Air Fryer London Broil: A Quick, Crispy Delight

London broil is a method of preparing a lean, thick cut of beef, typically a top round steak, which is cooked to a beautiful seared exterior with a perfectly tender centre. It is not a tender steak, but when cooked just to doneness, it is delicious. The air fryer is the best way to cook London broil, as it can be tough to get right. The air fryer's high heat and quick cooking time ensure a juicy, tender steak every time.

How to cook London broil in an air fryer

London Broil is a popular dish that can be prepared in several ways. One modern, convenient, and healthier method for cooking London Broil is using an air fryer. This method offers many benefits, including quicker cooking times and less use of oil.

Understanding London Broil

London Broil is a versatile beef dish that is not actually a specific cut of meat but rather a method of preparing it. Typically, London Broil is made from a top round or flank steak, which is marinated and then cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness. This method aims to make the meat tender and flavourful.

Characteristics of London Broil:

• London Broil typically uses a lean cut of beef, which means it can be a bit tougher than more marbled cuts.
• It is known for its distinctive grain, with long muscle fibres running through the meat.
• London Broil is often marinated to enhance its tenderness and flavour.

Ingredients:

• London Broil steak (top round or flank steak)
• Olive oil (for brushing)
• Salt and black pepper (for seasoning)
• Optional: Your choice of marinade (e.g. soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs, or spices) for added flavour.

Optional Ingredients for Added Flavour:

• Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
• Red pepper flakes for heat
• Balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist
• Citrus zest (e.g. lemon or orange) for a refreshing note

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Take the London Broil out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C).
• Pat the London Broil dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear in the air fryer.
• Brush the meat with a light coat of olive oil to promote browning and prevent sticking to the air fryer basket.
• Season the London Broil generously with salt and black pepper. This basic seasoning enhances the natural beef flavour.
• If you want to add more flavour, consider marinating the steak. Place the London Broil in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and add your chosen marinade. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on how deep you want the flavour to infuse.
• For added depth of flavour, experiment with optional ingredients like minced garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, or citrus zest. These can be added to your marinade or used as a dry rub on the meat.
• When marinating, make sure to turn the steak occasionally to ensure even flavour distribution.
• Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) for London Broil.
• Place the London Broil steak in the air fryer basket. Ensure there is enough space around it for proper air circulation. Overcrowding also causes steam, which can stop the searing process.
• Cook the steak for approximately 8-10 minutes on one side for medium-rare. Then, flip the steak and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes on the other side. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 130-135°F (54-57°C), but you can adjust it according to your preference.
• Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Adjustments for Different Air Fryer Models:

• The cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly between different air fryer models. Always consult your air fryer's manual for specific instructions.
• You may need to experiment with cooking times to achieve your preferred level of doneness, as air fryers can vary in performance.

Finished Beef Temperatures:

• Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
• Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
• Medium-Well: 150-155°F (65-68°C)
• Well-Done: 160°F (71°C) and above

Tips:

• To achieve your desired level of doneness accurately, invest in an instant-read meat thermometer. This is the best way to ensure your London Broil is cooked to perfection. Always insert the thermometer at the thickest part of the meat.
• Allowing the London Broil to rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the muscle fibres to relax, and the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more succulent and flavourful steak when you slice it. Tenting the steak loosely with aluminium foil can help retain heat during the resting process, but this is usually optional. The rest time is typically about 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat.

Marinade options for London broil

While London broil is not a specific cut of meat but rather a cooking method, it is important to select a lean, thick cut of beef, such as a top round steak, flank steak, or skirt steak.

Marinade with herbs and salty liquids

This marinade option involves a mixture of herbs and salty liquids. The ingredients include:

• Worcestershire sauce
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Rosemary
• Pepper

Balsamic Vinegar Marinade

This marinade option includes balsamic vinegar, which helps to tenderize the meat. The ingredients include:

• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Rosemary
• Thyme

Marinade with a blend of sauces and spices

This marinade option is a blend of sauces, spices, and an acid component. The ingredients include:

• Soy sauce
• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Brown sugar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Italian seasoning
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

How to store and reheat London broil

London broil is a delicious dish, but what do you do with the leftovers? Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat your London broil to ensure maximum taste and texture retention.

