Air Fryer Pork Steaks: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and it's easy to see why. They're versatile, convenient, and can cook food to perfection in a matter of minutes. So, it's no surprise that people are curious about what they can cook in an air fryer, including pork steaks.

Pork steaks are an inexpensive and tasty cut of meat that can be cooked in various ways, including grilling, pan-frying, and baking. But what about air frying?

The good news is that you can indeed cook pork steaks in an air fryer, and it's a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness, but on average, it should take around 8 to 15 minutes to cook pork steaks in an air fryer.

To ensure your pork steaks turn out juicy and tender, it's important to follow a few key steps. First, let the steaks come to room temperature before cooking, and pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, brush them with oil and season generously with your favourite rub or spice blend. Preheat your air fryer to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook the steaks for the desired time, flipping them halfway through.

With their convenience, speed, and ability to produce juicy and flavourful results, air fryers are definitely worth the hype. So, if you're looking for a new way to cook pork steaks, give the air fryer a try!

How to cook air fryer pork steaks

Air fryer pork steaks are a quick and easy dinner option. They are relatively inexpensive and can be cooked in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

• Pork steaks (boneless or bone-in)
• Cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)
• Seasoning or herbs (e.g. BBQ rub, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
• Salt and black pepper
• BBQ sauce (optional)

Method

• Pat each steak dry with a kitchen paper towel.
• Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F for 5 minutes.
• Brush the steak with oil and season with salt and black pepper. Then, sprinkle generously with your chosen seasoning or rub. Flip the steak and repeat the seasoning on the other side.
• Place the pork steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• After 8 minutes, check if the steak is cooked by inserting a cooking thermometer into the thickest part. It should read at least 145F/63C. If it is not fully cooked, cook for a few more minutes.
• Remove from the heat and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Tips

• It is important to cook pork to the right temperature to avoid foodborne illnesses. The USDA recommends a minimum internal cooking temperature of 145F/63C for pork.
• You can cook frozen pork steaks in the air fryer, but it will take a few minutes longer. Preheat the air fryer to 400F/200C and cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• You can also cook marinated pork steaks in the air fryer by following the same instructions.
• To reheat pork steaks, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees and cook for 3-4 minutes.

What is a pork steak?

A pork steak is a cut of pork that comes from the shoulder of the pig. It is also known as a pork shoulder blade steak, Boston butt, or pork blade steak. Typically, they are cut thin, at about a quarter of an inch thick, but they can also be cut thicker for certain cooking methods, such as smoking. Pork steaks have a lot of connective fat, which contributes to their flavour. They are considered a budget-friendly option and are very versatile, as they can be cooked via sautéing, grilling, braising, or air frying.

Pork steaks are distinct from pork chops, which come from the spine of the pig and can include part of the pig's ribs. Pork chops are generally a leaner cut of meat and may be a little drier than pork steaks.

When cooking pork steaks, it is important not to overcook them, especially if they are cut thinly, as they can become dry and tough. The ideal internal temperature for cooked pork steaks is 145°F, which should be allowed to rest for 3 minutes after cooking to reach a final temperature of 155°F.

How to make a dry rub for pork steaks

A dry rub is a great way to add flavour to your pork steaks. You can make a large batch and store it in an airtight container to use whenever you need it. Here is a simple recipe for a dry rub that you can make at home, along with some tips on how to use it to cook juicy and tender pork steaks in an air fryer.

Ingredients

For a basic dry rub, you will need the following ingredients:

• Smoked paprika
• Salt (cooking/kosher salt or table salt)
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary, or mixed herbs)
• Mustard powder
• Cumin powder
• Sage powder

You can also add other spices like coriander powder, cayenne pepper, or chilli powder to give it an extra kick. Play around with the measurements to suit your taste preferences.

Instructions

Mix all the spices together in a small bowl. You can adjust the quantities of each spice to your liking. This rub will last for several months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

When you're ready to use the rub, start by patting your pork steaks dry with paper towels. This step is important because dry meat will sear better and the seasoning will stick to it more effectively.

Sprinkle the dry rub generously onto both sides of the pork steaks, using your fingers to rub it in and ensure an even coating. Don't be afraid to really work it into the meat! You can also press the sides of the steaks into any leftover rub on the plate to coat them.

Finally, shake off any excess rub before cooking. Otherwise, it may burn and create a mess in your air fryer.

Cooking the Pork Steaks

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, brush the pork steaks lightly with oil and season them with salt and pepper.

Place the steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks. To check if they're done, insert a cooking thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. It should read at least 145°F/63°C for food safety, but you can cook it longer if you prefer your meat more well done.

Once the steaks have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before cutting into them. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak.

And that's it! You now have delicious, flavourful pork steaks that are perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Enjoy!

How to reheat pork steaks in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat pork steaks in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, remove your pork steaks from the refrigerator and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can also lightly brush or spray them with olive oil, which will help to achieve the best results.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 350°F/180°C. It is important that the air fryer is hot when you put the pork steaks in, to prevent them from drying out.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the pork steaks inside, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Overlapping may cause some parts of the steaks to be overcooked, while others remain undercooked. If you are reheating multiple steaks, ensure they are of similar thickness and cook them in batches if necessary.

Reheat the pork steaks for 2-3 minutes at 350°F/180°C. After this time, check the internal temperature of the steaks with a meat thermometer. The steaks are ready when they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F/63°C. If they have not reached this temperature, continue to reheat in 2-3 minute intervals, flipping the steaks over each time, until they are warmed through.

Once the steaks are warmed through, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to ensure the juices are distributed evenly and that the steaks stay tender.

Tips:

• It is best to reheat thick-cut pork steaks, as thinner steaks may overcook before they are warmed through.
• You can reheat breaded, boneless, or bone-in pork steaks in the air fryer.
• Only reheat the amount of pork steaks you plan to eat, as reheating them more than once can cause them to dry out.
• You can add extra seasoning to the steaks before reheating, if desired.

How to cook frozen pork steaks in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen pork steaks in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This initial heating ensures that your pork steaks cook evenly and develop a nice, crispy exterior.

Step 2: Season the Pork Steaks

Take your frozen pork steaks and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also marinate them overnight or apply a dry rub of your choice for extra flavor. A simple dry rub can be made with spices like dried sage, savory, cilantro, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion, and garlic granules.

Step 3: Brush with Oil

Lightly brush both sides of the seasoned pork steaks with olive oil or another flavorless cooking oil. This step helps enhance browning and prevents sticking to the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Place in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned and oiled pork steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure there is adequate space between the steaks for proper air circulation.

Step 5: Cook the Pork Steaks

Cook the pork steaks in the air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steaks and your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, 12 to 15 minutes is a good guideline.

Step 6: Check Doneness

To ensure your pork steaks are cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, aim for 145°F (63°C), and for a medium steak, aim for 155°F (68°C).

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once your pork steaks have reached the desired internal temperature, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Serve your juicy air-fried pork steaks with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions