Air Fryer Omaha Steaks: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Omaha Steaks offers a variety of meat products that can be cooked in an air fryer. These include chicken fingers, chicken breasts, chicken fried chicken, crab cakes, shrimp, bacon, salmon, and, of course, steak. Omaha Steaks provides detailed instructions on how to prepare their products in an air fryer, including specific temperatures and cooking times. They also offer a subscription plan that allows customers to customize their orders and receive their favorite cuts of meat regularly. While some people have expressed concerns about cooking prime cuts of steak in an air fryer, others have shared successful experiences, emphasizing the importance of proper techniques and temperature control.

Omaha steak cooking instructions for an air fryer

You can cook Omaha steaks in an air fryer, and the process is straightforward. Omaha steaks are flash-frozen, so you can cook them straight from frozen without defrosting. However, if you prefer, you can defrost the steaks overnight in the refrigerator or use the quick-thaw method by thawing in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes.

Before cooking, remove the steak from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel. Lightly brush or spray the steak with oil to prevent it from sticking to the air fryer. You can also add a teaspoon of seasoning at this stage if you wish.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 400°F. The exact temperature will depend on the type of steak you are cooking and your desired level of doneness. For example, for a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F-130°F. Use a high-quality meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the steak as it cooks.

Place the steak in the air fryer basket, leaving at least half an inch of space around it to ensure proper air circulation. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Cooking time will vary depending on the type of steak and your desired level of doneness, but on average, it should take around 8 minutes to achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the interior.

For best results, flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. However, if you are cooking a delicate fillet such as Faroe Island salmon, do not flip as it may fall apart.

In addition to steak, you can cook various Omaha products in an air fryer, including chicken fingers, crab cakes, potatoes au gratin, shrimp, and chicken breasts.

Air fryer temperature and cooking times

The ideal air fryer temperature and cooking times for Omaha steaks depend on the type of steak and the desired doneness. Omaha steaks can be cooked in an air fryer straight from frozen—without defrosting—or they can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

For a 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium-rare, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the steak for 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the steak. For thicker or thinner steaks, less or more time will be needed, respectively.

Chicken fried steaks should be cooked in the air fryer for 16–18 minutes at 360°F, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Chicken fingers should be cooked for 14–16 minutes at 400°F, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Chicken filets should be cooked for 18–20 minutes at 360°F, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Shrimp should be cooked for 6–8 minutes at 400°F, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

The ideal doneness temperature for steak is 125°F–130°F for medium-rare. It's best to monitor the internal temperature of the steak with a high-quality meat thermometer to determine doneness.

Preparing Omaha steaks for the air fryer

Once your steaks are thawed, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 375°F and 400°F. While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare your steaks. Remove them from their packaging and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help ensure a crispy exterior when cooked. Next, lightly brush each steak with about a teaspoon of oil. This step is important to prevent the meat from sticking to the air fryer and to help achieve that desired crispy texture.

Now it's time to season your steaks. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or get creative with your favorite spices and herbs. Omaha Steaks Seasoning is also a great option, with a blend of garlic, onions, and savory spices. Be sure to season liberally to maximize the flavor. You can also try a dry brine for even more flavor and juiciness. Simply season the steaks and let them sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours before cooking.

Finally, it's time to cook your steaks. Place them in the air fryer basket, leaving about one inch of space between each steak. This spacing is crucial to ensure proper air circulation, which will result in even cooking and that coveted crispy exterior. Depending on your desired doneness, cook the steaks for around 8-15 minutes for rare to medium-rare. For a more well-done steak, you may need to increase the cooking time. Don't forget to flip the steaks halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Once your steaks have reached your desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is essential, as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender steak. Finally, serve your steaks with your favorite sides and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Spacing and batch cooking in the air fryer

When cooking with an air fryer, it's important to remember that airflow is crucial for even cooking. While it is possible to stack food in an air fryer, overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, with some parts crispy and golden, while others remain undercooked. To ensure proper airflow, it is recommended to leave a space of about one inch between portions of meat or other foods. This allows hot air to circulate and cook the food evenly.

To maximize space in the air fryer, you can use racks to create multiple layers. Many air fryers come with stackable racks, allowing you to cook different foods simultaneously. This can be particularly useful when batch cooking or preparing meals for multiple people. For example, you can cook several servings of vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus, in a single batch by tossing them with a drizzle of olive oil and shaking the basket periodically for even browning.

When cooking proteins, it's important to note that larger cuts of meat or thick proteins, like steak and whole chicken breasts, may cook unevenly when stacked. In this case, it's best to cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Additionally, foods with a crunchy coating, such as fried chicken or battered fish, require adequate space for the air to circulate and create that satisfying crunch.

The air fryer is an excellent tool for batch cooking, as it cooks food quickly and efficiently. It is perfect for preparing small batches of proteins and vegetables, and it can also be used to reheat leftovers without sacrificing texture or taste. By following the recommended spacing guidelines and utilizing the stackable racks, you can maximize the space in your air fryer and efficiently prepare meals for multiple people or meal prep for the week.

Air fryer recipes for Omaha steak products

Air-frying is a convenient way to cook Omaha Steaks products, and you don't even need to defrost the food before cooking. Simply add the frozen product to the air fryer and follow the instructions. Here are some recipes and cooking instructions for Omaha Steaks products in an air fryer:

Omaha Steaks Chicken Fried Steaks

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Place the desired amount of chicken fried steaks in the fry pan basket, leaving ½” between each steak. Cook for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Omaha Steaks Chicken Fried Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Place the desired number of chicken filets in the fry basket, leaving ½” space between each piece. Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Omaha Steaks Traditional Crispy Chicken Tenders

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the desired amount of chicken fingers in the fry basket, leaving ½” space between each piece. Cook for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Omaha Steaks Cod Fillets

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the desired amount of cod fillets in the fry basket, leaving ½” space between each fillet. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Omaha Steaks Potatoes Au Gratin

Preheat your air fryer to 300°F. Place the desired amount of potatoes au gratins in the fry pan basket, leaving ½” between each piece. Cook for 25-30 minutes.

Omaha Steaks Coconut Shrimp

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Place the desired number of shrimps in the fry basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Air Fryer Steak

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Once your steak is thawed, pat it dry with a paper towel. Rub lightly with olive oil and season with your favorite blend. Place the steak in the air fryer basket, leaving 1” space between portions. Cook for about 15 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through for a crispy exterior. Monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Frequently asked questions