Air Fryer Cubed Steak: Can You Cook It?

Cube steak is an inexpensive cut of beef that can be cooked in an air fryer. It is a thin cut of meat, so it is recommended to cook it until it is no longer rare or medium rare. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and the model of the air fryer, but it generally takes around 10-15 minutes to cook. The steak can be seasoned with a variety of spices and served with a range of side dishes.

Marinating the steak

Cube steak is a relatively inexpensive cut of beef that can be a little tough. Marinating the meat before cooking it in an air fryer can help to tenderise it and add flavour.

To marinate the steak, first prepare a marinade with ingredients like olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. You can also add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dill seed, and salt. Alternatively, you can use a pre-made spice blend like Montreal steak seasoning.

Place the cube steaks in a shallow dish or pan and pour the marinade over them, ensuring that the meat is well-coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least an hour, but preferably for 2 hours for the most tender results. If you're short on time, 30 minutes will also work.

After marinating, remove the steaks from the marinade, allowing any excess sauce to drip off. You can now cook the steaks in your air fryer, following the instructions provided in the previous response.

Remember, the key to a good marinade is allowing enough time for the flavours to penetrate the meat, so don't skimp on the marinating time if you can help it!

Cooking temperature and timings

Cube steak is an inexpensive cut of beef, usually top sirloin or top round, that is tenderised by pounding with a meat mallet. It is best to cook cube steak in an air fryer at a temperature between 380°F and 400°F. If you cook at a higher temperature, reduce the cooking time to avoid over-browning the outside before the inside is cooked.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Place the steaks in a single layer on the tray or in the basket. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small. Spray the steaks with oil and season with salt, pepper, onion, and garlic powder, or your favourite blend. Air fry for 8–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and the model of your air fryer.

The steak is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, cook the steak until the centre is no longer pink. Leave the cooked steaks uncovered to prevent the crust from becoming soggy, and let the meat rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Internal steak temperature

Cube steak is a relatively inexpensive cut of beef, usually from the top or bottom round, near the rump of the cow. It is tenderised by pounding with a meat tenderiser.

When cooking cube steak in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook it until the centre is done, with just a little pink remaining. Rare or medium-rare cube steak will be chewy. It can be difficult to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of a thin cut of steak. However, the best way to tell how well-done your steak is, is to use a thermometer to check the temperature in the centre of the meat. The temperature will continue to rise a few degrees while the steak rests.

For a 1" thick steak, the following internal temperatures are recommended:

• Medium-rare: 130°F–135°F/57°C (approx. 7-9 mins)
• Medium: 140°F–145°F/63°C (approx. 9-13 mins)
• Medium-well done: 150°F/66°C (approx. 10-15 mins)
• Well done: 160°F/71°C (approx. 12-18 mins)

It is recommended to dry brine the steak with salt before cooking, as this adds flavour and improves the texture. It is also important to preheat the air fryer before adding the steak, and to flip the steak halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Serving suggestions

Cube steak is a classic beef dish that is easy to prepare for a weekday dinner. It is a pre-tenderized piece of beef with a great texture and flavour when cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer's ability to cook with less oil, speed, and versatility are some of the reasons why it is a preferred cooking method for this dish.

When it comes to serving suggestions, there are several options to consider:

Sides

For a well-rounded meal, pair your air fryer cube steak with a starchy side like potatoes, rice, or mac n' cheese. You can also serve it with a vegetable side such as asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or corn. If you're looking for something keto-friendly, try cauliflower mash. Other potato dishes like baked potatoes or new potatoes are also great options.

Sauces and Gravies

If you're a sauce lover, you can whip up your own steak sauce or try a peppery white gravy, compound butter, or country gravy. You can also serve it with your favourite store-bought steak sauce.

Marinades and Seasonings

To enhance the flavour of your cube steak, consider marinating it before cooking. A simple marinade of oil and your favourite sauce or dry rub can add moisture and tons of flavour. You can also season the breading on the cube steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or your favourite seasoning blend. If you have the time, dry brining the meat the night before can also add flavour.

Salad

A simple side salad can complement your cube steak nicely, adding a fresh element to your meal.

Keto-Friendly Options

In addition to cauliflower mash, you can serve keto-friendly side dishes like keto-friendly green beans or other low-carb vegetables.

Remember, the cook time for your cube steak may vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the model of your air fryer. It is recommended to cook cube steak to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F. Always let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving to retain moisture and tenderness.

Storing leftovers

Leftover cube steak is versatile and can be used in various recipes. For instance, you can use it in a leftover steak soup or pack it with vegetables for lunches. Reheating the steak in the air fryer is recommended, especially for breaded cube steak, to ensure the breading stays crispy.

Additionally, when reheating, ensure the steak reaches an internal temperature of 145°F to guarantee food safety. You can use a meat thermometer to check this temperature.

Proper storage and reheating of leftovers will ensure the steak remains tasty and safe to consume.

Frequently asked questions