Air-Fried Steak: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Yes, you can cook steak in an air fryer! It's quick, easy, and delivers a juicy and tender steak that's crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. The air fryer is also a clean, efficient way to cook steak without the mess of searing in a pan or on a grill.

To cook steak in an air fryer, simply preheat the air fryer, season the steak, and cook for around 10-12 minutes for a medium-rare steak, flipping halfway through. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Air fryer steak recipes

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook steak, offering a "set-it-and-forget-it" approach that eliminates the need for constant monitoring. While the results may not be as mouthwatering as traditional stovetop or grilled methods, air fryers offer several benefits, including reduced mess, lower intimidation factor, and quicker cooking times. Here are some tips and recipes to help you get the most out of your air fryer when cooking steak:

Tips for Cooking Steak in an Air Fryer:

• Ensure your steaks are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too fast and won't get a chance to brown properly.
• Let your steaks reach room temperature 20-30 minutes before cooking for the best results.
• Pat steaks dry with paper towels to remove moisture, which can steam the meat instead of browning it.
• Spritz or rub a little oil on the steaks to enhance browning and flavour.
• For leaner steaks, consider adding a dry rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to improve colour and flavour.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal cooking.
• For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For medium-rare, cook for 10 minutes, and for medium-well to well-done, adjust the cooking time to 14-15 minutes.
• After cooking, let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes on a plate or loosely tented with foil to prevent overcooking.

Air Fryer Steak and Mushrooms

This recipe combines the juicy steak with the earthy flavours of mushrooms, creating a hearty and savoury dish.

Air Fryer Steak for Fajitas

A classic and versatile dish, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Slice your air-fried steak and serve it with warm tortillas, sautéed peppers and onions, guacamole, sour cream, and your favourite fajita toppings.

Air Fryer Steak Bites with Soy Sauce

A fun and flavourful twist on the traditional steak, these bite-sized pieces are perfect for appetizers or snacks. Marinate your steak cubes in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, honey, and sesame oil before air frying to perfection.

Air Fryer Steak Jerky

A great on-the-go snack, this recipe transforms your air fryer into a DIY jerky-making machine. Slice your steak thinly, marinate it in your favourite jerky seasoning, and air fry at a lower temperature for an extended period until dehydrated.

Air Fryer Steak and Cheese Melts

Indulge in this comforting and hearty dish by pairing your air-fried steak with melted cheese, toasted bread, and a side of crispy air-fried potatoes.

Air Fryer Garlic Herb Butter Steak

For a decadent touch, top your air-fried steak with a delicious compound butter made with garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. This recipe calls for an 8-ounce ribeye steak cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Steak temperature guide

The ideal temperature for cooking steak in an air fryer is 400°F. This temperature, combined with the fast-moving air in the fryer, helps to create a crispy, seared exterior and a juicy, tender interior.

Steak Doneness Guide

The temperature you cook your steak to will depend on how well done you like it. Here is a guide to the different temperatures for each level of doneness:

• Rare: 125-130°F (cook for 5-6 minutes)
• Medium-Rare: 130-140°F (cook for 8-10 minutes)
• Medium: 140-150°F (cook for 10-12 minutes)
• Medium-Well: 150-155°F (cook for 11-12 minutes)
• Well-Done: 160°F (cook for 12-15 minutes)

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

Tips for Cooking Steak in an Air Fryer

• Allow your steak to come to room temperature before cooking.
• Avoid using oil on your steak as this can prevent browning.
• Season your steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs.
• Flip your steak halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Let your steak rest for 8-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Steak type

Some recommended types of steak include:

• Ribeye
• New York strip
• Filet mignon
• Sirloin
• Tri-tip
• Flat iron
• Boneless top sirloin
• Skirt steak
• Beef tenderloin

These cuts of steak are all solid choices that will stay juicy in the air fryer. You can also cook other types of steak in the air fryer, but thicker cuts may require a longer cooking time.

When cooking steak in an air fryer, it's important to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and to rub the steak with oil before seasoning and cooking. The cooking time will depend on the desired level of doneness, but for a medium-rare steak, it will take around 10 minutes, and for a medium steak, it will take around 12 minutes.

Resting the steak

Allowing the steak to rest enables the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. This step is key to achieving a mouthwatering steak that is juicy and tender in every bite. Cutting into the steak too soon will cause the juices to escape, resulting in a dry and less flavorful steak.

The resting period also gives you time to prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your steak. You can serve the steak with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. A flavorful sauce, such as a homemade chimichurri or a classic béarnaise, can also enhance the taste of your steak.

Air fryer pros and cons

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, but are they worth investing in? Here are some pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros

• Quick heating and cooking: Air fryers heat up and cook food much faster than conventional ovens. They can preheat to 400°F in five minutes or less, compared to up to 19 minutes for electric ovens.
• Even cooking: Air fryers are mini convection ovens that circulate hot air to cook food evenly on all sides, resulting in a perfect crisp and flavour.
• Less oil required: Air fryers require little to no oil, making them a healthier and more cost-effective alternative to deep frying.
• Safer: Air fryers are safer than handling a pan or vat of hot oil, making them ideal for households with children or pets.
• Easy to clean: Air fryers are generally easier to clean than traditional frying methods, with dishwasher-safe parts and minimal grease residue.

Cons

• Limited capacity: Air fryers have a smaller capacity than standard ovens, making them less ideal for larger households or cooking large quantities of food.
• Not suitable for all foods: Air fryers are not suitable for all types of food. Moisture-rich foods can dry out quickly, while leafy greens can burn easily. They are best suited for root vegetables, meats, and certain types of seafood.
• Overcooking: Due to their quick heating and retention of high temperatures, air fryers can easily overcook or burn food, even when following recommended cooking times.
• Bulky: Air fryers are typically bulky appliances that take up valuable counter space in the kitchen.
• Cost: Air fryers can be expensive, especially for larger models or those with additional features.

Frequently asked questions