Air-Fryer Steak: Can You Fix A Perfect Steak?

Cooking steak in an air fryer is an easy and convenient way to achieve a juicy and tender steak with a crunchy crust. Air fryers work like countertop convection ovens, with hot air circulating from all sides, ensuring the steak cooks evenly. This method is also much cleaner than pan-searing, as there is no splatter or mess. The key to a perfect air fryer steak is to ensure the steak is at least 1 inch thick, season generously, and let the steak rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Steak type and thickness

Choosing the right cut of steak is essential for achieving the desired taste and texture. Popular options for air frying include ribeye, New York strip, sirloin, porterhouse, T-bone, and filet mignon. These cuts offer a balance of tenderness and marbling, resulting in a rich, juicy flavour. It is recommended to select steaks with a thickness of at least one inch to ensure even cooking. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly, resulting in an uneven browning.

For the best results, it is advisable to let the steaks reach room temperature before cooking. This can be achieved by removing them from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking. Additionally, patting the steaks dry and applying a small amount of oil can enhance the browning process.

When seasoning the steaks, a simple combination of salt and pepper can be used, or a dry rub with spices like garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary can be added for extra flavour. It is important to note that overcrowding the air fryer basket should be avoided to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.

The cooking time will depend on the desired doneness and the thickness of the steaks. For a 1-inch thick steak, a good starting point for a medium-rare steak is 8 to 10 minutes in the air fryer, while a medium steak may take 10 to 12 minutes. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Temperature and timing

Temperature is critical when cooking steak in an air fryer. The recommended cooking temperature is around 400°F (204°C). This high temperature allows for a perfect sear while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

The temperature you cook at will determine the doneness of your steak. Here are the key internal temperatures for steak:

• Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
• Medium Rare: 130-140°F (54-57°C)
• Medium: 140-150°F (60-63°C)
• Medium Well: 150-155°F (65-68°C)
• Well Done: 160°F and above (71°C and up)

It's important to note that these temperatures are for a steak that is around 1-inch thick. If your steak is thicker or thinner, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, a frozen 1-inch steak might take around 15-20 minutes at 400°F.

When cooking steak in an air fryer, it's best to use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. You can also check for doneness by feel—a rare steak will feel soft and squishy, while a medium steak will have more resistance.

Now, let's talk about timing. The cooking time for your steak will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. Here are some general guidelines for cooking times at 400°F:

• Medium-Rare: For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Medium: For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Well-Done: Well-done steaks can take up to 15 minutes or more.

It's important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of your steak. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and ensure the internal temperature matches your preference.

In addition to timing, it's crucial to let your steak rest after cooking. This resting phase allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak. Aim to let your steak rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Resting and slicing

After resting, it's time to slice the steak. To maximise tenderness, slice the steak against the grain. This means cutting across the grain, not parallel to it. By cutting against the grain, you shorten the muscle fibres, making the steak more tender and easier to chew.

You can also enhance the flavour of your steak during the resting phase by topping it with garlic butter. This adds a decadent and delicious touch to your meal.

Finally, serve your air-fried steak with your favourite sides or sauces. Some popular side dishes include Caesar salad, garlic butter green beans, baked potato, and homemade sweet potato fries.

Seasoning and flavour

The seasoning and flavour of your steak will depend on your personal preference. You can use a wide variety of spices and seasonings to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:

Dry Rubs

Dry rubs are particularly useful for leaner steaks, helping to improve the overall colour. You can use a pre-made steak rub or make your own. A simple dry rub could include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavours and create a gorgeous caramelised crust.

Marinades

Marinating your steak can give it an extra juicy flavour punch. You can experiment with different dressings or marinades to find your favourite.

Sauces

Try serving your steak with a creamy sauce, such as alfredo sauce, cheese sauce, or gravy.

Fresh Herbs

Using fresh herbs can add subtle flavour and colour to your steak. Try using rosemary, thyme, parsley, or oregano.

Spices

Add some spices to your steak for a smoky flavour. Smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper are all great options.

Garlic

Garlic is a popular flavour enhancer for steak. You can use fresh garlic, garlic powder, or garlic butter.

Oil

When it comes to oil, olive oil is a popular choice for cooking steaks due to its mild flavour. However, you can also use butter or any other neutral oil.

Sides and pairings

There are many different side dishes and pairings that can complement your air-fried steak. Here are some ideas to consider:

Potato Dishes

Baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, or mashed potatoes are classic side dishes that go well with steak. You can also try sweet potato fries for a slightly different flavour.

Vegetables

Roasted green beans or asparagus are healthy and tasty options to accompany your steak. If you're looking for something more indulgent, you could try garlic butter green beans. Other vegetables that pair well with steak include salads, asparagus, and French fries.

Breads

Don't forget to include some bread on the side to soak up all the delicious juices from your steak.

Sauces

A compound butter, such as garlic herb butter, can be a great way to add extra flavour to your steak. Alternatively, you could try a creamy sauce like alfredo or cheese sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even make a pan sauce using the fond (the browned bits left in the pan after cooking your steak).

Other Sides

If you're looking for something a little different, you could try Caesar salad, grilled steak fajitas, chipotle steak rice bowls, or creamy garlic steak bites with mushrooms.

Frequently asked questions