Air-Fryer Flat Iron Steak: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers have become a popular way to cook steak, and for good reason. They can cook frozen steaks, saving time and effort, and are incredibly convenient. They also save you from having to heat up your kitchen with a hot oven or burner. One of the best steaks to cook in an air fryer is the flat iron steak. This is because it has a lot of marbling, which adds flavour and juiciness. It is also tender, affordable, and readily available at most grocery stores. Flat iron steak is best served rare to medium-rare, and should be cooked for 7-11 minutes, depending on your air fryer and desired level of doneness.

Air fryer settings

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature. This ensures even cooking and a nice sear on the outside of your steak. While some air fryers have a steak setting, it's not recommended as it may be calibrated for bone-in steaks, which take longer to cook. Instead, opt for a custom setting that allows you to adjust the cook time based on your steak's thickness and your desired doneness.

For a rare steak, cook for about 6 minutes, and for a more well-done steak, aim for 10 minutes. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, check it after 8 minutes, and if you like it medium or medium-well, add another minute or two. Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so take it out just before it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Additionally, consider flipping your steak halfway through the cooking process. This ensures even cooking on both sides. After removing the steak from the air fryer, let it rest for 2 to 5 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak.

If you want a more precise measurement of doneness, use a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends the following internal temperatures: rare at 125°F, medium-rare at 135°F, medium at 145°F, medium-well at 155°F, and well-done at 160°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to get an accurate reading.

Pre-cooking and searing

Preparing your steak before cooking is important to ensure that it cooks evenly and achieves the desired level of doneness. Firstly, take your steak out of the fridge and let it sit on your kitchen counter for about 20 minutes. This will ensure that the steak isn't too cold when you start cooking it.

While the steak is sitting out, you can prepare a marinade. A simple yet tasty marinade can be made by combining olive oil, freshly minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried or fresh rosemary, and dried or fresh thyme. You can also add spices such as chili powder, smoked paprika, and a touch of brown sugar or a sugar substitute to give your steak a more complex flavor profile. Stir the ingredients until they are well blended, then rub the marinade all over the steak, making sure both sides are well-coated. After applying the spice rub, let the steak sit at room temperature for about an hour to allow the seasonings to penetrate the muscle fibers for more flavor and even cooking.

Before placing the steak in the air fryer, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help with browning and texture. It is also important to preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature to ensure even cooking and a nice sear on the outside.

Marinades and seasonings

A simple yet classic marinade for your flat iron steak is a combination of olive oil, freshly minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. Combine these ingredients in a bowl and stir until well blended. Once blended, rub the marinade all over the steak, ensuring both sides are well-coated.

If you're looking for something with a little spice, try a combination of cumin, adobo, and smoked paprika. You can also add a touch of brown sugar to balance out the flavours in the marinade. For a more subtle heat, use chili powder, which will add depth to your steak without overwhelming its natural flavour.

For those who enjoy the taste of garlic, a pat of homemade garlic butter on top of your steak will add a delicious, indulgent touch. Alternatively, you can use flavoured butter with ingredients such as parsley, garlic, and soy sauce to enhance the flavour of your steak.

Resting and reheating

Resting the steak is an important step in the cooking process. It is recommended that you let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing it from the air fryer. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicier steak. It is also important to let the steak come to room temperature before cooking, which takes about an hour. This helps the steak cook more evenly and allows the seasonings to penetrate the muscle fibers for more flavor.

When reheating a flat iron steak, it is best to use the air fryer. First, remove the steaks from the fridge and let them warm up to room temperature. Then, place them in the air fryer and reheat for 5 minutes. You can also slice the steaks before reheating, which will help them warm up faster. It is important to note that the steak will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so it is best to remove it from the air fryer when it is slightly undercooked.

Sides and toppings

Steamed or Roasted Vegetables:

Steaming or roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables, creating a delicious contrast to the savoury steak. Consider asparagus, broccoli, carrots, green beans, or cauliflower. For an extra indulgent side, try mashed cauliflower.

Salads:

A fresh salad can provide a crisp and healthy contrast to the hearty steak. Try an arugula salad or a broccoli or asparagus salad. For a simple side, grab a bag of mixed salad greens and toss them with your favourite dressing, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers.

Garlic Bread:

Air fryer garlic bread is a crispy and flavourful treat that will elevate any meal. The aromatic garlic and buttery notes will perfectly complement the juicy steak.

Fries:

For a classic side, serve your steak with a side of fries. But instead of greasy fast-food fries, try making crispy air fryer curly fries for a healthier and equally delicious option.

Wine:

Flat iron steaks pair well with fruity cabernet sauvignons. If you're not a fan of red wine, you can substitute it with balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, which will also complement the flavours of the steak.

Gravy:

For a hearty topping, make a simple wine and mushroom gravy to drizzle over your steak. This adds extra flavour and moisture to your dish.

Spices and Seasonings:

Experiment with spices and seasonings to enhance the flavour of your steak. Try a combination of salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and dried thyme, or go for smoked paprika, cumin, adobo, and powdered seasonings for a charred flavour. Don't forget to pat your steak dry before applying the seasonings to ensure even coating and better browning.

Frequently asked questions