Marianne Martinez
It's possible to cook frozen steaks in an air fryer, and it's a good option if you're short on time or forgot to defrost your steak. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and how well you like it cooked. Rare to medium-rare will take less time than medium-well to well-done. It's a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. You can also cook multiple steaks at the same time, but make sure they're not overcrowded in the air fryer. Before cooking, you can coat your steak with oil and season generously.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat the air fryer | Recommended by some sources, but not necessary |
| Temperature | 390°F (200°C) to 400°F (205°C) |
| Cooking time | 10-15 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness |
| Steak thickness | Timing is adjusted for thickness; thinner steaks require less time, thicker steaks require longer cook times |
| Seasoning | Use oil to help the seasoning stick; season generously with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings |
| Resting | Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving |
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What You'll Learn
The best cuts of steak to cook from frozen
Yes, you can cook frozen steaks in an air fryer and it can be a surprisingly simple way to prepare a mouthwatering steak. Some experts recommend cooking steak from frozen as thawing can produce tougher meat.
When choosing a steak to cook from frozen, thick-cut steaks are a good option as they are more forgiving during cook time and won't overcook as fast. Medium-thickness steaks can also be cooked from frozen but will require a bit more attention to prevent overcooking.
Ultra-thin cuts, like shaved steak, skirt steak, or stir fry beef, can be more temperamental and tricky to cook from frozen while yielding the same results as fresh steak.
Some good options for cuts of steak to cook from frozen include:
- Ribeye: Marbled with thin steaks of fat that render down during cooking, keeping the meat basted and resulting in a tender and juicy steak.
- Sirloin: A forgiving and adaptable cut that is also delicious, making it a good option for a first attempt at cooking steak from frozen.
- Flank steak
- Flat iron steak
- Filet mignon: A leaner cut that won't have the benefit of fat rendering and basting the meat as it cooks.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Steak in an Air Fryer
- Season generously: As the meat is frozen, much of the seasoning slides off and won't penetrate the meat.
- Use oil: Coating the steak with oil will help the seasoning stick and also help the steak get a nice sear and retain some moisture.
- Don't overcrowd the basket: If cooking multiple steaks, cook them in batches to prevent overcrowding and uneven cooking.
- Let the steak rest: Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting so the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Preheat the air fryer: This will help you get a good sear on the steak. However, some sources suggest not preheating to prevent the formation of grey bands just under the crust due to the outer part of the meat overcooking.
- Adjust timing based on thickness and desired doneness: Thicker steaks and those cooked past medium will require longer cook times.
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How to season a frozen steak
Yes, you can cook frozen steaks in an air fryer. It is a surprisingly simple way to prepare a fresh, juicy, and tasty steak. Some even recommend cooking steak from frozen as thawing can produce tougher meat.
First, remove the steak from the freezer and take it out of its packaging. If your steak is frozen in a block, you can air fry it to thaw it and then separate the steaks.
Before seasoning, coat the steak with a little oil to help the steak get a nice sear, keep it from sticking to the air fryer, and retain some moisture. You can use any kind of oil, but avoid butter as it may burn during the cooking process. If you can't use oil, spritz the steak with cold water.
Next, season the steak liberally with at least 50% more seasoning than you normally would for a thawed steak. Salt and pepper are the gold standard, but you can use any seasonings you like. It is important to season generously because most seasonings will not penetrate more than about ¼" into the meat.
Finally, place the steak in the air fryer and cook until it reaches the desired internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to know when your steak is done. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 120-125°F. For a medium steak, the temperature should be 136°F, and for a well-done steak, it should be 154°F.
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How long to cook a frozen steak for
Yes, you can cook a frozen steak in an air fryer. The cooking time depends on the level of doneness you want to achieve and the thickness of your steak.
If you are cooking a 1-inch-thick steak, here are the estimated cooking times for different levels of doneness:
- Rare: 49-57°C (120-130°F) for approximately 10 minutes
- Medium-rare: 54-57°C (130-135°F) for approximately 12-14 minutes
- Medium: 57-63°C (135-145°F) for approximately 16 minutes
- Medium-well: 63-68°C (145-155°F) for approximately 20 minutes
- Well-done: 68-74°C (155-165°F) for approximately 22 minutes
If you are cooking a thicker steak, you may need to decrease the temperature to prevent the outside from burning before the inside is cooked to your desired level of doneness. For example, if you are cooking a 2-inch steak and want it well-done, you should decrease the temperature to around 350°F.
It is important to note that all air fryers cook slightly differently, so the times listed above are approximate. To ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the steak throughout the cooking process.
Additionally, when cooking a frozen steak in an air fryer, it is suggested to preheat the air fryer to get a good sear on the steak. However, some people choose to start with a cold air fryer to prevent the outer part of the meat from overcooking before the inside reaches the desired temperature.
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The benefits of cooking a frozen steak in an air fryer
Cooking a frozen steak in an air fryer has several benefits. Firstly, it is a quick and convenient way to prepare a delicious, juicy, and tender steak with minimal prep time and short cooking times. This method is perfect for those busy days when you don't have time to defrost your steak or go shopping for fresh meat.
Another advantage is that cooking from frozen can result in a more evenly cooked steak. Starting with a frozen steak prevents the formation of grey bands just under the crust, which occur when the outer part of the meat overcooks before the inside reaches the desired temperature. With an air fryer, you can achieve a perfect crust without overcooking the meat underneath.
Air fryers also allow for precise cooking according to your preferred doneness. Whether you like your steak rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done, you can easily adjust the timing and temperature to achieve your desired outcome. The key factor is the thickness of the steak, which determines the cooking time. Additionally, air fryers accommodate various steak cuts, so you can experiment with different options like ribeye, sirloin, flank steak, or filet mignon.
Furthermore, cooking a frozen steak in an air fryer can enhance the flavor and texture of your steak. A little oil helps the steak develop a nice sear, retain moisture, and prevent sticking. It also allows the seasonings to stick better, ensuring a flavorful crust. Some people even prefer the taste and texture of air-fried frozen steaks over thawed steaks, claiming no noticeable difference.
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What to serve with an air-fried frozen steak
You can cook frozen steaks in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on how you like your steak cooked and the thickness of the steak. A thinner steak will require less time, while a thicker steak will require a longer cooking time. For example, a 1-inch thick steak cooked to medium-rare should be cooked for 10 minutes, flipping it after 5 minutes. A well-done steak of the same thickness will require 22 minutes.
Now, what to serve with your air-fried frozen steak? Here are some ideas:
Baked, Smashed, or Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes are a classic side dish for steak, and for good reason. They provide a hearty and starchy contrast to the protein-rich steak. You can bake, smash, or mash them, and they're the perfect vessel for any steak juices that may be left on your plate.
Green Beans or Asparagus
Green beans and asparagus are two vegetables that go well with steak. They offer a fresh and slightly crunchy texture to complement the tenderness of the steak.
Salad
A salad is a great way to round out your meal and get your daily dose of vegetables. Opt for a seasonal green salad with a variety of leafy greens and vegetables.
Roasted Vegetables
If you're looking for something a little heartier, roasted vegetables are a delicious option. Try roasting some broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or your other favorite veggies.
Chips or Fries
For something a little more indulgent, serve your steak with a side of chips or fries. You can even make sweet potato fries in your air fryer!
Compound Butter
While not a side dish, compound butter is a delicious addition to your steak. Try garlic herb butter or cowboy butter to take your steak to the next level.
There you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create a delicious and well-rounded meal with your air-fried frozen steak.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook frozen steaks in an air fryer.
The cooking time depends on the thickness of the steak and how well done you like it. A 1-inch-thick steak will take around 10 minutes for rare, 12-14 minutes for medium-rare, 16 minutes for medium, 20 minutes for medium-well, and 22 minutes for well-done.
No, you don't need to defrost frozen steaks before cooking them in an air fryer. In fact, some experts recommend cooking steak from frozen as thawing can make the meat tougher.
A ribeye steak is a good option as it has thin steaks of fat that render down, keeping the meat basted and resulting in a tender and juicy steak. Other cuts such as sirloin, flank steak, flat iron steak, and filet mignon can also be used.
Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Using oil will help the seasoning stick to the steak.
