400°F. If you are looking for a rare steak, it will take around 8-10 minutes per side. For a medium steak, it will take around 11-12 minutes per side. And for a well-done steak, it will take around 12-15 minutes per side.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the steak. It is always a good idea to check the steak's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness. Additionally, letting the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a more tender and juicy steak.

What is the best cut of steak to defrost in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook steak in an air fryer straight from frozen. It's a quick and easy way to cook a delicious, juicy steak with minimal preparation.

The best cut of steak to defrost in an air fryer is a ribeye. The extra fat and marbling add flavour and result in a juicier piece of meat. However, you can also use other cuts of steak, such as sirloin or filet. Tougher cuts like round steak are not recommended for a dry cooking environment like an air fryer.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and how well you like it cooked. As a guide, a 1-inch thick steak cooked to medium-rare will take around 13 minutes in the air fryer.

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F/190°C for 5 minutes.
• Place the frozen steaks on a plate and brush both sides with olive oil.
• Season with salt and pepper, or your desired seasonings.
• Place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F/190°C for 13-16 minutes for medium-rare, adjusting the time for your desired doneness.
• Let the steaks rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

You can also slightly thaw the steak in the air fryer before seasoning, as the seasoning may fall off if applied while the steak is still frozen. Then, season and cook according to the steps above.

Can you defrost multiple steaks in an air fryer?

Yes, you can defrost multiple steaks in an air fryer! In fact, cooking steak from frozen is recommended by some experts as thawing can make the meat tougher.

If you are cooking multiple steaks, make sure they fit comfortably next to each other in the air fryer. If not, you will need to cook them in batches. You can also air fry multiple steaks frozen together in one piece to thaw, and then separate them.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steaks and your desired level of doneness. For example, a 1-inch thick steak cooked to medium rare might take around 13-16 minutes in the air fryer, while a thinner steak might take 10-12 minutes. It's important to note that the timing may vary depending on your specific air fryer model.

When cooking multiple steaks in the air fryer, it is crucial not to overcrowd the basket or stack the steaks. This can block airflow and prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. Make sure there is enough space between the steaks for optimal results.

To ensure even cooking and a nice sear on both sides, it is recommended to flip the steaks halfway through the cooking process. Additionally, letting the steaks rest for a few minutes after air frying helps the juices settle, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful steak.

For the best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steaks and adjust the cooking time accordingly. This will help you achieve your desired level of doneness without overcooking the meat.

What temperature should the air fryer be to defrost steak?

You can cook steak from frozen in an air fryer, and it's best to cook it according to its internal temperature rather than the time. The ideal temperature depends on how well you want your steak cooked.

If you want your steak rare, cook it for 3-5 minutes on each side at 400°F/200°C and remove it from the air fryer immediately. You may not get as much crust as you would like with this method, but leaving it in any longer will overcook the steak.

For a medium-rare steak, cook it at 400°F/200°C for about 5 minutes on each side and let it sit for 2 minutes in the warm air fryer.

For a medium steak, cook it at 400°F/200°C for about 5 minutes on each side and let it sit for 5 minutes in the warm air fryer.

For a medium-well steak, cook it at 400°F/200°C for 5-7 minutes on each side and let it sit for 5 minutes in the warm air fryer.

For a well-done steak, cook it for 14 to 18 minutes in a preheated air fryer at 380°F/190°C. Check the temperature to ensure it's above 160°F/70°C.

It's important to note that the cooking time depends on the thickness of the steak. A thinner steak will require less time, and a thicker steak will require more time. It's also important to flip the steak halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

How do you defrost steak in an air fryer?

You can cook a frozen steak in an air fryer without defrosting it first. In fact, some experts recommend cooking steak from frozen, as thawing can make the meat tougher.

Here's how to defrost steak in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the steak

Take your steak out of the freezer and remove any packaging. If your steaks are frozen together, you can air fry them in one piece to thaw, and then separate them.

Step 2: Oil and season

Brush or spray the steak with olive oil or oil of your choice. You can also use butter, but this may burn during cooking. The oil will help your seasonings stick to the meat. Season the steak with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasonings. You can season the steak before or after placing it in the air fryer, but if you season it beforehand, the seasonings may fall off.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F/190°C for 5 minutes. If you're cooking more than one steak, make sure they fit comfortably next to each other in the air fryer. You may need to cook them in batches.

Step 4: Air fry the steak

Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F/190°C for 13-16 minutes for a medium-rare steak, or until it is cooked to your liking. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time.

Step 5: Rest the steak

Remove the steak from the air fryer and wrap it in aluminium foil. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. A thinner steak will take less time to cook, while a thicker steak may take longer.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 120°F-125°F; for medium-rare, 130°F-135°F; for medium, 140°F-145°F; for medium-well, 150°F-155°F; and for well-done, 160°F.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This can block airflow and prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking.
• Always let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to settle into the meat, making it juicier and more delicious.
• If you're cooking multiple steaks, check your air fryer model to see if you need to adjust the cooking time or temperature.
• If you're using frozen, pre-seasoned steaks, skip the seasoning step.

Frequently asked questions