Air-Frying Steak: The Nuwave Way

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a juicy and flavourful steak with a delicate texture and a crispy crust. Air fryers are a convenient and fast way to cook, and the NuWave Oven is no exception. With its infrared, conduction, and convection systems, the NuWave Oven promises healthier results than a microwave or conventional oven. So, can you cook steak in a NuWave air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you ensure that your steak cooks evenly and efficiently. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect steak:

First, remove your steaks from the refrigerator and allow them to reach room temperature. This step is crucial, as it helps the steaks cook more evenly. Aim for at least 30 minutes on the counter before cooking. While you're waiting, you can preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This temperature is ideal for cooking steaks, as it will create a crispy crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Once your air fryer has preheated, it's time to prepare the steaks. Start by patting them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step ensures that your steaks brown properly. Next, season your steaks generously with oil, salt, and pepper, or your desired spices and herbs. A good tip is to rub the oil onto the steaks first, as this will help the other seasonings stick and create a delicious crust. You can also add a dry rub or a pinch of sugar to enhance the browning and develop a gorgeous caramelized exterior.

Now that your steaks are seasoned and your air fryer is preheated to 400°F, you're ready to start cooking. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, as this will affect even cooking. Set the timer for 10-12 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, 10 minutes is sufficient, while 12 minutes is ideal for a medium steak. Don't forget to flip your steaks halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Once the timer goes off, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest. Transferring them to a plate and loosely tenting them with foil will prevent overcooking while allowing the juices to redistribute. Aim for a resting time of around 5-10 minutes. Finally, slice into your steaks and enjoy the perfect air-fried steak, made possible by preheating your air fryer to 400°F!

Seasoning and marinating the steak

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by placing your steaks on a clean plate. Use a clean paper towel to pat them dry, removing any excess moisture. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick to the steak and promotes even browning during cooking.

Step 2: Brush with Oil

Lightly brush both sides of each steak with oil. You can use a neutral-flavoured oil such as canola or grapeseed oil, or for extra flavour, try olive oil or avocado oil. This step will help the seasoning adhere to the steak and promote even browning.

Step 3: Season Generously

Now it's time to season your steaks. You can use a variety of seasonings, depending on your taste preferences. A classic option is to use salt and pepper, but you can also get creative with garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley. For a more intense flavour, try using a steak seasoning blend such as Montreal steak seasoning. Don't be shy with the seasoning—generously coat both sides of the steaks to ensure a flavourful crust.

Step 4: Marinade (Optional)

If you have the time, you can take your steak to the next level by marinating it before cooking. A simple marinade can be made by combining oil, acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar), and your choice of herbs and spices. Place the steaks in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for more intense flavour.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

While your steaks are resting or marinating, take the time to preheat your Nuwave Air Fryer. Set the temperature to 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the ideal range for cooking steaks. This step is crucial, as it helps to create a crispy crust and juicy interior.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to be generous and creative. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, and seasonings to find your perfect flavour profile. Happy cooking!

Placing the steak in the air fryer

Cooking steak in a Nuwave air fryer is a fast and convenient approach that delivers healthy and tasty results. The Nuwave oven uses infrared, conduction, and convection to cook your steak thoroughly without burning the outside.

First, grease your air fryer basket by rubbing a little oil on it. Then, preheat your Nuwave air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can skip the preheating step if you are in a hurry, as the Nuwave doesn't require the same preheating cycle as a traditional oven.

Next, prepare your steak. You can marinate it in your favourite liquid marinade or simply season it with salt and pepper. If you choose to marinate, let the steak sit for at least an hour or up to eight hours, and then bring it to room temperature before cooking. If you are simply seasoning your steak, rub it with olive or vegetable oil, salt, pepper, and your favourite steak seasoning.

Now, place your steaks in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook multiple steaks at once, but make sure they don't touch each other. Close the oven by placing the Nuwave dome cover over it, turning it clockwise until it locks, and then locking the handles on both sides.

Finally, set the timer, and your Nuwave air fryer will do the rest!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for steak in a Nuwave air fryer depend on the level of doneness you want to achieve. For a rare steak, cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, and aim for an internal temperature of 125–130 °F. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, and aim for an internal temperature of 130–140 °F. If you prefer your steak medium, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 140–150 °F. Well-done steaks take a little longer, around 12 to 15 minutes, and the internal temperature should be 160 °F or above.

It's worth noting that these timings are approximate and may vary depending on the size and thickness of your steak. The best way to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Check the internal temperature of your steak to ensure it has reached the desired level of doneness.

When using a Nuwave air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the device to 390-400 °F before placing the steaks inside. The Nuwave's unique combination of infrared, conduction, and convection cooking systems ensures that your steak is cooked evenly, with a crispy crust and a juicy, tender inside. Remember to allow your steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute and to prevent overcooking.

Resting the steak

The resting period is also a good time to finish any side dishes you may be preparing. Air fryers are great for cooking steak because they provide consistent heat, ensuring your steak is cooked perfectly every time. However, it's important to note that steak can contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella, so it should be cooked thoroughly before serving. The minimum safe temperature for steak is 145°F, but if you prefer your steak medium-rare, you can reduce this temperature slightly.

An instant-read thermometer is a useful tool to have when cooking steak, as it allows you to monitor the internal temperature and ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, the FDA recommends cooking it until the internal temperature reaches 130°F. However, it's important to remove the steak from the heat a few minutes before it reaches your desired temperature, as the residual heat will continue to cook the steak even after it's been removed from the fryer.

Finally, while air fryers are a convenient way to cook steak, it's important to clean the cooking rack after each use. This will help ensure that your steak is not only delicious but also safe to eat.

Frequently asked questions