Air-Frying Top Sirloin: A Quick And Tasty Treat

Top sirloin is a popular cut of steak to cook in an air fryer. It is a less expensive cut than ribeye or New York Strip, but it is still tender and flavourful. Air-frying is a convenient and quick way to cook steak, with minimal cleanup required. The air fryer circulates hot air around the steak, ensuring it cooks evenly and quickly, without the need to heat up the whole kitchen with an oven or grill. It also prevents the mess that can come with frying a steak in an open pan.

Top sirloin steak preparation

Top sirloin is a great cut of steak to cook in the air fryer because it is typically well-marbled and high-quality. It is also a less expensive cut than ribeye or New York Strip. You can use fresh or frozen top sirloin steak, but if you start with a frozen steak, make sure to defrost it fully in the refrigerator first. This can take a day or longer for a thicker cut.

Before cooking, remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels, then brush or rub both sides with olive oil. You can also use a marinade with a small amount of oil, but be careful as too much oil can make your air fryer smoke. For a dry rub, season both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper, and perhaps other spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cumin, paprika, or chili powder.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 3 to 5 minutes. When the air fryer is preheated, put the steaks in the basket, ensuring they are spread out and not overlapping. Air fry for around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 minutes and flip halfway for medium-rare, or 12 minutes for medium. For a thicker steak, you will need to increase the cooking time. Check the temperature regularly with a kitchen thermometer and remove the steak from the basket when it reaches your desired internal temperature.

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a plate and loosely cover it with foil. Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Top with a pat of garlic herb butter and serve with your favorite sides.

Air fryer settings

First, take your steak out of the refrigerator. Ideally, you should do this 20 to 30 minutes before cooking to allow the meat to reach room temperature. This step is important for even cooking. While you wait, you can prepare any side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or potatoes.

Next, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or a high heat setting for about 3 minutes. It is important to preheat the air fryer to get that coveted sear on the outside of your steak.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to season your steak. Pat the steak dry with paper towels, and then rub it with olive oil or another high-heat neutral-flavored oil. Sprinkle both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper, or try other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or oregano. You can also use a steak seasoning blend or make your own.

Now, place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket. Make sure the steaks have enough space and do not overlap, as this will affect cooking. Depending on the thickness of your steak, cook for 7 to 15 minutes for a medium-rare to medium steak. For a more well-done steak, add a few minutes to the cooking time.

To achieve your desired doneness, use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For rare, the internal temperature should be 125-130 degrees Fahrenheit. For medium-rare, aim for 135 degrees Fahrenheit, and for medium, 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once your steak is cooked to your desired doneness, transfer it to a plate and loosely cover it with foil. Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite.

Finally, slice your top sirloin steak against the grain into 1/4-inch-thick pieces. Top with a pat of herb butter, such as garlic herb butter, or your favorite compound butter, and serve. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer top sirloin steak!

Cooking times

For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for 10 minutes and flip halfway for medium-rare, or 12 minutes and flip halfway for medium. If your steak is thicker, you will need to increase the cooking time accordingly. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F, while a medium steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.

If you are using a double-layered air fryer, you can cook two steaks at once. However, if you have a single-layer air fryer, it is recommended to cook one steak at a time to avoid overcrowding.

For a well-done steak, cook the steak for around 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F. It is important to note that the steak temperature will continue to rise by 5-10 degrees as it rests, so you should take it out of the air fryer a few degrees before your desired doneness.

Internal steak temperatures

When cooking top sirloin steak in an air fryer, it is important to monitor the internal temperature to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Using a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer, you can check the internal temperature of the steak to determine whether it is rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, or well-done.

For a rare steak, an internal temperature of at least 120°F (48.9°C) is recommended. If you prefer your steak to be medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature between 130°F and 135°F (54.4°C-57.2°C). At this temperature, you can expect a warm, red center with dark pink edges—a texture that is soft and tender.

If you prefer your steak more cooked through but still slightly pink, a medium steak is ideal. Take the steak off the heat at an internal temperature of 145°F (62.8°C) and let it rest for a few minutes to reach a final temperature of 150°F-155°F (65.6°C-68.3°C). A medium-well steak will have a mostly brown center and a firmer texture, as the meat will be drier due to water evaporation during the cooking process.

Finally, for a well-done steak, cook until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68.3°C). Keep in mind that a well-done steak will have a much firmer and drier texture as it has been cooked longer, resulting in the loss of fat and moisture. It is generally recommended to avoid cooking your steak to this level of doneness if you want to preserve its juiciness and tenderness.

Serving suggestions

Top sirloin steak is a great choice for air frying due to its generous marbling, tender texture, and flavour. It is also a more affordable option compared to other cuts of steak.

When it comes to serving air-fried top sirloin steak, there are several mouth-watering options to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want to serve the steak hot or cold. For a hot serving suggestion, the steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Herb butter: Top the steak with a pat of garlic herb butter for added flavour and juiciness.
• Mashed potatoes and vegetables: Try steamed greens, roasted green beans, asparagus, or even air fryer parmesan green beans on the side.
• Baked potatoes: Go for classic baked potatoes, or get creative with twice-baked potatoes.
• Salad: A caesar salad or a simple steak salad with cold cuts of steak can be a refreshing option.
• Other sides: Explore options like air fryer roasted potatoes, baby potatoes, potato slices, or crinkle-cut fries.

For a cold serving suggestion, a steak salad or wrap is a refreshing option. Simply slice the steak and serve it on a bed of greens with your choice of vegetables and dressing.

Remember, the beauty of air-fried top sirloin steak is its versatility. Feel free to get creative with your sides and toppings to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your steak!

Frequently asked questions