Broiling Steak: Air Fryer Vs. Traditional Broiler

Broiling steak in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to achieve a perfect sear and mouthwatering flavour. It is a great alternative to firing up the grill or using the oven. In this method, the steak is cooked by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy crust on the outside while maintaining a juicy and tender interior. The air fryer is also a healthier option as it cuts down on cooking time and fat content without sacrificing flavour.

Choosing the right cut of steak

Type of Steak

Different types of steaks are better suited for air frying. Here are some recommended options:

• Ribeye: This is a popular choice due to its rich, buttery flavor and marbling. It has a smooth texture and is usually quite tender.
• New York Strip: This cut comes from the top loin of the cow and is known for its beautiful texture and rich, beefy flavor.
• Sirloin: This is a good option, especially if you choose top sirloin, which is more tender than bottom sirloin.
• T-bone: This cut offers the best of both worlds, with the top loin providing more marbled fat and the tenderloin being leaner and more tender.
• Filet Mignon: This cut is known for its extremely lean and tender meat. It has a mild flavor and soft texture, making it versatile for different seasonings and sauces.
• Porterhouse: This is a thick and serious piece of meat that offers a robust flavor and plenty of meat.

Thickness

When choosing a steak for your air fryer, aim for a thickness of around 1 to 1.5 inches. Thicker steaks, such as those closer to 1.5 inches, will take longer to cook. Steaks that are less than 1 inch thick may be more prone to overcooking and becoming chewy.

Marbling

Look for a well-marbled steak, such as ribeye or New York strip. The marbling, or speckles of white fat, adds flavor and tenderness to the meat.

Temperature

For the best results, it is recommended to let your steak come to room temperature before cooking. This helps the steak cook more evenly and can result in a more tender texture.

Seasoning

You can season your steak simply with salt and pepper, or get creative with different seasonings, rubs, and marinades. A simple combo of olive oil, salt, and pepper can let the steak's natural flavors shine. However, feel free to experiment with different spice blends, herbs, and condiments to liven up your steak.

Preparing the steak before cooking

Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit: Before cooking, it is essential to bring your steak to room temperature. Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step helps the steak cook more evenly, ensuring a consistent doneness throughout.

Pat the steak dry: Use paper towels to pat the steak dry and remove any excess moisture. This step is important because moisture can affect the browning and searing of the steak during cooking.

Season the steak: Generously season the steak with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add your favourite steak seasoning or rub to enhance the flavour. A dry rub, especially on leaner steaks, can improve the overall colour and appearance of the steak. Some common seasonings include garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or a combination of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley.

Use oil: Although not necessary, adding a little oil can help with browning and developing a nice crust on the steak. You can rub or spritz the steak with olive oil or another mild-flavoured oil.

Choose the right cut and thickness: Select a well-marbled steak, such as ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin. The marbling adds flavour and tenderness to the meat. Aim for a steak that is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for optimal results. Thinner steaks may cook too fast and not allow enough time for browning.

Now that your steak is prepared, it's time to preheat your air fryer and get cooking! Remember to adjust the cooking time based on your desired doneness and the thickness of your steak. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air-fried steak!

Preheating the air fryer

Firstly, it is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking steak as it will create a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Depending on your air fryer model, preheating usually takes around 5 minutes. During this time, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your steak.

While preheating, ensure that your steak is at room temperature. Taking it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking will help it cook more evenly. This is an important step that should not be skipped. You can also use this time to season your steak generously with salt and pepper, or your favourite steak rub.

Once the air fryer has preheated, carefully place the seasoned steak into the air fryer basket. For a single steak, you can cook it for about 10 minutes for a medium-rare finish, flipping it halfway through. If you prefer your steak to be medium, simply cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and the specific model of your air fryer. To ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should reach 135°F (57°C), while for a medium steak, it should be 145°F (63°C).

By following these instructions and allowing your air fryer to preheat properly, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender steak cooked in the convenience of your air fryer.

Cooking the steak

Before you start cooking your steak, it's important to select the right cut. Look for a well-marbled steak, such as ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip. The marbling will add flavour and tenderness to the meat. Aim for a steak that is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for optimal results.

Before cooking, take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the steak cook more evenly. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, then season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add your favourite steak seasoning or rub for extra flavour. A dry rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika works well for leaner steaks.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your steak.

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 to 12 minutes for medium-rare to medium, flipping it halfway through the cooking time. If you prefer your steak well-done, cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the specific model of your air fryer. For a well-done steak, you may need to cook it for up to 15 minutes.

After the steak is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavourful and tender steak.

To ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 130°F to 135°F (57°C); for medium, it should be 140°F to 145°F (63°C); and for medium-well, it should be 150°F to 155°F (68°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to get an accurate reading.

You can finish your steak with a pinch of salt and pepper, or try a delicious herb butter. To make herb butter, mash together softened butter with minced shallots or chives, minced garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice or red wine vinegar, and your choice of chopped fresh herbs.

Resting the steak

To rest the steak, place it on a plate or cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm. This waiting period allows the steak to reach its ideal internal temperature and ensures that the juices are sealed inside, creating a juicy and succulent steak.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your meal. Some suggestions include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a crisp salad, or garlic butter.

Once the resting period is complete, your steak is ready to be sliced and served. For maximum tenderness, slice the steak against the grain. Now, you can enjoy the perfectly cooked steak with all the delicious flavors and textures you desire.

Frequently asked questions