Air-Frying Fillet Steak: Is It Possible?

Cooking fillet steak in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to achieve a juicy and tender steak with minimal cleanup. The air fryer method is straightforward and allows you to cook a restaurant-quality steak to your desired doneness, whether you prefer it rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done. By using an air fryer, you can also avoid the hassle of standing over an open flame and constantly flipping the steak. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious steak meal in under 20 minutes.

How long to cook fillet steak in an air fryer

The cooking time for fillet steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak, the desired level of doneness, and the power of the air fryer. As a general rule, thicker steaks will require a longer cooking time.

Before cooking, it is recommended to let the steak sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This helps the steak cook more evenly and improves its texture. You should also pat the steak dry with a paper towel and brush or drizzle olive oil onto the steak to help the seasoning adhere.

When you are ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to ensure proper airflow. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. For a thicker steak, you will need to increase the cooking time accordingly.

The best way to determine the appropriate cooking time is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 120°F-130°F (49°C-54°C). For a medium-rare steak, the temperature should be 130°F-135°F (54°C-57°C). A medium steak should be cooked to 140°F-150°F (60°C-66°C), while a medium-well steak should reach 150°F-155°F (66°C-68°C). Finally, for a well-done steak, cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

After cooking, remove the steak from the air fryer and cover it loosely with foil. Let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak more tender and juicy.

What temperature to cook fillet steak in an air fryer

Cooking a fillet steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender, and delicious steak. The temperature and cooking time will depend on how well-done you like your steak, and the thickness of the steak.

Firstly, allow your steak to come to room temperature before cooking. Take it out of the fridge for around 20-30 minutes beforehand. This will help the steak cook more evenly and ensure it is less tough.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 200 °C or 400 °F. You can then season your steaks with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a drizzle of olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral oil. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavours and create a caramelized crust.

Now you can place the steaks in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking. The thicker the steak, the longer the cooking time. As a guide, for a 1-inch steak, cook for 10-12 minutes for rare, 13-18 minutes for medium-rare, and 11-14 minutes for medium to well-done. Remember to flip the steaks halfway through to ensure even cooking.

To check if the steak is done to your liking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For rare steak, the temperature should be between 120-130 °F, for medium-rare 130 °F, for medium 140 °F, for medium-well 150 °F, and for well-done 160 °F.

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the steak more tender and juicy.

You can serve your fillet steak with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, or a refreshing salad. Enjoy!

How to season fillet steak for an air fryer

Cooking fillet steak in an air fryer is straightforward, and you can have a juicy, perfectly cooked steak in under 20 minutes.

First, take your steaks out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before preparing. This will ensure your steak is less tough and cooks more evenly.

Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel, then drizzle or brush olive oil onto the steaks, coating both sides. Season generously with salt and pepper, and, if you like, sprinkle with minced rosemary, or other herbs like thyme or sage. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavours.

If you want to add a sauce, you can make a compound butter by combining butter with salt and minced fresh parsley, or rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder in a bowl. Transfer the butter to a piece of parchment paper and let it come to room temperature before serving.

What sides to serve with fillet steak cooked in an air fryer

Fillet steak is a tender, juicy, and delicious cut of meat that can be cooked in an air fryer. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the steak and how well-done you like it. It is recommended to season the steak before air-frying to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat during cooking.

Now, for the sides! Here are some ideas for sides to serve with your air-fried fillet steak:

• Roasted vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, and asparagus go well with steak. You can also try thyme-roasted radishes and onions or prosciutto-wrapped asparagus.
• Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or baked potatoes with a crisp skin and fluffy centre are all good options. You could also make potato-based sides like potatoes au gratin or sweet potato fries.
• Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, or a broccoli cauliflower salad, or watermelon cucumber salad.
• Fries: Classic French fries or sweet potato fries with smoked paprika, Cajun, or BBQ seasoning.
• Bread: Steak crostini, made with a baguette slice and melted cheese, or garlic bread.
• Pigs in blankets: You can make these easily in your air fryer, adding flavourings like sage leaves if you wish.
• Other sides: Green beans or herb butter.

Remember, simple vegetable side dishes often work best with steak, and you don't want to overcrowd your plate or your air fryer! It's best to cook your steak in batches if you're making a lot, so everything comes out juicy and tender.

How to prevent overcooking fillet steak in an air fryer

Cooking fillet steak in an air fryer is straightforward, but some common problems can arise, such as overcooking. Here are some tips to prevent overcooking your fillet steak in an air fryer:

Choose the right steak

Selecting a suitable steak is essential to prevent overcooking. Avoid thin steaks, as they are prone to overcooking quickly and becoming chewy. Choose steaks with a thickness of at least 1 inch. Thicker fillet steaks will require a slightly longer cooking time, so you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes if needed.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for even cooking and achieving a perfect sear. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.

Prepare the steak

Before seasoning, pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step ensures even cooking. Allow the steak to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the steak cook more evenly and improves its texture.

Season the steak

Season the steak generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil. You can also add other seasonings or a steak rub to enhance the flavor.

Cook the steak

Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between multiple steaks for airflow. Cook for 8-10 minutes for medium-rare or 13-18 minutes for medium to well-done. For a medium-rare fillet steak, a 1-inch thick steak will take about 10-12 minutes. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired doneness.

Check the steak

To prevent overcooking, it is crucial to check the steak intermittently during cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 120°F-130°F; for medium-rare, 130°F; for medium, 140°F; for medium-well, 150°F; and for well-done, 160°F.

Let the steak rest

After cooking, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak more tender and flavorful.

Frequently asked questions