Storing London Broil:

Leftover London broil can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating London Broil:

There are several methods to reheat London broil, each with its own advantages:

• Oven Method: Place the London broil on a wire rack over a baking sheet and heat in a low-temperature oven (250°F) for about 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 110°F. Finish by searing in a pan for a crispy crust.
• Microwave Method: Place the London broil in a microwave-safe container with a splash of beef stock or pan drippings. Cover and heat at 50% power in 30-second intervals until warmed.
• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add the London broil and a splash of beef stock or pan drippings. Cover and cook until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 110°F. Finish with a sear on each side for a crispy texture.
• Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the London broil directly in the air fryer basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the cut.

Tips for Reheating:

• Allow the London broil to come to room temperature before reheating to ensure even heating.
• Avoid high heat as it can dry out the meat.
• For a crispy texture, finish the reheated London broil with a quick sear in a pan.
• For best results, reheat to an internal temperature of 110°F for medium-rare, 120°F for rare, and 140°F for medium.
• Leftover London broil can also be enjoyed cold, sliced thinly for sandwiches or salads.

Best side dishes to serve with London broil

London broil is a delicious dish, but it's even better when paired with the perfect side. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your London broil and elevate your meal:

Potatoes

The humble potato is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in many ways, making it a great option to serve alongside London broil. Try creamy mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even sweet potato wedges. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also make crockpot potato gratin or twice-baked potatoes with cheese and bacon.

Rice

Rice is another excellent side dish that can be customised to your taste. Cilantro lime rice will add a refreshing touch to your meal, while brown rice with vegetables will keep things healthy. For a more indulgent option, try almond rice pilaf or wild rice pilaf with cranberries and pecans.

Vegetables

When it comes to vegetables, the options are endless. You could go for roasted asparagus, air fryer broccoli, or brown sugar carrots. If you're looking for something heartier, try a soup like asparagus or ham and bean. Or, if you want to keep things simple, steamed or roasted broccoli with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper is always a winner.

Bread

No meal is complete without some bread on the side. Try serving your London broil with garlic butter rolls, French bread, or sweet potato rolls for a festive touch.

Salads

If you want something light and refreshing to balance out the richness of the London broil, a salad is a great option. An apple cabbage salad, a strawberry spinach salad, or a simple carrots and peas salad will add some crunch and colour to your plate.

Other options

If you're feeling creative, there are plenty of other side dishes you could try. How about bacon-wrapped green beans, roasted mushrooms, or an asparagus casserole? Or, for something a little different, how about an Asian salad with a sesame ginger dressing or some smoked baked beans?

How to tenderize London broil

London broil is a method of preparing a lean, thick cut of beef, like a top round steak. It is imperative to marinate London broil, otherwise, it may turn out hard and chewy. The marinating process is what tenderises the meat.

Use an Acidic Marinade

The acids in the lemon and vinegar help to break down the tough fibres, making the meat tender. A marinade with four tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, four tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and three tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce will help neutralise the gamey flavour of the meat and tenderise the lean muscle fibres.

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda may seem like an unorthodox ingredient, but it plays a crucial role in tenderising the steak by relaxing its protein network. Prick the steak all over with a fork before it marinates to help the flavours penetrate quickly. To make a marinade with baking soda, whisk together four garlic cloves, 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, two tablespoons of soy sauce, and one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl or baking dish. Then, whisk in 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda (don't worry if the marinade fizzes, that's the baking soda working).

Lightly Pound the Steak

Lightly pounding a top round steak with the sharp, spikey side of a meat mallet will puncture the surface and make it easier for the marinade to begin the process of tenderising the beef.

Don't Overcook

If you overcook London broil, it will turn out chewy and leathery. It should not be cooked beyond medium-rare for a tender result. An instant-read thermometer should register 125°F when it's ready—about 10 to 12 minutes total.

Cut Against the Grain

When you are cutting the London broil, make sure to slice it against the grain. This means that you cut across the natural lines and not with them.

Frequently asked questions