Cody Casey
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and foolproof method for enjoying a juicy and tender steak with a beautifully seared crust. It is also more energy-efficient than using an oven. The circulating hot air in the air fryer locks in the steak's natural juices while creating a crispy, caramelised exterior. The air fryer also reduces the need for excess oil, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste or texture. You can use any good cut of steak, such as sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip, and season it with salt, pepper, and garlic, or your favourite rub.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Sirloin |
| Steak weight | 8-10 oz |
| Steak thickness | 3/4" to 1-1/4" |
| Steak temperature | Room temperature |
| Steak seasoning | Salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic |
| Air fryer temperature | 400°F/200°C |
| Air fryer preheat time | 3-5 minutes |
| Steak cooking time | 6-18 minutes |
| Steak cooking method | No flipping |
| Steak resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Steak serving suggestion | With herb butter, salad, or roasted vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Recommended steak thickness
The recommended thickness for a sirloin steak in an air fryer is at least 1 inch, with some sources recommending 1 to 1.5 inches. Thinner steaks may cook too fast and not get a chance to brown, while thicker steaks will require a longer cooking time.
One source recommends allowing the steak to come to room temperature before cooking, which can be done by taking it out of the fridge 15 to 30 minutes prior. This allows for more even cooking. However, another source mentions that allowing the steak to come to room temperature does not make a big difference.
When cooking the steak, it is important to preheat the air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the desired level of doneness, with a medium-rare steak taking around 10 to 13 minutes and a medium steak taking around 12 minutes for a 1-inch-thick cut. For thicker or thinner steaks, the cooking time should be adjusted accordingly. It is recommended to use a meat probe or a kitchen thermometer to test the doneness of the steak and avoid overcooking.
The air fryer is a convenient and easy way to cook a sirloin steak, with the ability to produce a tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked steak. By following the recommended thickness and cooking guidelines, you can achieve a delicious and evenly cooked steak.
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Preheat settings
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking sirloin steak. It ensures that the outside of the meat starts to cook immediately, sealing in the juices and making for a more succulent piece of meat.
To preheat your air fryer, set it to 400°F/200°C or a high heat setting. If you don't have a preheat setting on your air fryer, simply turn it on and let it run for 3-5 minutes at the desired temperature. This will ensure that the basket gets hot before you put your steak in.
If you are cooking a 1-inch steak, you should preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, when you put your steak in, cook it for 10 minutes, flipping halfway, for a medium-rare steak. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, again flipping halfway. If your steak is thicker or thinner than 1 inch, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
It is also important to let your steak come to room temperature before cooking. Take the steak out of the fridge about 20 to 30 minutes before you plan to cook it. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly.
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Seasoning and toppings
A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is a classic choice, but you can also add other spices and herbs to create a more complex flavour profile. For example, you could use Italian seasoning, or dried oregano, dried thyme, granulated garlic, powdered cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. A pinch of sugar can also help to balance the salty flavours and create a caramelised crust. If you want to add a spicy kick, consider adding chilli powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, thyme, or oregano can also be used to add a touch of freshness to your steak.
In addition to the dry seasonings, you can also marinate the steak in a liquid marinade or dressing to infuse it with flavour and help keep the meat juicy. Just be careful not to use too much oil, as this can cause your air fryer to smoke. A combination of oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like dill, parsley, rosemary, thyme, or chives can be mixed to make a compound butter, which can be added on top of the steak after cooking for an extra burst of flavour.
When it comes to toppings, a pat of garlic herb butter is a popular choice, adding a delicious creamy element to your steak. You could also top it with creamy sauces like alfredo or cheese sauce for a comforting meal. If you're looking for a lighter option, a simple slice of herb butter or a classic Caesar salad can also be a great way to enhance your steak.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for an air fryer sirloin steak depends on various factors, including the thickness of the steak, the desired doneness, and the model of the air fryer.
Firstly, it is recommended to let the steak come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures the steak cooks evenly and helps it reach the desired level of doneness. The length of time it takes for the steak to reach room temperature depends on the initial temperature of the steak. For example, if the steak is fridge-cold, it is recommended to let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
Secondly, the thickness of the steak will impact the cooking time. Steaks that are 1-inch thick will take around 12 to 18 minutes to cook, depending on the desired doneness. Thinner steaks, around ¾-inch thick, will take less time, while thicker steaks will take longer.
Thirdly, the desired doneness of the steak will also affect the cooking time. For a medium-rare steak, cook for around 11 to 13 minutes. For a medium steak, cook for around 15 minutes. For a medium-well steak, cook for around 18 minutes.
It is important to note that different air fryer models may cook at different rates, so it is essential to keep an eye on the steak and use a kitchen thermometer to check the doneness. The steak will continue to rise in temperature by 5 to 10 degrees as it rests, so it is crucial to factor this into the cooking time.
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Resting time
During the resting time, the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise by approximately 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that if you prefer your steak medium-rare, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F, as it will continue to cook and rise to the ideal temperature of 130-135°F during the resting time.
It is important to note that the steak's thickness will impact the cooking time and the resting time. For example, a 1-inch thick steak will take approximately 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer, while a thicker steak may take up to 18 minutes. Similarly, a thicker steak may require a longer resting time to ensure that the juices redistribute properly.
To check the doneness of your steak during the resting time, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. This will allow you to monitor the internal temperature and ensure that your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Additionally, it is suggested to let the steak come to room temperature before cooking, as this will result in a more evenly cooked steak. By letting the steak sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking, you can avoid overcooking the edges while the center remains undercooked. This step is especially important if you are cooking a thicker steak, such as a sirloin steak, which requires a longer cooking time.
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Frequently asked questions
First, allow the steak to come to room temperature before cooking. This will ensure your steak is less tough and cooks evenly. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 3-5 minutes. Brush the steak with olive oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-15 minutes until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 12-18 minutes for a medium-rare steak.
Always use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 125°F/52°C. The steak's temperature will continue to rise by 5-10 degrees as it rests.
Transfer the steak to a plate and loosely cover it with foil. Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to settle.
Some side dish options include roasted vegetables, crispy air fryer chips, a fresh salad, or baked potatoes.
