Air Fryer Cube Steak: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cube steak, an inexpensive cut of beef, is a popular choice for a quick and easy meal. It is usually top sirloin or top round, and is tenderised by pounding with a meat mallet to create its distinctive 'cubed' appearance. Cooking cube steak in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this cut of meat, resulting in a juicy steak with a crispy coating. The air fryer also eliminates the mess of frying in oil and reduces clean-up time.

Marinating the steak

Cube steak is a tougher cut of meat, so marinating it beforehand helps to break down the meat and create a more tender steak. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients. A simple marinade can be made by mixing olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. You can also use avocado oil instead of olive oil and brown mustard instead of Dijon. For a dry rub, you can use Montreal steak seasoning, which includes garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dill seed, and salt.

Once you have prepared your marinade, add the cube steaks to the bowl and coat them well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to two to four hours for the most tender steak. If you want to dry brine the meat, sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher salt per steak the night before and reduce the salt in the marinade.

After marinating, remove the steaks from the bowl, allowing any excess sauce to drip off. Place the steaks in the air fryer in a single layer, working in batches if needed. You can line the air fryer basket or tray with foil if desired, but non-stick cooking spray is usually not needed due to the oil in the marinade.

Pre-heating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary, but it can speed up cooking time and make your food crispier. It is also recommended when cooking thinly cut meats.

To preheat your air fryer, first, make sure it is plugged in and ready to go. If something seems wrong, consult the air fryer manual. If your air fryer has a preheat button, hit it, set the temperature, and enter the cooking time. If there is no preheat button, heat the air fryer at 400 °F (204 °C) for 3 to 5 minutes. You can also manually preheat for 3 to 5 minutes using the cooking temperature listed in the recipe you are following. The length of time you need to preheat your air fryer will depend on the temperature you are cooking at and the size of your air fryer. Smaller baskets will take less time to preheat than larger air fryer ovens.

While the appliance is preheating, you can prepare your food. For example, you can mix the flour and seasonings in one bowl or plate and mix the eggs and water in another bowl. You can also season your steak with salt and pepper on both sides. You might also add garlic powder, paprika, or other tasty herbs.

Cooking time and temperature

Cube steak is a tougher cut of meat, so it's important to cook it correctly in your air fryer to ensure it's tender and juicy.

Firstly, it's recommended to marinate the cube steak in a delicious savoury marinade for extra flavour. This can be as quick as 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for the best results.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. You can also preheat at 425°F if you're cooking with a breaded steak.

The cooking time and temperature for your cube steak will depend on the thickness of the steak and the model of your air fryer. As a general rule, cook your steak at 380°F for 6 minutes, then flip it over and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. You can also cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

The steak is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F. You can also check by sight and feel—the steak should be slightly pink in the middle and have a nice colour on the outside.

Internal temperature

The internal temperature of the cube steak is an important factor in ensuring that the meat is cooked properly and has a desirable texture. The recommended internal temperature for a cube steak cooked in an air fryer is 145°F. This temperature reading should be taken from the thickest part of the steak.

To achieve this internal temperature, the cube steak should be cooked in the air fryer for 5 to 8 minutes at 380°F to 400°F. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the specific air fryer being used. It is important to note that the steak will continue to cook for a short time after being removed from the air fryer, so it is advisable to remove it just before it reaches the desired internal temperature.

To check the internal temperature of the cube steak, a meat thermometer can be used. The thermometer should be inserted into the thickest part of the steak to get an accurate reading. It is important not to overcook the steak, as this can result in a tough texture. Therefore, it is recommended to keep an eye on the steak while it is cooking and remove it from the air fryer as soon as it reaches the desired internal temperature.

Once the steak has reached the desired internal temperature and has been removed from the air fryer, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps ensure that the steak remains moist and tender. The steak will continue to cook slightly during this resting period, so it is important to take this into account when determining the desired internal temperature.

Serving suggestions

Cube steak is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some serving suggestions to complement your air-fried cube steak:

Starchy Sides

• Potatoes are a classic choice, and you can serve them in a variety of ways. Try mashed potatoes, especially if you're serving gravy on the side. For a healthier option, you can also make air fryer potato wedges, baked potatoes, or new potatoes.
• Rice is another great option, especially if you're serving a sauce like teriyaki that can be drizzled over the top.
• Mac n' cheese is a delicious, indulgent option that will satisfy any comfort food cravings.

Vegetables

• Green beans are a popular choice and can be prepared in a variety of ways, from simple to flavour-packed recipes.
• Asparagus and broccoli are also healthy, tasty options that pair well with steak.
• Salad is a great way to add some freshness to your meal.
• Keto cauliflower mash is a keto-friendly option that pairs well with the steak.

Sauces and Toppings

• Gravy is a must-have for many when it comes to cube steak. Options include country gravy, sawmill gravy (traditionally served with chicken fried steak), brown beef gravy, or a mushroom-based gravy.
• Steak sauce is a classic choice, and you can either buy it or make your own.
• Compound butter or peppery white gravy can add extra flavour to your steak.
• Cheese can be added right after the steak comes out of the air fryer so it melts on the surface.
• Fried mushrooms, onions, and peppers will add a deeper dimension of flavour and boost the nutritional profile of your meal.

Frequently asked questions