Air-Fried Carne Asada: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Yes, you can make carne asada in an air fryer! Carne asada is a popular dish made with sliced beef sirloin or skirt steak, marinated with seasonings like cayenne pepper, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion, and fresh citrus juices. The air fryer is a much simpler and quicker cooking method for carne asada, giving the meat a similar flavor and texture while keeping it juicy and tender with minimal effort.

To make carne asada in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F and prepare the air fryer basket with a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray. Place the carne asada in the basket in a single layer and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor.

How long does it take to cook carne asada in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make carne asada in an air fryer!

Carne asada is a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness.

For a medium-rare skirt steak, cook for 3 minutes on each side, for a total of 6 minutes. For medium, increase the time to 8 minutes total. For well-done, cook for 10 to 12 minutes total. However, it is advised to not cook skirt steak to anything past medium.

It is critical to not overcook skirt steak so that the meat doesn't become tough. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F in the middle. For a well-done steak, the internal temperature should be 145°F.

After cooking, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

The ideal temperature for cooking carne asada in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F.

Sources suggest that the air fryer should be preheated to 400°F for around 3 to 5 minutes. The carne asada can then be cooked for around 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness.

For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 130°F and 135°F. For a medium steak, the internal temperature should be between 135°F and 145°F. It is advised not to overcook the meat, as this will make it tough.

How do you prepare the meat before cooking?

Preparing the meat before cooking is a crucial step in making carne asada in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, select the right cut of meat. Traditionally, carne asada is made with either flank steak or skirt steak. These cuts are ideal because they provide a tender texture and rich flavour when marinated and cooked properly. If you are unable to find these specific cuts, other options include sirloin flap meat or trimmed brisket. Just ensure that the meat is tasty, as the marinade will take care of making it tender.

Once you have your meat, it's time to prepare the marinade. In a bowl, combine ingredients such as minced garlic, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a smooth sauce. You can also add other ingredients like brown sugar, paprika, oregano, or soy sauce for extra flavour.

Now, it's time to marinate the steak. Place the flank or skirt steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. It is recommended to marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for a few hours or even overnight, to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Before cooking, remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. It is important to pat the steak dry on both sides using paper towels. Then, season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or a steak seasoning blend, on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or chipotle seasoning.

Finally, let the steak come to room temperature before cooking. This step is important as it ensures even cooking. Depending on the thickness of your steak, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer.

Now your meat is ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer and cook the steak to your desired doneness. Enjoy your delicious, juicy, and tender carne asada!

What cuts of meat can be used?

When making carne asada in an air fryer, the most commonly used cuts of meat are skirt steak and flank steak. These cuts are typically more affordable and have a strong, beefy flavour. They are also fairly heavily marbled but also somewhat stringier.

Skirt steak is a thinner cut with a higher fat content, which makes it more flavourful. It is cut from the diaphragm of the cow. Flank steak, on the other hand, is cut from underneath the loin area. When sliced, flank steak pieces are wider and usually thinner than skirt steak, which are long and skinny. Skirt steak cooks quicker than flank steak and absorbs marinades better due to its more loosely woven grain structure.

Carne asada can also be made with beef sirloin, as in the case of Trader Joe's pre-marinated carne asada.

How do you serve carne asada?

There are many ways to serve carne asada. Here are some suggestions:

Burritos, Fajitas, and Tacos

Create a delicious Mexican feast by serving your carne asada in a tortilla with rice, beans, and salad. You could also add some mango or cabbage slaw, shredded lettuce, or salsa. For an extra kick of flavour, squeeze some lime juice over the meat before serving.

Nachos

For a more casual dish, serve your carne asada on a bed of corn chips with cheese, beans, and salsa. You could also add some guacamole, avocado, or sour cream.

Rice Bowl

For a rice bowl, serve the carne asada with rice, beans, and salad. You could also add some guacamole, pico de gallo, and fresh herbs.

Salad

Carne asada can also be sliced and served with a simple garden salad or chopped salad.

Sides

If you are serving the carne asada as a main course, you could accompany it with some grilled tortillas, cilantro-lime rice, and Mexican corn salad. For a more traditional steak dinner, try some garlic mashed yuca or a side salad such as corn and tomato salad, creamy cucumber salad, or jicama salad.

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