Air-Frying Minute Steaks: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Minute steaks, also known as cube steaks, are a relatively inexpensive cut of beef that can be cooked in an air fryer. This cooking method is quick and easy, producing a tender and juicy steak with a perfect crust. It is also convenient, as side dishes can be prepared at the same time as the steak, and there is minimal cleanup. The air fryer's high temperature sears the meat well, and its good airflow ensures even cooking. The cooking time for minute steaks in an air fryer is typically around 10 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak.

Pre-heat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of cooking minute steaks. By preheating your air fryer, you create the ideal environment for your steaks to cook evenly and effectively. Here is a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for the best results:

Firstly, set the temperature of your air fryer to 180°C or 355°F for a good sear on your steaks. Alternatively, you can preheat your air fryer to a higher temperature of 200°C or 400°F, depending on your preference and the level of doneness you desire. Preheating at a higher temperature will help you achieve a more thorough sear on the surface of your steaks.

The duration of the preheating process is also crucial. It is recommended to preheat your air fryer for at least 2 minutes. This ensures that the cooking chamber is sufficiently heated to deliver a nice sear on the steaks when they are placed inside. The preheating time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so adjust accordingly to ensure the air fryer reaches the desired temperature.

While preheating, you can prepare your steaks by bringing them to room temperature. Take the steaks out of the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This step is important because it helps the steaks cook more evenly and enhances their flavour and texture. You can also use this time to pat the steaks dry with a kitchen towel and apply your chosen seasoning, such as oil, salt, and pepper, for added flavour.

Once the preheating time has elapsed, your air fryer will be ready for cooking your minute steaks. Simply place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook according to your desired level of doneness. Remember to consider the thickness of your steaks, as minute steaks are typically thinner than regular steaks, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Marinate the steak

Marinating your steak before air frying is a great way to add flavour and keep the meat juicy. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own. A simple marinade might include olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper. For a savoury marinade, try a combination of oil, salt, and pepper, and garlic. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavours and promote caramelisation. If you have the time, let the steak marinate for up to 2 hours—but even 30 minutes will make a difference.

If you're short on time or don't want to make your own marinade, you can simply rub oil, salt, and pepper on the steaks before air frying. You can also use a steak rub from your local grocery store or specialty spice shop. Just be sure to pat the steaks dry with a paper towel before applying any seasonings or marinades. This will help ensure a nice sear on the outside of the steak.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Then, place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steaks and the model of your air fryer, so be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. For a steak that's closer to rare, aim for a doneness temperature of 125°F to 130°F.

Once the steaks are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to relax, resulting in a more moist and flavourful dish. Enjoy your air-fried minute steaks!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for minute steaks in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the desired level of doneness, the thickness of the steak, and the model of the air fryer. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you cook minute steaks to perfection:

Preheating the Air Fryer:

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before cooking minute steaks. The ideal temperature for preheating is around 180C (355F) to 200C (400F) for about 2 to 5 minutes. Preheating helps to sear the steaks nicely and gives them a delicious crust.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your minute steaks and your desired level of doneness, ranging from rare to well-done. For thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking. Here are some general guidelines:

• For rare steaks, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should be between 125F and 130F.
• For medium-rare steaks, cook for 10 minutes, flipping at the halfway point.
• For medium steaks, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
• For well-done steaks, cook for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the desired level of doneness is achieved.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer and the number of steaks you are cooking. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Resting the Steaks:

Once the desired cooking temperature is reached, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest. Resting allows the juices to redistribute and the muscle fibers to relax, resulting in a moist and flavorful steak. Resting time can range from 2 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak and your preference.

Resting the steak

When cooking a minute steak in an air fryer, you should only need to rest the steak for a few minutes. Some recipes suggest 3-4 minutes, while others suggest 5 minutes or even 10 minutes. This may depend on the thickness of your steak and the model of your air fryer. Thicker steaks will require a longer cooking time, and you should also adjust the resting time depending on how well done you like your steak. For example, if you are cooking a 1-inch thick steak to medium-rare, you should rest it for 5 minutes.

It is important not to skip the resting step, as it allows the steak to finish cooking and ensures that it is juicy and tender. If you cut into the steak too soon, the juices will run out, and your steak may be dry and less flavoursome.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides and heat through your sauce. Some suggested sides to serve with minute steaks include microwave rice, pressure cooker rice, air fryer chips, potato wedges, green beans, roasted tomatoes, frozen French fries, and onion rings. You can also add a pat of garlic butter on top of your steak before serving.

Side dishes

There are many side dishes that can be prepared in an air fryer to accompany minute steaks. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

Air fryers are great for cooking vegetables, and you can prepare a variety of tasty vegetable side dishes while your minute steaks are cooking. Some options include:

• Green beans: You can cook these in the air fryer and season them with red pepper flakes for an Asian-inspired dish.
• Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into florets, toss with olive oil and everything bagel seasoning, and air fry for a healthy and delicious side.
• Brussels sprouts: Cut them in half or quarters, toss with salt, pepper, and oil, and air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.
• Asparagus: Toss the stalks in extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-8 minutes.
• Carrots: Air fryer carrots are a great way to bring out their sweetness. Try seasoning them with thyme, rosemary, or tarragon.
• Mushrooms: Air frying mushrooms gives them a nice crisp and allows them to absorb more flavor.
• Cauliflower: Air fryer cauliflower is a versatile option that can be flavored in many ways.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish, and the air fryer can give them a crispy and golden exterior while keeping the interior tender. Here are some potato side dish ideas:

• Potato wedges: Cut the potatoes into wedges, season with rosemary, and air fry. These are a great alternative to oven-baked wedges as they don't heat up your entire house.
• French fries: Cut the potatoes into long, thin strips, toss with a small amount of oil, and air fry until crispy.
• Potato skins: Rub potato skins with a butter-garlic mixture before cooking in the air fryer for a flavorful side.
• Sweet potato cubes: Season with cinnamon and honey, and serve as a side with roast chicken or pork.

Other Sides

In addition to vegetables and potatoes, you can also prepare these tasty sides in your air fryer:

• Zucchini chips: Slice zucchini into thin chips, bread them, and air fry for a crispy and delicious side.
• Ratatouille: Combine traditional ratatouille vegetables with Italian herbs for a quick, easy, nutritious, and delicious side dish.
• Shrimp: Air fryer shrimp is a healthy and tasty alternative to deep-fried shrimp. Serve them with cocktail sauce or put them on a salad or sandwich.
• Garlic bread: Air fry fresh garlic bread or use garlic powder for a quick and tasty side.

Frequently asked questions