Air Fryer Steak: Can You Really Do It?

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to prepare a juicy steak with a crispy crust. While it may not be the best way to cook a steak, it is a good option for those who are intimidated by cooking steak in a skillet on the stovetop or for those who want to avoid the mess of cooking steak in a pan. Air fryers also cut down on cooking time and fat usage without sacrificing flavour.

How to cook steak in an air fryer

Preparation

Firstly, ensure your steak is at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks may overcook. Choose a porterhouse or sirloin steak, or another cut such as New York strip, ribeye, t-bone, top sirloin, or filet mignon.

Take the steak out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking to let it reach room temperature. This will help the steak cook evenly. Blot the steak with kitchen paper or a clean cloth to remove any excess moisture, which will help it brown.

Seasoning

Drizzle, brush, or rub olive oil onto the steak. You can also use butter or another neutral oil. Oil helps the steak brown and develop a crust. Season generously with salt and pepper, or a seasoning of your choice. You can also add spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper.

Cooking

Preheat the air fryer to between 200°C and 400°F. Place the steak in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes for a medium-rare steak, or 14 minutes for medium-well. For a rare steak, cook for 8-10 minutes. Flip the steak halfway through cooking for an even cook.

Resting

Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate or board for 10 minutes. Tent loosely with foil to prevent continued cooking. This allows the juices to solidify and the fibres to relax, resulting in a moist and flavoursome steak.

Serving

Air fryer steak pairs well with traditional steakhouse sides like mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, crispy onions, or roasted asparagus. You can also serve it with chips, a seasonal green salad, or roasted vegetables. Top with garlic butter for extra flavour.

Pros and cons of air frying steak

Air fryers have become a popular way to cook food, and it is possible to cook steak in an air fryer. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to this method.

Pros

The main benefit of using an air fryer is convenience. Air fryers heat up quickly and cook food from all angles with fast-moving hot air, meaning you don't have to stand over a stove and flip or baste the steak. This is especially useful if you are also cooking side dishes. Air fryers also contain the mess of cooking steak, as the closed-off basket prevents fat from splattering onto kitchen surfaces.

Air fryers are also a good option for less confident cooks who are intimidated by cooking steak on a stovetop, as they are a more hands-off method.

Cons

The downside of the hands-off approach is that you can't use flavour-building techniques like basting, which creates a succulent steak with a nicely browned exterior. Steaks cooked in an air fryer typically lack the rich, caramelized flavour and texture that many people enjoy.

Air fryers are also limited by size, and larger cuts of steak may not fit well in the basket. You are more restricted in terms of the type of steak you can buy and cook.

There are also temperature limitations, as most air fryers only reach a maximum temperature of 450 degrees F, which is relatively low for cooking steak. This, combined with the fast movement of air, can cause the steak to become dry.

Steak doneness levels

Rare Steak

Rare steak is characterised by a bright red centre with a slightly warm interior. To achieve this, cook a 1-inch thick steak in the air fryer for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking time. The internal temperature should reach around 120°F (49°C).

Medium-Rare Steak

Medium-rare steak has a warm red centre with a slightly pink exterior. Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) to 135°F (57°C). For a 1-inch thick steak, cook it in the air fryer for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, flipping it at the halfway point.

Medium Steak

A medium steak will have a pink centre with a slightly brown exterior. Cook your 1-inch thick steak for about 14 minutes, flipping it after the first 6 or 7 minutes. The internal temperature should be around 140°F (60°C).

Medium-Well Steak

Medium-well steak is mostly brown throughout, with a small amount of pink in the centre. Target an internal temperature of approximately 150°F (65°C). For a 1-inch thick steak, this will take around 15 to 17 minutes of cooking time, with a flip at the halfway mark.

Well-Done Steak

Well-done steak is completely brown throughout, with no pink remaining. To achieve this, cook your 1-inch thick steak for about 18 to 20 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) or above.

Remember, these timings are for a 1-inch thick steak and may vary depending on your air fryer model. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and remove the steak from the air fryer a few degrees before your desired doneness, as the steak will continue to cook slightly after it is removed. Additionally, let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy, flavourful result.

Tips for cooking steak in an air fryer

Preparation

Before cooking, remove your steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure your steak is less tough and help it cook evenly. You should also dry off the steak using kitchen paper or a clean cloth.

Seasoning

Coat the steak with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, or cayenne pepper.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. Then, place the steak in the basket and cook for 6 minutes. Turn the steak and cook for another 2 minutes for rare to medium-rare. For medium steaks, cook for an additional 2 minutes, and for well-done steaks, add another 2 minutes.

Resting

After cooking, let the steak rest on a plate for 3-4 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the muscle fibres to relax, resulting in a consistently moist and flavourful steak.

Sides

Air fryer steak goes well with traditional steakhouse sides like mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, crispy onions, or roasted asparagus. You can also serve it with chips, a seasonal green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Pros of Air Frying Steak

• Quick and convenient: Air fryers heat up fast and cook steak evenly without the need for constant monitoring.
• Less mess: The closed basket of an air fryer contains the mess and prevents grease splatter on your stove and countertops.
• Low intimidation factor: Cooking steak in a skillet on the stovetop can be intimidating due to the high heat required, but air fryers offer a more hands-off approach.

Cons of Air Frying Steak

• Lack of flavour: Air frying may not produce the same rich, caramelized flavour and exterior texture that other cooking methods achieve.
• Size limitations: Larger cuts of steak may not fit well in the basket of most air fryers, so you may need to opt for smaller cuts.
• Temperature limitations: Most air fryers don't reach the same high temperatures as a stovetop, which can affect the char and flavour of the steak.

What to serve with air fryer steak

So, you've cooked your steak in the air fryer and now you're wondering what to serve it with. Well, wonder no more! Here are some ideas for sides to accompany your juicy air-fried steak.

First up, let's talk about potatoes. Baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, mashed potatoes, and French fries are all great options to serve with your steak. They'll add some carbs and starch to your meal, and who doesn't love a good potato? If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try making air fryer sweet potato fries. Serve them with some Cajun or BBQ seasoning for a tasty treat.

Now, let's not forget about our vegetables. A simple salad or some roasted veggies will do the trick. Green beans, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts are all great choices to pair with your steak. They'll add some colour and nutrients to your plate. If you're feeling fancy, you could even try making air fryer pigs in blankets as a fun side dish.

And there you have it! Some perfect sides to accompany your air fryer steak. So, fire up that air fryer and get cooking! Your delicious meal awaits.

Frequently asked questions