Air Fryer Meat: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can fry meat in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to cook steak, chicken, pork, and fish. Air fryers are especially useful for getting the perfect temperature and texture for your meat, without the hassle and mess of pan-frying. You can also use an air fryer to reheat meat and cook frozen, pre-cooked meats.

What are the best cuts of meat for an air fryer?

Air fryers are a fantastic option for cooking steak. They provide a consistent heat temperature, meaning your steak will be cooked perfectly every time. They are also a healthier alternative to frying, as the extra fat falls to the bottom of the device.

Cube Steak

This cut usually comes from the top or bottom round of the cow. It is lean and sometimes tough, so it's best to marinate it before cooking. Marinating it in acidic components like balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, or Worcestershire sauce will help to tenderize the meat. You can also use a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cube steak only takes between five and seven minutes to cook in the air fryer, previously heated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Flank Steak

Flank steak comes from the abdominal muscle below the cow's chest. It is a bit tougher but very lean and flavorful, with a tender texture and approachable taste. For a juicy piece of flank steak, make sure the meat is at room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. Season it with a spice rub, then place it in the lightly oiled, preheated air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Flank steak tastes best when cooked rare, medium-rare, or medium, as it can get somewhat chewy if overcooked.

Filet Mignon

Filet mignon comes from the loin primal section of the cow. As it is connective tissue and not toughened by exercise, it is extremely lean and tender. It is a bit pricier than other options, but its soft texture and mild flavor make it a great option for the air fryer. You can play with an assortment of rubs, marinades, butters, and sauces, such as peppercorn or Dijon. Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and oil it before placing the meat inside. Filet mignon slices are usually around one or two inches thick, so they won't take long to cook—about 10 to 12 minutes.

Ribeye

Ribeye is one of the most popular cuts among beef lovers due to its rich, buttery flavor. It comes from a long muscle called the longissimus dorsi, which runs from the cow's hip to its shoulder. Since this muscle is not as used as others, ribeye is more tender and contains a good amount of fat. It has gorgeous marbling and a smooth texture. Ribeye can be cooked quite quickly, making it an excellent candidate for the air fryer. It is best to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ribeye to your desired doneness—about 15 minutes for medium-well.

Porterhouse

The Porterhouse is a large cut of meat that comes from the short loin portion of the cow, beneath its backbone. It consists of the top loin, also known as the New York strip, and the tenderloin. The top loin contains more marbled fat, giving the steak a more robust flavor, while the tenderloin is leaner and more tender. It is best to purchase this cut from a quality butcher and cook each steak individually. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and use a simple combo of salt, pepper, and olive oil to let the meat's flavors shine.

Sirloin

Sirloin is ideal for air frying, especially when the meat has been thawed. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and oil it before placing the previously rubbed or marinated steaks inside. Remember to let the meat rest in the marinade for some time, depending on the amount of meat. Cook to your preferred level of doneness, flipping the steak halfway through.

Strip Steak

Strip steak comes from the top loin of the cow and is usually sold without the bone, but you can also find it with the bone attached. It has a beautiful texture and a rich, beefy flavor, making it a favorite among connoisseurs. Look for a piece of steak that is smooth, with a deep red color, and feels firm to the touch. A simple seasoning of butter, garlic, and herbs might be all you need to create an air fryer masterpiece. Preheat your device to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the steak for about 14 minutes for medium-rare.

Air Fryer Steak Tips

When cooking steak in an air fryer, it is important to have a meat thermometer to check the meat's temperature and ensure your desired level of doneness. It is also recommended to preheat your air fryer fully and let the steak come to room temperature before cooking. Additionally, remember to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness.

How long does it take to cook meat in an air fryer?

Yes, you can fry meat in an air fryer! In fact, cooking steak in an air fryer is a great way to get the perfect sear without the stress of dodging splattering oil.

The cooking time depends on the type and thickness of the meat, the desired level of doneness, and the model of the air fryer.

