Air Fryer Steak: Cooking Raw To Perfection

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook food quickly, and they are all the rage these days. They work by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Given their popularity, it is no surprise that people are curious about whether you can cook a raw steak in an air fryer. The short answer is yes, you can cook a raw steak in an air fryer. However, there are some factors to consider, such as the size of the steak and the desired level of doneness.

Air fryer steak cooking times and temperatures

Yes, you can cook raw steak in an air fryer. Air fryers are a convenient way to cook steak as they heat up quickly, require less oil than other cooking methods, and produce less mess. However, it is important to note that air-fried steaks may not achieve the same rich, caramelized flavor and exterior texture as steaks cooked using other methods, like pan-searing or grilling.

When cooking steak in an air fryer, the cooking time and temperature will depend on the desired doneness and the thickness of the steak. Here are some general guidelines for cooking times and temperatures for air fryer steaks:

For a 1-inch thick steak:

• Medium-rare: Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 130°F-135°F.
• Medium: Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 140°F.
• Well-done: Cook at 400°F for 15-16 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of your steak. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of your steak and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Additionally, here are some tips for cooking steak in an air fryer:

• Choose smaller cuts of steak, such as filet mignon or other petite boneless cuts, as they are more likely to fit in the air fryer basket.
• Bone-in cuts are more flavorful and harder to overcook, but they may be more challenging to fit in the air fryer.
• Let your steaks reach room temperature 30 minutes before cooking for the best results.
• Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove moisture and promote browning.
• Spritz the steaks with a little oil before cooking to enhance browning.
• Preheat your air fryer for at least 10 minutes before adding the steaks to ensure even cooking and browning.

Choosing the right cut of steak

You can cook a raw steak in an air fryer, and it may be the easiest way to cook a steak. However, it may not be the best way to get a juicy, medium-rare piece of meat. The air fryer's convenience and speed come at the cost of flavour and texture.

When choosing the right cut of steak to cook in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the size of the steak matters. Larger cuts, like a family-sized sirloin or ribeye, may not fit well in the basket of most air fryers. So, it is better to opt for smaller cuts like filet mignon or other petite boneless cuts.

Secondly, the thickness of the steak is crucial to how evenly it cooks. A steak that is at least 1 inch thick will generally cook well in an air fryer. Thinner steaks may overcook, while thicker ones will take longer to cook through.

Thirdly, consider the marbling of the steak, which refers to the fat content within the meat. Steaks with good marbling, like ribeye, will stay juicier and more flavourful after air frying. Look for steaks with white flecks of fat dispersed throughout the meat.

Some of the best cuts of steak for the air fryer are New York strip, ribeye, t-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon. These cuts require less attention during cooking, which suits the air fryer's hand-off cooking style.

If you want to cook a larger cut of steak, you can try a porterhouse or sirloin steak. Just remember that bone-in cuts are more flavorful and harder to overcook, but they may be more challenging to fit into your air fryer.

Preparing the steak

Choose your cut of steak. Smaller cuts such as filet mignon and other petite boneless cuts are recommended for air frying. You could also go for a porterhouse or sirloin steak with a 1-inch thickness and around 1/2 pound in weight with no bones.

Take the steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the steak cook more evenly.

Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This will help achieve a better crust. Rub the steak with a little olive oil, butter, or another neutral oil. This will help the steak brown better. You can also add a dry rub, a store-bought steak rub, or a pinch of sugar to help create a caramelized crust.

Season the steak with salt and pepper. You can also add spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a smoky flavor. If you want to add extra flavor, you can marinate the steak in dressing or marinade.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the steak in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around it for airflow. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway, for medium-rare. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner steaks.

Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate, loosely tented with foil, for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to finish cooking.

Air fryer advantages and disadvantages

Yes, you can cook raw steak in an air fryer, but there are several factors to consider. Air fryers are convenient, countertop devices that heat up quickly and cook food by blasting it with fast-moving hot air from all angles. They are also relatively hands-free, which can be appealing to cooks who are preparing other dishes at the same time. The closed-off basket of an air fryer also prevents fat from splattering all over kitchen surfaces, making cleanup easier. However, air fryers have a limited capacity, so you may need to opt for smaller cuts of meat. Additionally, air fryers typically don't reach the same high temperatures as a stovetop, which can affect the char and flavor of the steak.

Advantages

Air fryers are a popular alternative to deep frying as they require little to no oil, resulting in a healthier cooking option. They use hot air to create a crispy texture without the need for large amounts of oil, reducing the overall calorie content of food and the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with high-fat consumption. Air fryers are also quick and easy to use, eliminating the need for preheating and reducing overall cooking time. They are versatile, capable of cooking a wide variety of foods, from vegetables and meats to desserts and snacks. They are also safe, reducing the risk of hot oil spills and burns associated with traditional deep frying. Air fryers are also said to retain more nutrients in food compared to deep frying.

Disadvantages

One of the main disadvantages of air fryers is their limited capacity, which may not be suitable for cooking large batches of food. They also require counter space and can be noisy during operation, which may be a nuisance for those who prefer quiet appliances. Air fryers may also take longer to heat up compared to a microwave, and there can be a learning curve involved in adjusting cooking times and temperatures to achieve the desired results. Additionally, for those who prefer the taste of traditional deep-fried foods, the air fryer may not deliver the same flavor or texture, especially if no oil is used.

Steak serving suggestions

Yes, you can cook raw steak in an air fryer. However, due to the relatively low temperature of an air fryer, you may not achieve the same rich, caramelized exterior that you would using other cooking methods. Additionally, the size of the air fryer may limit the cuts of steak you can use.

Now, for the fun part: what to serve with your steak! Here are some side dish suggestions to elevate your steak dinner:

Salads

A simple salad can be a great pairing with steak, but be sure to choose something that can stand up to the beefy flavour. Try a fresh and fiery salad with herbs and chillies, a peppery arugula salad with roasted beets and halloumi croutons, or a classic salade Catalane with roasted red pepper, anchovy, and hard-boiled egg. If you're feeling creative, you can also make a smoky, spicy Caesar salad with Little Gem lettuces, kale, and charred Broccolini.

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to add a crunchy texture and a burst of colour to your plate. Try grilled vegetables, roasted mushrooms, or charred Broccolini. For a modern twist on the classic steak and chips, serve your steak with rosemary celeriac fries and garlic butter kale. You can also spiralize and roast your favourite vegetables for a shoestring fry effect.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish for steak, and for good reason. Try chunky chips, skinny fries (steak frites), or garlic and herb mashed potatoes. For a more indulgent option, go for potatoes au gratin with a creamy cheese sauce and shredded cheddar and Gruyère.

Sauces

A good sauce can really enhance your steak. Some options to try are garlic butter, mushroom and peppercorn sauce, chimichurri, red wine sauce, or a simple splash of vinegar.

Comfort Food

For a more indulgent meal, pair your steak with mac 'n' cheese, onion rings, or refried beans.

Remember, when planning your steak dinner, it's important to consider the cut of meat, the cooking method, and how the flavours and textures of your side dishes will complement the steak. Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect steak dinner combination!

Frequently asked questions