Air-Fryer Flank Steak: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender steak. It is a great alternative to grilling, especially in winter, and it doesn't heat up your entire kitchen. Air fryer flank steak is a simple, flavourful dish that can be cooked in about 15 minutes. The key to a delicious air fryer steak is to marinate the meat first, which can be done in as little as 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for maximum flavour and tenderness. The steak is then cooked in the air fryer for around 10 minutes for a medium-rare steak, or longer if you prefer it more well done.

Marinating the steak

Marination is an important step in cooking flank steak in an air fryer as it helps to tenderise the meat and impart flavour. The longer you can marinate the steak, the better—up to 24 hours if you have the time. However, if you're short on time, a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes will still yield delicious results.

If you're marinating for less than 30 minutes, you can leave the steak at room temperature. For longer marination times, place the steak in the refrigerator and then bring it back out 30 minutes before cooking so that it can come to room temperature.

To prepare the steak for marination, you can score the meat by cutting very thin lines into both sides in a crosshatch pattern. This helps to impart extra flavour. Place the steak in a plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag tightly, removing any excess air. Turn the bag occasionally to ensure that the steak is marinating evenly on all sides.

There are many different marinade recipes to choose from, but a simple option is to use a combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add lemon or lime juice to help tenderise the meat. Another option is to use a store-bought steak seasoning.

Once the steak has finished marinating, remove it from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels. If you have any leftover marinade, you can use it to make a sauce. Simply transfer the marinade to a saucepan, whisk in some beef broth, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens, then stir in butter and season to taste.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for your flank steak in an air fryer will depend on your desired level of doneness.

For a medium-rare steak, cook each side for around 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The internal temperature should reach 130°F (54°C). If you prefer your steak to be more well-done, cook it for a few minutes longer. For a medium steak, aim for an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C).

If you are using a meat thermometer, set it to 132°F (56°C) for medium-rare. When the thermometer beeps, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. The temperature will rise by around 5°F (3°C) during this time.

It's important to note that the cooking time may also depend on the size and thickness of your steak. As a general rule of thumb, adjust the cooking time by 2-3 minutes for smaller or larger steaks.

Some recipes suggest cooking the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side, or a total of 8-10 minutes for medium-rare. This shorter cooking time may be more suitable for thinner steaks or those that have been marinated beforehand, as the steak can continue to cook while resting.

If you prefer your steak to have a nice crust, you may want to consider using a different cooking method, such as a stovetop or a combination of a low oven and a hard sear in a pan. These methods can provide better texture and more control over the results.

Additionally, the size of your air fryer and the number of steaks you are cooking may impact the cooking time and temperature. For a crowd, you may need to cut the steak into batches or invest in a larger air fryer basket.

Resting and slicing the steak

Resting the steak is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that your steak is juicy and tender. After removing the steak from the air fryer, wrap it in foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. During this time, the temperature of the steak will increase by a few degrees, bringing it to the perfect serving temperature.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare a sauce. For example, you can whisk beef broth into the leftover marinade and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens. Finally, stir in some butter and season to taste.

When it's time to slice the steak, use a sharp knife to cut thin strips against the grain. This will ensure that each bite is tender and easy to chew. If you're making leftovers, it's best to slice the steak before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. This way, it will thaw faster and be easier to reheat.

If you're reheating leftover steak, it's best to avoid using the microwave, as it can dry out the meat. Instead, place the slices or the whole steak back in the air fryer for 1 minute or 4-5 minutes, respectively. Alternatively, you can enjoy your leftover steak cold, as reheating it may dry it out. Serve it cold with a side of potatoes, on top of a salad, or in wraps, fajitas, or tacos.

Sides and sauces

Flank steak is a delicious, rich-flavoured cut of meat that can be cooked to perfection in an air fryer. The air fryer method is perfect for when you don't want to be outside grilling or dealing with the cleanup of a grill or pan.

Sauces

A good sauce can add a lot of flavour to your flank steak. Here are some sauce options to try:

• Corn salsa or corn relish—a great gluten-free, dairy-free, and Whole30-compliant option that adds a little extra flavour to your steak.
• Chimichurri sauce—a fresh sauce that pairs well with flank steak.
• Creamy basil dressing—a great option if you're not a fan of cilantro, this sauce can be used as a dipping sauce or drizzled on top of your steak.
• Fresh herb dressing—try this with a steak salad that includes peaches and cheese.

Sides

Sides can round out your meal and provide additional flavour and texture. Here are some side dish options to consider:

• Salad—a healthy option that can be paired with flank steak. Try a flank steak salad with peaches, cheese, and a fresh herb dressing.
• Creamy mashed cauliflower—a tasty and creamy side dish that pairs well with flank steak.
• Stuffed shells—a hearty option to accompany your steak.
• Mac and cheese cauliflower—a comforting and indulgent side dish.
• Bang Bang Brussels Sprouts—a unique and flavourful side dish that will add a crunch to your meal.
• Grilled coffee-rubbed steak—a side dish that can complement your flank steak.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Leftover flank steak can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or plastic zipper bag for up to four days. If you have reheated the steak, it is not recommended to reheat it again, so only reheat the amount you plan to eat.

To reheat your flank steak in an air fryer, first, take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This usually takes around 20 minutes. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which can prevent the steak from crisping properly. You can then choose to reseason the steak with a light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and your favourite steak seasoning to enhance the flavour.

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F (175°C to 190°C). Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation. Set the air fryer to the same temperature and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the steak. Thinner slices will take less time to reheat. For best results, use a meat thermometer to check that the steak is heated to at least 110°F/43°C in the centre of the thickest part.

Finally, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions