Cooking Steaks In An Air Fryer: Two At A Time?

Cooking steak in an air fryer is an easy and fast way to achieve a juicy and tender steak with a crispy crust. It is a simple, hands-off method that can cut down on cooking time and fat without sacrificing flavor. You can cook two steaks in an air fryer, but it is important to not overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steaks and the desired level of doneness, with thicker steaks requiring more time. To ensure your steaks are cooked to your desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature.

Steak thickness and cooking time

Steak thickness plays a crucial role in cooking time and the overall taste of your steak. As a general rule, thicker steaks require more cooking time, while thinner steaks cook faster.

Most recipes recommend using 1-inch-thick steaks. Thicker cuts, such as those over 1 inch, may need an additional 1 to 3 minutes of cooking time. Thinner steaks, on the other hand, may require less time, so it's important to start checking their doneness as early as 4 minutes to prevent overcooking.

The ideal cooking time and thickness also depend on your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, an internal temperature between 125°F and 130°F is recommended. Medium-rare steaks, with an internal temperature of 130°F, typically take 10 minutes in the air fryer, flipping halfway through. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway.

It's worth noting that different air fryer models may yield slightly different cooking times, so it's always good to check your steak's doneness early to prevent overcooking. Additionally, allowing your steak to reach room temperature before cooking and using a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature will help ensure a perfectly cooked steak.

Air fryer temperature

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to get a juicy and tender steak with a thick, crunchy crust. The temperature and timing of the steak's cooking will depend on the thickness of the steak and the level of doneness you desire.

Steaks that are at least 1-inch thick are recommended for air frying. Thinner steaks may cook too fast without browning, while thicker steaks will require a longer cooking time. For a 1-inch steak, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, turning halfway, for a medium-rare steak. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway. If your steak is thicker than 1 inch, add an additional 1 to 3 minutes of cooking time. If it's thinner, start checking as early as 4 minutes to avoid overcooking.

The temperature and timing guidelines may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model and the desired doneness of the steak. It's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak, as this is the most accurate way to determine doneness. For rare steaks, the internal temperature should be between 125°F and 130°F. For medium-rare, cook until the steak reaches 130°F. For medium, cook to 140°F.

It's important to note that the steak should be at room temperature before cooking. This ensures that the steak cooks evenly and helps achieve the desired level of doneness. Additionally, make sure the steaks have enough airflow in the air fryer basket for optimal browning.

Steak seasoning

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy and tender steak with a seared outside. The high heat of the air fryer makes the steak more tender, and the cooking method is also very hands-off, giving you time to prepare side dishes.

There are many ways to season your steak for cooking in an air fryer. Firstly, it is recommended to take your steak out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. This is critical for a properly cooked steak.

Secondly, pat your steak dry with a paper towel to remove moisture, which will help the steak brown rather than steam. Then, spritz or rub both sides of the steak with oil. This will help the steak brown and also help the seasoning stick. A neutral oil such as olive oil or butter can be used, or a compound butter can be added at the end.

For the seasoning, you can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or you can add other spices such as garlic powder and paprika. You can also use a pre-made steak seasoning, such as Italian seasoning or Montreal steak seasoning, or a steak rub from your grocery store. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme, tarragon, parsley, rosemary, or oregano.

If you want a dry rub, combine your chosen spices in a small bowl and coat both sides of the steak. This works particularly well with leaner steaks, helping with the overall colour. You can also marinate the steak in a dressing or marinade for a flavour punch. Alternatively, add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavours and create a caramelized crust.

Finally, if you want to add a sauce, try something creamy like alfredo or cheese sauce, or a classic garlic butter.

Steak toppings

You can cook two steaks in an air fryer, and it is recommended that you use steaks that are at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too fast and not get a chance to brown.

• Dry rub: A dry rub can add colour to your steak and help with browning. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika.
• Oil: Spritzing or rubbing a little oil on your steaks can help them brown better.
• Steak rub: You can also buy a steak rub from your local grocery store or a specialty spice shop.
• Marinade: Marinating your steak in a dressing or marinade can add an extra juicy flavour.
• Sugar: Adding a pinch of sugar can balance the salty flavours and give your steak a caramelized crust.
• Creamy sauces: Cover your steak in a creamy sauce, such as alfredo sauce, cheese sauce, or gravy, for a comforting meal.
• Spices: Add spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a smoky flavour.
• Herb butter: Mash together butter, shallot, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and herbs. Top your steak with this mixture just before serving.
• Salsa and guacamole: If you're making steak fajitas, you can top your steak with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Side dishes

You can cook two steaks in an air fryer, and there are plenty of side dishes that you can cook to accompany them. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great option for a side dish, and there are many different types that can be cooked in an air fryer. Some vegetables, like potatoes and Brussels sprouts, will get nice and crispy in the air fryer. Others, like zucchini, will not get as crispy but can still be cooked in the air fryer. Some specific vegetable side dish ideas include:

• Green beans: Wash and trim the ends off the green beans, if needed. Add to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional) and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat, then cook in the air fryer at 350°F for 14 minutes, tossing halfway through.
• Broccoli: Cook in the air fryer until tender and crispy, with a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Carrots: Season with herbs like thyme, tarragon, rosemary, or other herbs of your choice.
• Baked potatoes: Poke holes in the potatoes with a fork and cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
• Roasted red potatoes: Cut baby potatoes in half (no need to peel) and add to a large bowl. Add olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat, then cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, tossing halfway through.
• Zucchini fries: Cut zucchini into sticks or bite-sized pieces. Add to a large bowl and toss with olive oil, grated parmesan cheese (optional), chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, or until tender.
• Crispy air-fried potato chips: Slice potatoes very thinly. Cook in the air fryer in a single layer for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy.
• Samosas: Make a dough and stuff it with potatoes and peas. Air fry until crispy.

Other Sides

In addition to vegetables, there are other side dishes that can be made in the air fryer:

• Garlic bread: Toast sliced bread in the air fryer, then rub with fresh garlic and top with salt and pepper.
• Hash browns: Shred potatoes and form into patties. Cook in the air fryer until crispy, then top with shredded cheese, if desired.
• Shrimp: Toss with olive oil and seasonings, then cook in the air fryer until opaque and crispy.

Frequently asked questions