Air-Frying Skirt Steak: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Skirt steak is a delicious cut of beef that can be cooked in an air fryer. It is a tender and juicy piece of meat that can be easily prepared in this kitchen appliance in just a few minutes. The air fryer is a great alternative to grilling, especially in hot weather, and it produces a tender and flavourful steak with a nice crust. The key to a good skirt steak is to cut against the grain and to ensure the meat reaches the desired internal temperature.

How to choose the best skirt steak cut for air frying

Skirt steak is a cheap, versatile, and delicious cut of meat that can be cooked in an air fryer. When choosing the best skirt steak cut for air frying, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to select a good-quality skirt steak, such as Angus or Prime, to ensure the best flavour and texture. Secondly, skirt steak should be cut against the grain to maintain its tender nature. If cut with the grain, the steak can become excessively chewy. Thirdly, it is advisable to avoid skirt steaks that are very fatty, as these are better suited for cooking over an open fire rather than in an air fryer. Finally, it is worth noting that skirt steak cooks quickly, so it is important to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

When preparing the skirt steak for air frying, it is recommended to bring the meat to room temperature before cooking. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevents the air fryer from cooling down too much. It is also important to pat the meat dry with a paper towel before cooking, as this can impact the cooking process and the final texture of the steak.

In terms of cooking time, skirt steak cooks faster than other cuts of steak, such as flank steak. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. For a thin skirt steak, 5 minutes in the air fryer should be sufficient, followed by a minute of resting time. For a thicker steak, 6-7 minutes will result in a medium-rare steak, which can be adjusted by a minute or two for a more well-done steak. It is always best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak, which should be 130-135°F for medium-rare.

To add flavour to the skirt steak, it can be marinated before cooking. A simple marinade of avocado oil, chopped cilantro, lime zest and juice, and spices can be used to coat the steak before air frying. The steak can also be brushed with olive oil and seasoned with a dry rub of spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Additionally, pan-searing the steak before air frying can add a crispy edge to the outside, similar to the effect of grilling. However, this will reduce the cooking time in the air fryer by 1-2 minutes.

Marinades and rubs for skirt steak

Skirt steak is a tougher cut of meat due to its extensive connective tissue, so it needs to be handled correctly. It should be marinated or tenderized with a meat mallet and cooked at high heat and quickly.

A good marinade will help to tenderize the meat and add flavour. Some top-quality steaks can go without a marinade, but for skirt steak, it is a good idea to use one. Thinner cuts like skirt steak should be marinated for 2-4 hours. A simple marinade can be made by combining balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl and whisking vigorously. You can then combine the steak and marinade in a Ziploc bag, removing any excess air before sealing tightly and leaving it to marinate for 30 minutes on the counter or up to 2 hours in the fridge.

For a quick marinade, you can combine chopped cilantro, avocado oil, and the zest and juice of one lime in a large mixing bowl. Stir in your spices of choice, put the skirt steak in the bowl, and coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and leave to marinate for about 15 minutes.

If you want to tenderize your skirt steak without a marinade, you can use a meat mallet to pound the steak.

Air fryer settings and cooking times

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) or 425°F (220°C). If your air fryer produces a lot of smoke, you can preheat it at 350°F (177°C).

For a thin skirt steak, cook for 3-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should reach 130°F (54°C) or 135°F (54-57°C). Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving.

If you prefer your steak medium, cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should be between 140-150°F (60-66°C). Then, let the steak rest in the air fryer basket for 3 minutes before serving.

For a thicker skirt steak, cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, for a medium doneness. The internal temperature should reach 155-160°F (68-71°C).

If you want to mimic the crispy edges of a grilled steak, you can pan-sear the steak before cooking it in the air fryer. However, this will reduce the cooking time in the air fryer by 1-2 minutes.

Resting and serving the steak

Resting the steak is a crucial step in the cooking process. After cooking, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes, and up to 10 minutes, before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and flavorful steak. Cover the steak with aluminum foil during this time.

While the steak rests, the juices that have risen to the surface during cooking will have a chance to sink back into the meat, keeping it moist and tender. This process also helps to even out any temperature differences in the steak, ensuring a consistent doneness throughout.

In addition to resting, it is important to let the steak cool down slightly before serving. This allows the steak to reach a temperature that is comfortable for eating and also gives the juices more time to redistribute.

Finally, when serving the steak, be sure to cut against the grain. Skirt steak has a very distinct grain, or muscle fiber direction, and cutting against it will ensure the meat stays tender. If you cut with the grain, the steak can become excessively chewy, requiring more effort to bite and chew.

Skirt steak is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be the star of taco night or the protein in a salad or fajitas. It can also be served with sides such as cilantro-lime rice, mashed cauliflower, or corn relish.

Side dishes to serve with skirt steak

Skirt steak is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes to enhance your dining experience. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will perfectly complement your juicy and tender air-fried skirt steak:

Starchy Sides

• Mashed Potatoes: Sweet or regular mashed potatoes offer a delightful contrast to the savoury, hearty flavour of the steak. You can even add a drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra comfort.
• French Fries: The classic, crunchy side dish that is hard to resist. Sprinkle with sea salt or drizzle with truffle oil to elevate the flavours.
• Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes beautifully balances the savouriness of the steak, while their soft and creamy texture provides a pleasing contrast.
• Potato Rosti: A delicious and crispy potato cake that adds variety to your potato side dishes.
• Parsley Salad and Sweet Potato Wedges: A refreshing and flavourful salad with the sweetness of sweet potato wedges.

Vegetables

• Grilled Vegetables: Serve your steak with a side of grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, corn, cherry tomatoes, and spring onions. You can even add some guacamole on the side for a creamy and delicious treat.
• Blooming Onion: The complex flavours and crispy texture of a blooming onion provide a wonderful contrast to the juicy steak.
• French Onion Soup: A comforting and savoury soup that pairs well with the steak.
• Green Beans: A simple yet tasty side dish that complements the steak.
• Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus brings a charred, smoky flavour to the dish and pairs well with the steak.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, Brussels sprouts offer a delightful bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the savoury steak.

Salads

• Greek Salad: A fresh Greek salad with tangy feta cheese, ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and olives provides a lighter counterpoint to the rich, meaty skirt steak, making the meal feel well-rounded.
• Quinoa Salad: For a healthier option, a quinoa salad with its light, nutty flavour and colourful veggies is a refreshing accompaniment to the hearty steak.
• Cilantro-Lime Rice: For a Latin American twist, serve your steak with cilantro-lime rice for a zesty and aromatic experience.

Comfort Food

• Mac and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food, mac and cheese brings a creamy, cheesy delight that perfectly complements the skirt steak.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy, and refreshing contrast to the rich skirt steak, adding a new dimension to the meal.
• Garlic Bread: The savoury, buttery, and garlicky flavours of garlic bread are a perfect match for the steak, making it a satisfying side dish.

Frequently asked questions