Air Fryer Frozen Steak: Is It Possible?

It is possible to cook a frozen steak in an air fryer, and it will taste just as good as if it were fresh. The air fryer is a nearly foolproof way to get juicy, tender steak straight out of the freezer. It is best to use a ribeye, sirloin, or filet steak, and the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.

How to season a frozen steak

Yes, you can cook a frozen steak in an air fryer. It is best to use a ribeye, sirloin, or filet cut of steak.

Firstly, it is important to note that you cannot marinate a frozen steak. The seasonings will not have as much time to penetrate the meat, so it is recommended to use more seasoning than you usually would.

Before seasoning, it is recommended to slightly thaw the steak in the air fryer for about 4 minutes. This will ensure that the seasoning does not fall off.

The seasonings you use are up to your preference, but it is recommended to use sea salt or kosher salt and black pepper. You can also use other seasonings like rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, or Montreal steak seasoning.

Brush the steak with oil before applying the seasoning to ensure the seasonings stick. If you cannot use oil, spritz the steak with cold water.

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon olive oil or other cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes, divided

Mix the garlic powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the olive oil and mix again.

After air frying the steak for 4 minutes, spread half of the seasoning on top. Flip the steak and add the remaining seasoning. Air fry for another 4 minutes.

For a medium steak, wrap the steak in aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. For a more or less cooked steak, check the internal temperature and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How long to cook a frozen steak

Yes, you can cook a frozen steak in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak, the desired level of doneness, and the air fryer model being used.

For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for a total of 20 minutes at 400°F/200°C, flipping the steak after 10 minutes. After cooking, leave the steak in the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes with the air fryer turned off. This will result in a medium-rare steak.

For a 3/4-inch thick steak, cook for 8-10 minutes at 400°F/200°C, flipping halfway through, for a medium-rare steak.

If you prefer your steak rare, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. For a well-done steak, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

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 recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Additionally, it is suggested to season the steak generously with salt and pepper, and other desired seasonings, before cooking.

The best cuts of steak for the air fryer

Yes, you can cook a frozen steak in an air fryer. In fact, cooking steak in an air fryer is an easier, cleaner, and healthier alternative to grilling or pan-searing. It is also much faster, with a cook time of around 10 to 15 minutes.

When it comes to choosing the best cut of steak to cook in an air fryer, you have multiple options. Here are some of the best cuts:

• Porterhouse
• Sirloin
• New York Strip
• Ribeye
• T-bone
• Top Sirloin
• Filet Mignon
• Cube Steak
• Flank Steak

The best cut of steak to use if you're cooking from frozen is a ribeye, due to the extra fat and marbling, which adds flavour and results in a juicier piece of meat.

Tips for Cooking Steak in an Air Fryer

• Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak.
• If you're cooking from frozen, you don't need to preheat your air fryer.
• If you're cooking from fresh, pat your steaks dry before seasoning.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—leave some space between the steaks for airflow to cook evenly.
• If you're cooking from frozen, you can't marinate your steak, so be sure to season generously.
• If you're cooking from fresh, allow your steaks to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Reheating steak in the air fryer

Preparing the Steak for Reheating

Before you start reheating your steak in the air fryer, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, allow the steak to come to room temperature before reheating. This is a crucial step as it helps the steak reheat more evenly and reduces the risk of drying it out. It is recommended to take the steak out of the fridge 30 minutes beforehand.

If you want to reheat your steak as quickly and evenly as possible, consider slicing it into thinner pieces. This is entirely optional, but it will help the steak heat up more efficiently.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. Set the temperature to 350°F or 360°F and let it heat up for about 5 minutes.

Reheating the Steak

Place your steak, sliced or whole, into the air fryer basket. If you are reheating multiple steaks, ensure they fit comfortably with some space around them. You may need to reheat in batches if they don't all fit at once.

The reheating time will depend on the thickness of your steak and whether you have sliced it or not. For sliced steak, start with 2-3 minutes at 360°F, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. For a whole steak, allow 3-5 minutes at 350°F, and up to 7 minutes for a very thick cut.

Use a meat thermometer to check if your steak has reached the desired internal temperature. The USDA recommends reheating leftovers to a minimum of 165°F.

Resting the Steak

Once your steak has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and wrap it in aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the steak retain its juices and ensures a tender, juicy bite.

Enjoy Your Steak!

Now you're ready to serve your reheated steak! You can enjoy it as is or get creative with some tasty sides.

Tips for the Best Results

• Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
• Allow the steak to rest after reheating to retain moisture and juiciness.
• Consume your steak within three to four days of refrigeration to avoid bacteria growth.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your leftover steak with the perfect balance of warmth, tenderness, and flavor!

How to avoid overcooking your steak

Yes, you can cook a frozen steak in an air fryer. Here are some tips on how to avoid overcooking your steak:

Timing and Temperature

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and the level of doneness you prefer. For example, a rare steak will take less time to cook than a well-done steak. Thicker steaks will also require longer cooking times. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Preheating

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps to create a perfect crust on your steak.

Resting

Allow your steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist steak.

Seasoning

Use generous amounts of seasoning on your steak, as the seasonings may not penetrate the meat as effectively when cooking from frozen.

Thickness

Choose a steak that is not too thick, as thicker cuts may require longer cooking times and can result in overcooking the exterior before the interior is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Defrosting

If you have time, slightly defrost your steak in the air fryer before seasoning. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and reduce the overall cooking time.

Oil

Coat your steak with a light layer of oil before cooking to enhance the flavor and texture, giving the meat a crispy exterior while retaining moisture inside.

Marinating

Consider marinating your steak before air frying to infuse additional flavors. A simple marinade could include olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice.

Batch Cooking

If cooking multiple steaks, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Experiment with Seasonings

Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spice blends to create unique flavor profiles.

By following these tips, you can avoid overcooking your steak and achieve a juicy and flavorful steak cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Frequently asked questions