Air-Fryer Flank Steak: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking steak is a beloved pastime for many, but it can be a messy and time-consuming affair. Air fryers have been touted as a convenient, quick, and easy alternative to grilling or pan-frying steak. But can you cook flank steak in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer flank steak is a juicy, tender, and flavourful dish that can be cooked in less than 20 minutes. The air fryer is said to cook the steak to perfection, with a simple three-ingredient marinade and an easy clean-up. This method is perfect for those who are intimidated by grilling or searing but still want to enjoy a delicious steak.

Marinating the steak

Marination is an important step in cooking flank steak in an air fryer as it helps to tenderise the meat and infuse extra 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 produce a delicious result.

To marinate the steak, start by placing it in a plastic bag or ziplock bag. Then, pour in your chosen marinade, ensuring that the entire steak is coated. You can also massage the marinade into the meat. If you have the time, marinate your steak in the refrigerator for 4 to 8 hours, or preferably overnight. 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 fridge and then bring it back out 30 minutes before cooking so that it can return to room temperature. Don't forget to flip the steak halfway through the marination process to ensure both sides are evenly coated.

You can also \"score\" the meat by cutting very thin lines in a crosshatch pattern on both sides of the steak. This step is optional but can help impart extra flavour. Additionally, you can sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of the steak before marinating.

Once the steak is done marinating, remove it from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels. Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes before cooking. If you have any leftover marinade, you can transfer it into a saucepan and set it aside to make a sauce while the steak is cooking.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for flank steak in an air fryer depend on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook each side for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This yields an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C). If you prefer your steak to be more well-done, cook it for longer.

If you want a medium steak, cook the steak for 5–7 minutes on the first side, depending on its thickness. The longer end of this range will produce a more medium steak. Then, flip the steak and cook for another 4–5 minutes. This will give you a total cooking time of 9–12 minutes.

For a steak cooked to medium, you can also try cooking it for 15 minutes in total, flipping it halfway through. This method does not specify a temperature setting.

If you want to get a good sear on your steak, you can try a reverse sear. First, cook the steak in a low oven (around 250°F/121°C) until it is about 10°F (5°C) below your desired final temperature. Then, finish it with a quick hard sear in a pan.

It is important not to overcook flank steak, as it can become tough. Always let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing, as this will allow the juices to settle.

Resting the steak

If you are cooking beef, it is recommended to cook it to about 5 degrees below the setpoint and then rest it covered for at least 5 minutes. This will ensure that the steak is cooked to your desired doneness. For example, if you are aiming for a medium-rare steak, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F. The temperature will then rise to 135°F to 140°F while resting, achieving the ideal temperature range for medium-rare steak.

The resting time can also depend on the thickness of your steak. For thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the resting time accordingly. If you are cooking a steak that is thicker than 1 inch, you may need to let it rest for longer than 5 minutes to ensure that the juices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. On the other hand, if you are cooking a thinner steak, a shorter resting time may be sufficient.

Additionally, the desired doneness of your steak will impact the resting time. For example, a well-done steak may require a longer resting time compared to a medium-rare steak. This is because a well-done steak has been cooked to a higher internal temperature, and it will take longer for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

It is important to note that the steak will continue to cook while resting, so it is recommended to remove it from the air fryer when it is about 5 degrees below your desired doneness. This will ensure that your steak is not overcooked and dry. By allowing the steak to rest, you will end up with a juicy and tender steak that is cooked to perfection.

Slicing the steak

The grain of the meat refers to the direction of the muscle fibres. When slicing flank steak, you want to cut across these muscle fibres, not along them. This will make the meat more tender and easier to chew.

To identify the grain, look at the steak and locate the direction in which the muscle fibres are running. This is the grain. Then, simply slice the steak in the opposite direction.

If you are unsure, you can always slice the steak against the grain and then give it a taste test. If it is tough or chewy, you likely cut it along the grain and will need to adjust your slicing direction.

Finally, flank steak is best served fresh off the air fryer. However, if you have leftovers, it is recommended to slice the steak before freezing so it thaws faster.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Storing leftovers:

When storing leftover flank steak, it is important to let it come to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container or plastic zipper bag and store it in the refrigerator. The leftover steak will stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. It is recommended to slice the steak before freezing so that it thaws faster.

Reheating leftovers:

The air fryer is an excellent way to reheat leftover flank steak, as it uses convection cooking to circulate hot air around the food, resulting in even and consistent heating. This eliminates the cold spots that can occur when reheating steak in a microwave. The air fryer can also crisp up the exterior of the steak while keeping the inside moist and juicy.

To reheat the flank steak in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). Take the leftover steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which can prevent it from crisping properly. You can also reseason the steak with a light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and your favorite steak seasoning to enhance the flavor.

Place the steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that the steaks are not overcrowded so that the hot air can circulate properly. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the steak. A very thick steak may take an additional 1 to 2 minutes. The steak is done when it is warmed thoroughly and can be checked with a meat thermometer.

It is important to note that steak thickness affects the reheating time, so if you are reheating multiple steaks, it is best to cook those of similar thickness together to prevent some steaks from becoming overcooked before others are warmed through. It is generally not recommended to reheat steak more than once, so only reheat the amount you plan to eat.

Frequently asked questions