Air-Frying London Broil: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

London Broil is a popular, versatile beef 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 oil usage. Air fryers also ensure that the beef does not dry out, resulting in tender and juicy meat. This paragraph will explore the topic of cooking London Broil in an air fryer, including the benefits, cooking process, and potential challenges.

Marinating the steak

If you are using a frozen steak, make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. Place the steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, brushing it into both sides of the meat. Alternatively, place the steak and marinade in a resealable plastic bag and massage the marinade into the meat. Cover the dish or seal the bag, and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to 24 hours.

If you are short on time, you can brush the steak with the marinade and let it sit for about 20 minutes before cooking. You can also marinate the steak from frozen, as long as you leave it in the refrigerator long enough for the meat to completely thaw.

Pre-cooking preparation

London Broil is a versatile beef dish that can be prepared in several ways. It is not a specific cut of meat but a method of preparing it. Typically, London Broil is made from a top round or flank steak, a leaner cut of meat with low-fat content, which can be a bit tough until cooked properly. The secret to this tender London Broil is to cook it quickly and never overcook it.

• Take the London Broil out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
• While the meat is resting, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
• 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 oil or any other oil to promote browning and prevent sticking to the air fryer basket.
• Season the London Broil generously with salt and black pepper. You can also use other seasonings like dried rosemary, garlic, or steak seasoning. This basic seasoning enhances the natural beef flavor.
• If you want to add more flavor, consider marinating the steak in a mixture of herbs and salty liquids like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or garlic. You can also use your favourite store-bought marinade. Marinate the steak for at least 4 hours, flipping it over halfway through.
• Place the London Broil in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space around it for proper air circulation. Overcrowding can cause steam, which can stop the searing process.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for London broil depend on the level of doneness you want to achieve. It is recommended to cook London broil to medium-rare for a tender result.

To achieve a medium-rare doneness, cook the steak for about 7 to 8 minutes per pound or 14 to 16 minutes in total for a 2-pound steak. The internal temperature should reach 130°F to 135°F. You can cook it for a further 6 to 10 minutes if you want to achieve a medium doneness, with an internal temperature of 145°F. For well-done steak, you will need to reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the weight, thickness, and initial temperature of the steak. It is recommended to let the steak come to room temperature before cooking, which usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Additionally, different air fryer models may have slightly different cooking times and temperatures.

To ensure your desired level of doneness, it is best to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer at the thickest part of the meat. The steak should be removed from the air fryer when it reaches the desired internal temperature and allowed to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the steak's juices will redistribute, ensuring a more flavorful result.

Resting the meat

When resting the London broil, it is recommended to loosely tent it with aluminum foil to help retain heat. This step is optional and depends on personal preference. The key is to ensure that the meat is not overcrowded and has enough space for proper air circulation.

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the London broil is cooked to perfection. It is recommended to insert the thermometer at the thickest part of the meat. For a medium-rare London broil, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). However, the desired temperature may vary depending on individual preferences.

Allowing the meat to rest before slicing ensures that the muscle fibers relax, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. This process is crucial in achieving the desired texture and taste for London broil.

Reheating leftovers

You can store leftover London broil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four to five days. When you're ready to reheat your steak, preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 400°F and cook for 2 to 3 minutes for slices, or 1 minute, until warmed through. If you're reheating a whole slab, increase the cooking time to 2 to 3 minutes.

It's important to note that the reheated meat won't be as juicy or tender as when it was first cooked, but this method is still preferable to using a microwave.

Frequently asked questions