Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Chicken fried steak is a Southern classic that gets its name from the way the steak is cooked—using the same process as fried chicken. The dish is made with a tenderized cut of beef, such as cube steak, which is coated in a breading of flour, eggs, and spices, and then fried. Traditionally, chicken fried steak is cooked by deep frying in oil, but it can also be made in an air fryer. While air frying may result in a slight trade-off in terms of flavour and texture, it is a healthier alternative that still produces a delicious, crispy, and crunchy dish.

Chicken fried steak is a healthier option when cooked in an air fryer

Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern dish that is typically made by deep frying a cut of beef, such as a cube steak, in oil. While this cooking method produces a delicious, crispy texture, it also adds a significant amount of calories and fat to the dish.

Air fryers offer a healthier alternative to deep frying, as they require little to no oil. By circulating hot air around the food, air fryers are able to achieve a similar crispy, golden brown texture to that of traditional frying, but with far fewer calories. This makes air-fried chicken fried steak a healthier option for those looking to cut back on fried foods without sacrificing taste and texture completely.

To cook chicken fried steak in an air fryer, start by coating the steak in a mixture of flour, spices, and egg. Then, place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray generously with olive oil or cooking spray. Air fry for 8-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit.

While air-fried chicken fried steak may not taste exactly the same as its deep-fried counterpart, it is still a delicious and healthier option. By using an air fryer, you can enjoy the crispy, juicy texture of this Southern classic while reducing the amount of oil and calories in your meal.

The steak should be flattened and tenderized before cooking

When making chicken fried steak, it is important to flatten and tenderize the steak before cooking. This is because chicken fried steak is typically made with a tenderized cut of beef, such as a cube steak, which is a tougher cut of meat. By flattening and tenderizing the steak first, you can create a more tender and juicy final product.

Cube steaks are a cut of beef, usually taken from the top sirloin or top round. They are often sold already flattened and tenderized, with a characteristic cubed look from the indentations made by the tenderizer. If you purchase pre-cut cube steaks, they will likely be flat and have a square or diamond pattern on the surface from the meat tenderizer.

If you are preparing the cube steaks yourself, you can cut the top sirloin or top round into pieces and then tenderize them using a meat tenderizer or mallet. This process will create the signature cubed appearance and also help to break down the tough meat fibers, making the steak more tender.

Once the steaks are flattened and tenderized, they are ready to be coated and cooked. The coating typically consists of a dredging process, where the steaks are dipped in a series of milk, egg, and flour mixtures to create a crispy breading. After coating, the steaks can then be placed in the air fryer and cooked to a golden brown crispness.

By flattening and tenderizing the steak before cooking, you not only ensure a more tender final product but also help the steak cook more evenly in the air fryer. This results in a juicy and delicious chicken fried steak with a crispy coating that can be enjoyed as a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried methods.

The steak should be coated in a mixture of flour, spices and egg

Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern dish that gets its name from the way the steak is cooked—using the same process as fried chicken. The steak is typically made with a tenderized cut of beef, such as a cube steak, which is a top sirloin or top round that has been flattened and tenderized to create a cubed look.

To make chicken fried steak in an air fryer, the steak should be coated in a mixture of flour, spices, and egg. This process is called dredging, which involves dipping the steak into a series of milk, egg, and flour mixtures to create a breading. First, the steak should be seasoned with a little salt and pepper and allowed to sit for about 5 minutes. Next, the steak is dipped into a mixture of flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The steak is then dipped into a mixture of egg, milk, and hot sauce. Finally, the steak is coated in a layer of flour and spices. It is important to tap off any excess flour before placing the steak in the air fryer to prevent it from flying off during cooking.

The dredging process creates a thick, crispy coating on the steak that is similar to traditional fried chicken. This method allows you to achieve a crispy, fried texture without using as much oil as traditional frying methods. While the exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, it typically takes around 10-15 minutes to cook chicken fried steak.

The air fryer should be preheated to at least 350 degrees

Preheating your air fryer is essential when cooking chicken fried steak, as it ensures the steaks cook evenly and the crust turns crunchy. The optimal temperature for preheating your air fryer is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some recipes suggest preheating to 370, 380, 390, or even 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a straightforward process. First, set your air fryer to this temperature. Depending on your model, you may need to press a "preheat" button or manually set the temperature and wait for it to reach 350 degrees. Most air fryers will have a digital display that shows the current temperature, so you can monitor the progress.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken fried steak. Cut your cube steak into 4 to 6 pieces and use a mallet to tenderize it if needed. You can also set up a dredging station by combining flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in one shallow bowl, and whisking together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce (if using) in another shallow bowl.

Once your air fryer reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you can proceed with cooking your chicken fried steak. Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray generously with olive oil or cooking spray. Air fry for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown. Then, cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

The steak should be cooked for 10-15 minutes

The cooking time for chicken fried steak in an air fryer varies depending on the steak's size and the air fryer model being used. However, a good rule of thumb is to cook the steak for 10-15 minutes. This cooking time will ensure the steak is crispy and cooked through on the outside, while still juicy on the inside.

When cooking chicken fried steak in an air fryer, it is essential to preheat the air fryer to achieve the best results. Preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the steaks generously with olive oil or cooking spray. This spray will help create a crunchy outer coating.

Cook the steaks for 8-10 minutes, until the coating is golden brown. Then, flip the steaks and spray the other side generously with more oil or cooking spray. Cook for an additional 6-8 minutes for a total cooking time of 14-18 minutes. If you are using a meat thermometer, ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are cooking frozen chicken fried steak, the cooking time will be slightly shorter. Cook the frozen steaks for 4-6 minutes, removing them from the air fryer when they are golden brown and crispy.

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