Making Steaks: Air Fryer Edition

Yes, you can cook steaks in an air fryer! This method of cooking steak provides a juicy texture and a crispy crust. It is also quicker, healthier, and less messy than traditional methods.

Steak type and thickness

For the best results, it is recommended to use steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks will cook too quickly and won't get a chance to brown properly. The thicker the steak, the more likely you will get a good sear on the outside while keeping the inside at your desired level of doneness.

Some recommended steak types for air frying include:

• Ribeye
• New York Strip
• Tri-Tip
• Sirloin
• Filet Mignon
• Skirt Steak
• Flank Steak

However, it is advised to avoid skirt steak and flank steak as they are naturally thin cuts.

When cooking, it is important to ensure that the air fryer is not overcrowded, as this will affect the airflow and even cooking of the steaks.

Room temperature

When cooking steak in an air fryer, it is important to let the meat reach room temperature before cooking. This is a critical step in achieving the best results. Here are some key points about room temperature and its role in cooking steak in an air fryer:

Letting the steak come to room temperature helps ensure even cooking. By allowing the steak to sit out for a while, you eliminate the extreme temperature difference between the inside and outside of the steak when it is first placed in the air fryer. This helps the steak cook more evenly, preventing the outside from overcooking while the inside reaches the desired doneness.

The recommended time for letting the steak reach room temperature varies. Some sources suggest 20 minutes, while others recommend 30 minutes or even up to 60 minutes. It is important to plan ahead and take this step into account when preparing your steak.

Additionally, it is important to note that the room temperature step should not be skipped or rushed, especially if you are aiming for a specific level of doneness, such as medium-rare or medium. Allowing the steak to reach room temperature is a key factor in achieving accurate cooking temperatures and preventing overcooking.

In summary, letting your steak come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process. It helps ensure even cooking, promotes better browning, and contributes to achieving the desired level of doneness. By following this step, you'll be well on your way to a perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavourful air-fried steak.

Dry steaks

Before cooking your steaks in an air fryer, it is important to dry them thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture. This will help them to brown rather than steam. You can also leave your steaks uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours or days before cooking to let the salt draw out the moisture. However, if you don't have time for this step, it is not essential.

It is also important to let your steaks come to room temperature before cooking. This will help them stay tender and juicy. For the best results, let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking.

When you are ready to cook, brush your steaks with melted butter or olive oil and season with salt and pepper or your choice of seasonings. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook your steaks for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare or 12-15 minutes for medium, flipping halfway through. For thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Let your steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will ensure that they are perfectly juicy. Enjoy your delicious air fryer steaks!

Browning

• Thickness of Steak: It is recommended to use steaks that are at least one inch thick. Thinner steaks tend to cook too quickly and may not have enough time to brown properly.
• Room Temperature: Allow your steaks to reach room temperature before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and browning. Take the steaks out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before cooking.
• Oil: Rubbing a small amount of oil on both sides of the steak can enhance browning. Olive oil is a good option due to its mild flavour.
• Dry Steaks: Before cooking, use paper towels to pat the steaks dry and remove any excess moisture. This will help prevent steaming and promote better browning.
• Preheating: Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 400°F, for at least 10 minutes before adding the steaks. This step is crucial, as it helps to achieve a nice brown crust on the exterior of the steak.
• Spacing: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. This will ensure even cooking and browning on all sides of the steak.
• Flipping: For even browning, flip the steaks halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure that all sides of the steak are exposed to the hot air and will help prevent overcooking.
• Cooking Time: Adjust the cooking time based on your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for around 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a medium steak, increase the cooking time to about 12 minutes. Well-done steaks may take up to 15 minutes.
• Resting: After removing the steaks from the air fryer, let them rest on a plate, loosely covered with foil, for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier steak.
• Meat Probe/Thermometer: Use a meat probe or instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of your steaks. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F. Remove the steaks from the air fryer about 5 degrees before your desired doneness, as the temperature will continue to rise as the meat rests.

Resting

During the resting period, the juices inside the steak redistribute, ensuring that they don't end up on your plate when you cut into it. This helps maintain the moisture and flavour of the meat. Additionally, the steak's temperature will continue to rise slightly during resting, so it's important to remove it from the air fryer before it reaches your desired doneness temperature. A meat thermometer can be a useful tool to check the steak's temperature and determine how much longer it needs to rest.

While resting, you can keep the steak loosely covered with foil to retain some heat. You can also top the steak with garlic butter during this time, adding extra flavour and moisture. The garlic butter can be made by mixing butter with ingredients like parsley, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.

The resting time is an important step in the cooking process, ensuring your steak is cooked to perfection and resulting in a juicy and tender bite every time.

Frequently asked questions