For a thick-cut ribeye steak, cooking in an air fryer for 10-14 minutes will get you a medium to medium-rare steak. For thinner ribeyes, lower the cooking time to 7-8 minutes for a medium steak.

For a medium-rare 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a medium steak of the same thickness, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway. For a medium-well steak, increase the cooking time to 14 minutes.

If you're cooking a different type of steak, like a flat iron or boneless top sirloin, aim for a cooking time of 8-10 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on your steak and adjust the timing as needed.

To ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F, while a medium steak should be cooked to 140°F, and a medium-well steak to 145°F.

Now that you know the basics of cooking meat in an air fryer, you can experiment with different cuts and types of meat to find your perfect cooking time!

Can you cook raw meat in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook raw meat in an air fryer. In fact, cooking steak in an air fryer is a popular choice, with many recipes available online. The air fryer's small space and fan ensure a consistent temperature, so your steak will be cooked perfectly every time. You can also cook chicken, pork, fish, and hamburgers in an air fryer.

When cooking raw meat in an air fryer, it is important to note that you will need to flip the meat halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Additionally, while it is not necessary to add oil to the meat before air frying, as the natural fat in the meat will prevent it from drying out, you may want to add a teaspoon of olive oil to create a caramelized crust.

The ideal temperature for cooking steak in an air fryer is 180 degrees Celsius or 360 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness, but for a medium-rare steak, cook for around 8-10 minutes, and for a medium steak, cook for 12-14 minutes. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that your steak has reached the desired internal temperature.

You can season your steak simply with salt and pepper, or try a steak seasoning blend or a combination of your favourite herbs and spices. For a special touch, top your steak with a slice of herb butter—a combination of butter, garlic, and herbs such as chives, parsley, rosemary, and thyme.

So, if you're looking for a hands-off, stress-free way to cook meat perfectly every time, give your air fryer a go!

What temperature should you cook meat at in an air fryer?

Yes, you can fry meat in an air fryer. The air fryer is a miniature convection oven that can cook almost anything you would cook in a regular oven. It works by circulating hot air rapidly with an internal fan, simulating deep frying without the use of oil.

When cooking meat in an air fryer, it is important to note that the temperature and timing may vary depending on the type and thickness of the meat, as well as your desired level of doneness.

• Preheat the air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F.
• Prepare the meat: Remove the meat from its packaging, pat it dry with a paper towel, and lightly brush or rub with oil. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs.
• Place the meat in the air fryer: Ensure that there is enough space between each portion of meat to allow proper airflow and even cooking.
• Cook according to temperature and timing guidelines: The temperature and timing will depend on the type of meat and your desired level of doneness. For example, for a medium-rare steak, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, while for a medium steak, cook for 12-14 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it reaches the desired doneness.
• Flip the meat halfway through: For most types of meat, it is recommended to flip the meat halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. However, for delicate foods like fish fillets, it is best to avoid flipping as they may fall apart.
• Remove from the air fryer and let it rest: Once the meat has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier meat.

It is important to note that the timing and temperature guidelines may vary depending on the specific model and brand of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines. Additionally, the use of a meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the meat is cooked to your desired doneness and to maintain food safety.

How do you season meat for an air fryer?

Yes, you can fry meat in an air fryer. In fact, cooking meat in an air fryer is a convenient, hands-free approach to preparing a high-protein meal. It is safe to cook raw meat in the air fryer if it is fully defrosted, seasoned, and monitored.

Now, here is how you season meat for an air fryer:

Firstly, remove the meat from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This usually takes about 15-30 minutes. This step is important as it helps ensure even cooking.

Secondly, pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This promotes browning and crispiness.

Thirdly, rub or sprinkle the meat with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. You can also add your desired herbs and spices to enhance the flavor and complexity of the meat. For example, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, or a combination of your favorite herbs and spices. Alternatively, you can use a steak seasoning blend or a combination of soft and hard herbs such as chives, parsley, rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, or sage.

Finally, if you are cooking steak, you can prepare flavored butter with parsley, garlic, and soy sauce to top the steak with after it is cooked.

Frequently asked questions