Air-Fried Steak: Quick, Easy, And Delicious?

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare a juicy steak without the mess of searing it in a pan or cooking it on a grill. While air-fried steak may not have the same rich, caramelized flavour and texture that comes from traditional cooking methods, it is still a tasty and effective way to prepare your steak.

Steak preparation

Choosing the Steak

The best cut of steak to cook in an air fryer is about an inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too fast and become dry and overcooked. Good options include sirloin, filet mignon, ribeye, or New York strip.

Pre-Cooking

Before cooking, pat the steak dry with kitchen paper or a clean cloth, and brush with oil. Leave the steak out of the fridge for 20-30 minutes to let it come to room temperature. This will help the steak cook evenly.

Seasoning

Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or a dry rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Cooking

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the steak in the centre of the basket and cook for 10-14 minutes, depending on how well you like your steak done. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, and for medium-well, 14 minutes. If you like your steak well-done, cook for 16 minutes.

Resting

Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to solidify and the muscle fibres to relax, so your steak will be moist and flavoursome throughout.

Serving

Air fryer steak goes well with traditional steakhouse sides like mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, crispy onions, or roasted asparagus.

Air fryer settings

To cook steak in an air fryer, you should preheat your air fryer to a high temperature. Sources suggest preheating to at least 400°F.

The cooking time will depend on the level of doneness you prefer. For a medium-rare steak, check on it after eight minutes. Wait another minute or two for medium or medium-well. Well-done steaks may take up to 15 minutes.

Some air fryers have a steak setting, but this doesn't allow you to customise the cooking time, so it's better to set the temperature and time manually.

You can use a meat thermometer to check if your steak has reached a food-safe cooking temperature. For medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; for medium, 140°; and for medium-well, 145°.

If your air fryer has different settings for types of cooking, you can just set it to the Air Fry setting.

Steak cooking times

Thickness of Steak:

Firstly, it is recommended to start with steaks that are at least one inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too fast and won't get a chance to brown properly.

Temperature of Steak:

Allow your steaks to reach room temperature before cooking. Take the steaks out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes ahead of time. This helps the steak cook more evenly and results in a less tough texture.

Cooking Times:

For a rare steak, cook for 5-6 minutes.

For a medium-rare steak, cook for 8-10 minutes.

For a medium steak, cook for 10-12 minutes.

For a medium-well steak, cook for 11-12 minutes.

For a well-done steak, cook for 12-15 minutes.

Adjustments:

Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly if your steak is thicker or thinner than one inch. It is recommended to use a meat probe or meat thermometer to test the doneness of your steak. Remove the steak from the air fryer when it is 5 degrees lower than your desired doneness, as the steak will continue to cook and the temperature will rise as it rests.

Resting:

After cooking, it is important to let the steak rest for about 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavoursome steak.

Steak resting

Resting your steak is an important step in the cooking process, whether you're cooking it in an air fryer or not. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for resting your steak:

Allowing your steak to rest gives the juices time to redistribute and the muscle fibres to relax. This results in a juicy, tender, and flavoursome steak. Resting also helps to solidify the juices, preventing them from running out onto your board when you cut into the steak.

Most sources recommend resting your steak for around 10 minutes after cooking. However, some suggest a shorter resting time of 3-5 minutes, especially if you're cooking multiple steaks in batches.

How to Rest Your Steak:

When resting your steak, place it on a plate or cutting board and cover it loosely with foil. This will prevent the steak from continuing to cook and ensure it stays warm. You can also use this time to make a sauce or prepare any side dishes.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• If you're cooking multiple steaks, it's best to air fry them one or two at a time and let them rest while you cook the others.
• For the best results, bring your steak to room temperature before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and help the steak reach your desired level of doneness.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Use a meat probe or thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak, as the meat will continue to cook while resting.

Steak serving suggestions

Air-fried steak is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and toppings to enhance its flavour and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to complement your juicy, tender steak:

Traditional Steakhouse Sides

• Mashed potatoes: A classic side dish that pairs well with steak, providing a creamy and comforting contrast to the juicy meat.
• Creamed spinach: This rich and indulgent side adds a creamy texture and a touch of greenery to your plate.
• Crispy onions: For a crunchy texture and a mild onion flavour, crispy onions make a great topping or side dish.
• Roasted asparagus: Asparagus is a delicate and elegant vegetable that can be roasted to enhance its flavour. It pairs well with steak and adds a touch of sophistication to your meal.

Potato Variations

• Baked potatoes: A hearty and satisfying option, baked potatoes can be served as a side or a main course. They have a crisp skin and a fluffy centre when cooked in an air fryer.
• Smashed potatoes: For a more rustic presentation, smashed potatoes offer a combination of creamy texture and crispy bits.
• Smashed potatoes: These are a fun and tasty variation, offering the crispiness of fries with the flavour of a baked potato.

Green Sides

• Seasonal green salad: A fresh and healthy option, a seasonal green salad can be customised with your choice of leafy greens, vegetables, and dressing.
• Roasted green beans: Green beans have a mild flavour and can be roasted to add a touch of crispness, making them a tasty and healthy side dish.

Other Vegetable Sides

Roasted vegetables: In addition to roasted asparagus and green beans, you can roast other vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower to add variety to your plate.

Sauces and Toppings

• Garlic herb butter: For a decadent touch, top your steak with a pat of garlic herb butter. It will melt over the steak, adding a burst of flavour.
• Your favourite sauce: Whether it's a classic steak sauce, a creamy peppercorn sauce, or something more adventurous, don't be afraid to add a sauce that complements your steak.
• French fries: For a classic steak frites experience, serve your steak with a side of crispy French fries. Dip them in ketchup or enjoy them plain with your steak.

Remember, presentation is important, so arrange your sides and toppings attractively on the plate to showcase your delicious air-fried steak!

Frequently asked questions