Air Fryer Frozen Steak: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook frozen steak in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious, juicy steak without the hassle of defrosting it first. The air fryer's small size and hot air distribution mean it takes no time to heat and cook the steaks perfectly.

How to cook frozen steak in an air fryer

It is possible to cook frozen steak in an air fryer and get a perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender steak. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Take the steak out of the freezer and remove any packaging. Brush or spray both sides of the steak with olive oil or cooking spray. This will help the seasoning stick to the steak.

Step 2: Season the Steak

Sprinkle the steak with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, or any other steak seasoning you like. Be generous with the seasoning, as it won't penetrate the steak as much as it would if it were thawed.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F. The exact temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model and the desired level of doneness for your steak.

Step 4: Cook the Steak

Place the seasoned steak into the air fryer basket or grill pan if you have one. The grill pan can give your steak a nice grilled taste.

Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and how well you like it done. As a general guideline, cook a 3/4-inch thick steak for about 15-18 minutes, flipping it halfway through.

For a rarer steak, cook for a shorter time, and for a well-done steak, cook for a few minutes longer. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.

Step 5: Rest the Steak

Once your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and wrap it in aluminum foil. Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak.

Tips:

• If you are cooking multiple steaks, make sure they fit comfortably in your air fryer. You may need to cook them in batches.
• It is best to put food into a hot air fryer basket, so preheating is recommended.
• Always let your steak rest before slicing and serving to ensure the best results.
• The exact cooking time will depend on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of your steak. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
• For the best quality, freeze your steaks individually wrapped or vacuum-sealed, and use them within 3-6 months.

The best cuts of steak for air frying from frozen

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen steak, with minimal prep time and cooking times of around 10-20 minutes. The best cuts of steak to cook from frozen are ribeye, sirloin, and filet.

Ribeye

The ribeye is a great option for air frying from frozen due to its marbling and fat content, which adds flavour and keeps the meat juicy. It is a versatile cut that can be cooked to different levels of doneness, but it is particularly well-suited for rare to medium-rare.

Sirloin

Sirloin is another good choice for air frying from frozen. It is a leaner cut than ribeye, so it may not be as juicy, but it still has a good flavour and can be cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Filet

Filet, also known as fillet, is a tender and lean cut of steak. While it may not have as much flavour as ribeye or sirloin, it is still a good option for air frying from frozen. It is best suited for rare to medium-rare to avoid drying out the meat.

Other Considerations

When air frying steak from frozen, it is important to note that thicker steaks will take longer to cook and may require adjustments to the cooking time and temperature. Additionally, it is recommended to let the steaks rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and prevent them from drying out.

How long to cook frozen steak in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen steak in an air fryer. It is best to preheat your air fryer before cooking. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak, the power of your air fryer, and how well you want your steak cooked. As a general rule, the steak will take between 10 and 20 minutes to cook.

How to Cook Frozen Steak in an Air Fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F. Brush the steaks with olive oil or spray with cooking spray on both sides. Season the steaks with salt and pepper, and any other herbs or spices you desire—you will need to be more generous with seasonings than usual. Put the frozen steaks in the air fryer and cook for 7 minutes on each side for a medium steak. For a medium-rare steak, set the air fryer to 10 minutes and turn the steak halfway through. For a well-done steak, set the air fryer to 14 minutes, and for a medium-well steak, 12 minutes.

Tips:

• It is highly recommended to let your steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.
• The best type of steak to cook from frozen is a ribeye, due to the extra fat and marbling.
• 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.

How to season a frozen steak

Yes, you can cook a frozen steak in an air fryer! It's best to season the steak after it has been slightly thawed, as this will ensure the seasoning sticks. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season a frozen steak:

• Start by placing the frozen steak in the air fryer basket and air fry for 3-4 minutes. This will thaw the steak slightly so that the seasoning will stick.
• While the steak is thawing, prepare your seasoning. A simple mixture of salt and pepper is classic, but feel free to get creative and use your preferred steak seasoning blend or marinade. You can also brush the steak with olive oil or cooking spray to help the seasoning stick.
• After the steak has thawed slightly, remove it from the air fryer and season generously on both sides.
• Place the seasoned steak back into the air fryer and continue cooking according to your desired level of doneness.
• For a medium-rare steak, set the air fryer to 10 minutes and turn the steak halfway through.
• For a medium steak, set the air fryer to 12 minutes.
• For a medium-well steak, set the air fryer to 14 minutes.
• For a well-done steak, set the air fryer to 16-18 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached your desired level of doneness.
• Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and wrap it in aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and flavorful steak.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a juicy and flavorful steak straight from the freezer!

How to reheat steak in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat steak in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F. This is the ideal temperature for reheating steak without overcooking it.
• Prepare the Steak: Take your leftover steak out of the refrigerator and place it in the air fryer basket. You can reheat multiple steaks at once if they fit comfortably in the basket.
• Reheat the Steak: Place the air fryer basket in the air fryer and reheat the steak for 3 to 5 minutes. This should be enough time to thoroughly warm your steak without overcooking it.
• Let it Rest: After reheating, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak.
• Serve: Once the steak has rested, it's ready to be served and enjoyed! You can also add a pat of butter on top for some extra flavour and moisture.

Reheating steak in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy your leftovers. Just make sure not to overcook it, as this can dry out the steak. Always check the internal temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Frequently asked questions