Air Fryer Steak: Thawing And Cooking Perfection

Yes, you can cook partially frozen steak in an air fryer. In fact, you can cook a frozen steak in an air fryer – no need to defrost it first. It's a quick and easy way to cook a steak, taking less than 30 minutes from freezer to plate.

How long to cook a partially frozen steak in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook a partially frozen steak in an air fryer. In fact, cooking steak from frozen is a handy skill to have when you're in a rush or forget to thaw your steak. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and how well you like it cooked.

How to Cook a Partially Frozen Steak in an Air Fryer

First, take your steak out of the freezer and remove the packaging. Brush or spray both sides with olive oil or oil of your choice. This will help the seasoning stick. Next, season your steak. You can use salt and pepper, or add other herbs and spices, or a rub. When cooking a frozen steak, it's best to use about 50% more seasoning than you usually would.

Now, preheat your air fryer to 380°F/190°C or 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes. Then, place your steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 13-16 minutes for a medium-rare steak, or 14-18 minutes for a well-done steak. If you like your steak rare, medium, or medium-well, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Remember to flip your steak halfway through the cooking time.

Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, turn off the air fryer and let the steak rest inside for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the steak to a cutting board. For an extra touch of flavor, top with butter or sea salt flakes. Finally, let the steak rest for a few more minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. This will ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
• If you are cooking multiple steaks, make sure they fit comfortably in the air fryer. If not, you may need to cook them in batches.

The best cut of steak to use

When it comes to choosing the best cut of steak to cook in an air fryer, there are several options that can deliver excellent results. Here are some of the best cuts to consider:

Ribeye Steak

Ribeye is a popular choice for air frying due to its rich, buttery flavour and tender texture. It comes from the longissimus dorsi muscle of the cow and has a good amount of marbling, which adds to its flavour and juiciness. When cooking ribeye in an air fryer, it's best to keep the seasonings simple, such as salt, pepper, and olive oil, to let the natural flavours of the meat shine through. Depending on your desired doneness, cooking a ribeye steak in an air fryer typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

Sirloin Steak

Sirloin is another great option for air frying, especially if you're looking for a leaner cut of meat. It's best to choose top sirloin, which is more tender than bottom sirloin. Sirloin steaks benefit from a good rub or marinade before being cooked in the air fryer. Remember to let the meat rest in the marinade for a while to enhance its flavour and tenderness. Cooking time will vary depending on your desired doneness, but for a medium-rare steak, aim for around 10 to 12 minutes in the air fryer.

New York Strip Steak

Also known as strip steak, this cut of meat is a favourite among connoisseurs for its beautiful texture and rich, beefy flavour. Strip steak is best cooked in the air fryer when it's at room temperature, and a simple seasoning of butter, garlic, and herbs is often all you need. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the steak for about 14 minutes for a medium-rare steak.

Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is a tender and mild-flavoured cut of meat that comes from the loin primal section of the cow. Its soft texture makes it ideal for air frying, as it can be easily paired with various rubs, marinades, butters, and sauces. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F, and cook the filet mignon for around 10 to 12 minutes, depending on its thickness.

Porterhouse Steak

Porterhouse is a large and impressive cut of meat that combines two different steaks: the top loin (New York strip) and the tenderloin. It's a great option for the air fryer, but due to its thickness, it will take longer to cook. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, and keep the seasonings simple to let the flavours of the meat shine.

When choosing the best cut of steak for air frying, it's important to consider your personal preferences for flavour, texture, and doneness. Remember that thicker steaks will take longer to cook and may require adjustments to the cooking time and temperature. Additionally, always use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to season a partially frozen steak

Cooking a partially frozen steak in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy a quick and easy meal. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to season your steak for the best results:

• Start by placing your partially frozen steaks on a plate. If they are completely frozen, you can let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes until they are partially thawed.
• Brush both sides of the steaks with olive oil or any oil of your choice. This step is crucial as it helps the seasonings stick to the meat.
• Now, it's time to season your steaks. Be generous with the salt and pepper, and don't hold back on other herbs and spices you want to use. Remember, since your steaks are partially frozen, you'll need to use more seasoning than you usually would. Go ahead and sprinkle both sides of the steaks with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano, or opt for Italian seasoning or Montreal steak seasoning.
• Once your steaks are seasoned, it's time to cook them in your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F/190°C for about 5 minutes.
• Place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket and cook at the preheated temperature for 13-16 minutes for a medium-rare steak. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired doneness.
• When the steaks are done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting into them. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender steak.

By following these steps, you'll end up with delicious, flavourful, and perfectly seasoned steaks cooked right from partially frozen in your air fryer!

Reheating steak in an air fryer

Leftover steak? Don't worry, you can easily reheat it in an air fryer. This method will ensure your steak is juicy and not dried out.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Take your steak out of the fridge and let it come up to room temperature for around 20 minutes.
• Pat the steak dry and lightly spray or brush it with olive oil. You can also add some steak seasoning if you like.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F/190°C for 2-3 minutes.
• Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is not crowded and has space for the hot air to circulate.
• Reheat at 380°F/190°C for 2-3 minute intervals, checking the internal temperature and flipping the steak each time, until it reaches at least 110°F/43°C in the centre of the thickest part.
• Top with garlic butter or your favourite steak sauce and enjoy!

Tips

• It is best to reheat steak only once for food safety reasons.
• If you are reheating multiple steaks, do them in batches of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
• The air fryer's circulating hot air technology will recreate the crisp exterior and juicy interior of a freshly grilled steak.
• You can also reheat sliced steak or steak bites in the air fryer, but adjust the timing accordingly.
• For best results, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak.

Variations

• For a slightly different flavour, try adding a slice of butter or margarine on top of the steak while reheating.
• If you like it spicy, add some chilli pepper flakes on top of the steak before reheating.
• You can also add sliced onions directly on top of the steaks while they're reheating.

Storage

• It is not recommended to reheat steak more than once, so only reheat what you plan to eat.
• If you have leftover reheated steak, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Now you can enjoy your perfectly reheated steak!

How to prevent an air fryer from drying out a steak

Air fryers are a great way to cook a steak, even if it's partially frozen. However, it's easy to dry out your steak, especially if you're reheating it. Here are some tips to prevent that from happening:

Use Oil and Butter

Brushing your steak with olive oil and placing pats of butter on top will help keep it moist. Oil will give you the right exterior texture, while butter will provide the correct level of moisture and flavour. This combination will help prevent your steak from drying out and give it an amazing exterior crust.

Wrap in Tinfoil

Wrapping your steak in tinfoil before placing it in the air fryer will help keep moisture locked in. The indirect heat will also heat the meat more gradually, preventing overcooking. You can also add some oil or butter before wrapping, or even baste the steak with sauce for additional moisture. Just be aware that cooking times will be longer.

Allow Steak to Come to Room Temperature

Bringing your steak to room temperature before reheating will help it cook more quickly and evenly, reducing the risk of drying it out. Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking if you can.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is important for even heating. However, if you're cooking a frozen steak, you may want to skip preheating to prevent grey bands from forming just under the crust.

Adjust Timing and Temperature

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and how well done you like it. Thinner steaks will require less time, while thicker steaks will need longer. If you like your steak rare to medium-rare, it will take less time than cooking it medium-well to well done.

If your steak is very thick (greater than 1.5 inches) and you want it well done, you may need to decrease the temperature to around 350°F to prevent the outside from burning before the inside is cooked.

Let the Steak Rest

Always let your steak rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This is important to prevent all the juices from running out.

Frequently asked questions