Air-Fried Steak: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook a steak. They can create a restaurant-worthy meal at home, with a crispy crust on the outside and a juicy, tender inside. It's also a healthier option than traditional methods, as it cuts down on cooking time and fat content without sacrificing flavour.

To cook a steak in an air fryer, simply preheat the appliance, rub the steak with oil and your choice of seasoning, and cook for around 10-12 minutes, depending on how well done you like your steak.

Choosing the right cut of steak

First, look for steaks with a good amount of marbling. Marbling refers to the fat that is distributed throughout the meat, and it helps to add flavour and keep the steak moist during cooking. Cuts like ribeye, New York strip, and porterhouse are known for their marbling and are excellent choices for air frying.

Second, opt for steaks that are at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks can overcook quickly in the air fryer, becoming dry and chewy. A thicker steak will give you a better sear on the outside while remaining juicy in the middle.

Third, consider the doneness you prefer. If you like your steak rare or medium-rare, almost any cut will do. However, if you prefer your steak medium or well-done, choose a cut that is more tender, such as a ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon. These cuts will remain juicy and tender even when cooked for a longer time.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different cuts of steak to find the ones that work best for you. Some other cuts that can work well in an air fryer include T-bone, top sirloin, and tri-tip. Remember to always let your steaks come to room temperature before cooking and to rest them after cooking for the best results.

How to season your steak

A good seasoning is essential to a great steak. Here are some tips and tricks to help you season your steak before cooking it in your air fryer.

Firstly, it is important to ensure your steak is at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks will not cook as well in an air fryer, often burning on the outside before the inside is cooked. Allowing your steak to reach room temperature before cooking is also important. Take the steak out of the fridge 30 minutes before you plan to cook it.

Before seasoning, pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the steak brown better.

Now, it's time to season. You can use a variety of seasonings on your steak, depending on your preference. A simple option is to use salt and pepper, but you can also add garlic powder and paprika for extra flavour. For a classic Italian taste, rub Italian seasoning onto the steak. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavours and create a caramelized crust. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley, or oregano will also add a subtle flavour.

If you want to keep things simple, you can just use salt and pepper, or you can create a more complex flavour profile by experimenting with different combinations of seasonings. You can also use a store-bought steak rub or a specialty spice mix.

Once you've chosen your seasonings, rub a small amount of oil on each side of the steak. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and improve browning. Then, simply sprinkle your chosen seasonings onto the steak, making sure to cover both sides.

Finally, let the steak rest for a few minutes before cooking. This will give the seasonings time to absorb into the meat, resulting in a more flavourful steak.

How long to cook your steak for

The cooking time for your steak will depend on the thickness of the steak and the level of doneness you want to achieve.

For a 1-inch-thick steak, cooked to medium-rare, you should cook the steak in a preheated air fryer for 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. If you want your steak cooked to medium, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes.

For thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, for a 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium-rare, you can cook it for 7 minutes and then flip it and cook for an additional 3 to 7 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

If you prefer your steak well-done, you can cook it for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your steak. The ideal internal temperature for a medium-rare steak is between 130°F and 140°F, while for a medium steak, it is between 140°F and 150°F.

Additionally, it is important to let the steak come to room temperature before cooking, which can take around 20-30 minutes. This helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures a less tough texture.

What to serve with your steak

Steak is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded and delicious meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried steak:

Carbohydrates

Carbs are a great way to fill up your meal and provide some comfort food. Here are some carbohydrate side dishes that go well with steak:

• Potatoes are a classic side dish for steak. You can bake, mash, or roast them. Try scalloped potatoes, sweet potato fries, potato wedges, or smashed potatoes.
• Bread is another excellent side dish for steak. Go for buttery Texas Roadhouse Rolls, garlic bread, a French baguette, or Italian bread.
• Pasta is a good option for a more filling meal. Try macaroni and cheese, or potato gnocchi.

Vegetables

Vegetables can add some colour, flavour, and nutrients to your meal. Here are some vegetable side dishes that pair well with steak:

• Asparagus is a great low-carb option. Try air fryer asparagus, or Caprese asparagus with mozzarella and basil.
• Brussels sprouts are a tasty and healthy side dish. Roast them with bacon and garlic, or try them with a cacio e pepe twist.
• Green beans are a crunchy and refreshing option. Try them almondine-style, or blistered with pickled shallots and toasted breadcrumbs.
• Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that goes well with steak. Roast it, or try a Caesar broccoli dish.
• Carrots are a sweet and nutritious option. Try garlic Parmesan roasted carrots, or honey-roasted carrots.
• Salads can be a refreshing contrast to a juicy steak. Opt for a simple arugula salad, a spinach salad with apples and walnuts, a Caprese salad, or a tomato salad.

Other options

If you want to try something a little different, here are some unique side dishes that will impress your guests:

• Cauliflower is a low-carb alternative to potatoes. Try roasting it, or making cauliflower fried rice.
• Corn is a sweet and juicy option. Grill it on the cob, or make a corn salad with avocado, bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño.
• Mushrooms are a natural partner for steak. Try air fryer mushrooms and onions, or garlic butter mushrooms.
• Onion rings are a tangier alternative to French fries and can be made in your air fryer.

Storing and reheating your steak

When storing steak, the USDA recommends keeping it in a shallow airtight container or plastic zipper bag in the refrigerator. Cooked steak will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days.

If you're looking to reheat your steak, an air fryer is a great option. It's quick and easy, and it won't overcook or dry out your meat. Here's how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180°C).
• If desired, cut your steak into slices. This will help it reheat more quickly and evenly.
• Place the steak in the air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes for smaller slices, or 5-6 minutes for a whole steak. Thicker cuts may need an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer. It should be at least 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption, according to the USDA.
• Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for the best results:

• Allow the steak to come to room temperature before reheating. This will help it cook more quickly and evenly.
• Don't reheat more steak than you will eat. Reheating leftover steak multiple times will result in drier meat.
• Only reheat what you will finish.

Frequently asked questions