Air Fryer Steak: Can You Do It?

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a convenient, quick, and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. Air fryers are known for their ability to cook food evenly and efficiently, and this extends to steak as well. By using an air fryer, you can achieve a tender, juicy steak with a perfectly seared crust. The process is simple: preheat the air fryer, season the steak, cook it for a short amount of time, and then let it rest. The result is a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal cleanup required.

Steak type and thickness

First, let's talk about steak type. You can use various types of steaks in an air fryer, including ribeye, New York strip, sirloin, tri-tip, t-bone, porterhouse, and filet mignon. These cuts of steak are all suitable for air frying and will produce juicy and tender results.

Now, let's discuss thickness. It is recommended to use steaks that are at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick for air frying. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly and won't have a chance to brown properly. A thicker steak will require a longer cooking time, so adjust your timing accordingly.

For example, a 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium-rare in a preheated air fryer should be cooked for a total of 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. If you prefer your steak medium, cook it for a total of 12 minutes, still flipping it halfway.

Remember, the key to a perfect air-fried steak is achieving that crispy, seared exterior while maintaining a juicy, tender interior. By choosing the right steak type and thickness and following the proper cooking techniques, you can easily cook delicious steaks in your air fryer.

Room temperature

To ensure the best results when cooking steak in an air fryer, it is recommended to let the steak reach room temperature before cooking. This is a critical step in cooking a steak in an air fryer and it is recommended to leave the steak out for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This is also a good time to prep any side dishes or seasonings.

The reason for letting the steak reach room temperature is to ensure the most even cooking. This is especially important when cooking steak in an air fryer as the high temperatures and fast cooking time can lead to uneven cooking if the steak is not at room temperature.

In addition to letting the steak reach room temperature, there are a few other things to keep in mind when cooking steak in an air fryer. First, make sure to pat the steak dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Second, brush the steak with oil and season with salt and pepper, or a seasoning blend of your choice. Third, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, cook the steak for the desired amount of time, flipping halfway through.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and the desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10 to 12 minutes for medium-rare, or 12 to 15 minutes for well-done. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to the desired temperature. Pull the steak out of the air fryer 5 to 10 degrees before the desired temperature, as the steak will continue to cook after being removed from the air fryer.

Dry steaks

To ensure your steaks are dry before air frying, there are a few methods you can use.

Firstly, it is recommended that you pat your steaks with paper towels to remove any moisture. This will help them brown rather than steam.

Secondly, you can place your steaks in the refrigerator for a few hours or a few days before cooking. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper and blot the liquids with a paper towel every 12 hours or so. This will help the salt penetrate and flavour the meat inside out, as well as tenderising it.

Finally, if you don't have time to do this, just make sure to salt the steaks right before cooking, as this will draw out moisture and help with browning.

If you want to add extra flavour to your steaks, brush them with butter before putting them in the air fryer.

Browning

• Choose the Right Cut of Steak: Opt for thicker cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip that are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks tend to cook too quickly and may not have enough time to brown properly.
• Bring to Room Temperature: Take your steaks out of the fridge and let them come up to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and allows the steaks to retain their juiciness.
• Pat Dry and Season: Before cooking, pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Then, season the steaks with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, or your favourite steak seasoning blend. You can also try a dry rub with spices like garlic powder and paprika to enhance browning and add flavour.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Make sure your air fryer is fully preheated to the desired temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C), before adding the steaks. This helps ensure even cooking and browning.
• Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Place the steaks in the air fryer basket with enough space between them to allow for proper airflow. This will help ensure even cooking and browning on all sides of the steaks.
• Flip Halfway Through: To ensure even browning and cooking, flip the steaks halfway through the cooking process. Depending on your desired doneness, cook the steaks for a total of 10 to 12 minutes for medium-rare to medium.
• Rest and Tent the Steaks: After removing the steaks from the air fryer, let them rest on a plate loosely tented with foil for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps ensure a juicy, flavourful steak.

By following these tips, you can achieve a beautifully browned steak with a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior using your air fryer.

Don't overcrowd the basket

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy and tender steak with a delicate texture. However, it's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't overcrowd the basket and some tips to avoid doing so:

Even Cooking

Overcrowding the basket can result in uneven cooking. Air fryers rely on the circulation of hot air to cook food evenly. When the basket is overcrowded, not all sides of the steak will receive the same amount of heat, leading to uneven cooking. To ensure your steak cooks evenly, it's best to cook in batches if you have multiple steaks to prepare. This will allow for better airflow and circulation of hot air around each steak.

Optimal Browning

The steaks need enough airflow for optimal browning. When the basket is overcrowded, the airflow is restricted, and the steaks may not brown properly. Leaving some space between the steaks will ensure they get that crispy, seared exterior while remaining juicy on the inside.

Steaming vs. Crisping

Generally, overcrowding the air fryer basket will result in steaming rather than crisping. If you want your steak to have that delicious crispy texture, avoid overcrowding the basket. Cooking in batches will help you achieve that perfect crisp without steaming the steak.

Cooking Time

When the basket is overcrowded, it can increase the cooking time. This is because the hot air circulation is hindered, and the steaks may take longer to cook. Cooking in batches ensures that each steak receives the optimal amount of heat and cooks within the desired timeframe.

Safety

Overcrowding the basket can also be a safety concern. Air fryers need proper airflow and space to function correctly. When the basket is overcrowded, it can restrict airflow and cause the air fryer to overheat. This can be a safety hazard and may damage the appliance.

To avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket when cooking steak, follow these tips:

• Cook one steak at a time, or ensure there is enough space between each steak for airflow.
• If you have multiple steaks, cook them in batches.
• Leave some space around the steaks for airflow to ensure even cooking and optimal browning.
• Avoid piling the steaks on top of each other.
• If needed, consider getting an air fryer with a larger basket to accommodate more steaks at once.

Frequently asked questions