Air-Fryer Country-Fried Steak: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Country fried steak is a traditional Southern dish that can be made in an air fryer. The steak is typically cubed and tenderized, and the air fryer can help create a crispy and tender texture. While the taste may not be exactly the same as the traditional fried version, it is still a delicious and healthier alternative with less mess and oil. The breading and spices can be customized, and it is usually served with gravy and sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.

How to make country fried steak in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 (6-ounce) cube steaks or thinly pound sirloin steaks
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• 2 Tablespoons water
• 1 Tablespoon buffalo hot sauce (optional)
• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic
• 1 cup of milk

Method

• Set up the dredging station (egg wash and flour seasoned with spices, salt and pepper).
• Drop the steaks into the flour, then the egg wash, and finally the flour again.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and set aside.
• With one hand, drop the steak into the flour mixture. Fully coat the steak in the flour mixture, pressing it onto the steak and shaking off any excess flour.
• Drop the steak into the egg mixture.
• Using the other hand, remove it from the egg mixture and place it back into the flour mixture. Coat the steak in flour once again, using the other hand. Press the mixture into the steak and ensure it is fully coated.
• Shake off any excess and place on a plate.
• Repeat with the other steak. Set the steaks aside for 10 minutes to rest.
• Spray the air fryer basket generously. Heat the empty basket for 5 minutes at 400°F.
• Quickly remove the basket and place the steaks in it. Generously spray the tops of the steaks with oil.
• Air fry for 4-6 minutes at 400°F. Time will vary depending on the air fryer and thickness of the steaks.
• While the steaks are air frying, prepare the gravy. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until a paste forms.
• Add the milk, salt, pepper, and garlic. Simmer on medium-low heat until the gravy reaches the desired thickness. It should coat the back of a spoon. Set aside.
• Flip the steaks gently. Spray again lightly with oil. Air fryer for another 6-7 minutes or until the steaks are golden and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Tips

• Use the dry hand, wet hand method for dredging. Use one hand for the dry ingredients and a separate hand for the wet. This prevents your hands from becoming a sticky mess, which makes it harder to bread the steaks.
• Let the steaks rest. Once the steaks are coated, let them sit for about 10 minutes so that the breading can adhere.
• Preheat the air fryer. You want the basket to be hot when it comes in contact with the breaded steak. This helps it to not stick.
• Use a generous amount of spray oil. Be liberal when greasing the basket and the steaks. The oil helps the steaks to get crispy and golden.
• Do not overcook the gravy. The gravy will continue to thicken the longer that it is cooked. Once the gravy is removed from the heat and begins to cool, it will thicken even more.

How to make gravy for country fried steak

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons of flour
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

• In the same pan used to fry the steaks, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the flour to the butter, whisking to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the roux turns a light brown colour.
• Pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue whisking until thickened. This should take around 5-10 minutes.
• Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
• Ladle the gravy over the fried steaks and serve with your choice of sides.

You can also add more milk to adjust the consistency of the gravy to your liking.

What is a cube steak?

Cube steak is a cut of beef, usually top round or top sirloin, that has been tenderized and flattened by pounding with a meat tenderizer. The name refers to the indentations left by this process, which give the meat a cube-like shape.

Cube steak is also known as minute steak because it can be cooked quickly. It is an inexpensive, flavorful cut of beef that is often sold pre-tenderized. The process of tenderization involves pounding and cutting the meat, which breaks down the muscle fibres to make it tender enough to pan-fry.

Cube steak is the most common cut of meat used for the American dish chicken-fried steak or country-fried steak. It can also be used in recipes for ground beef patties, burgers, and soups and stews.

When cooking cube steak, it is important to remember that it has very little marbling (internal fat), so it can dry out easily. It is best to cook it quickly, for just a minute or two on each side, in a very hot pan with a little oil.

How to keep the breading on the steak

How to Keep the Breading on Your Country Fried Steak

Country fried steak is a Southern American dish that involves a piece of meat, usually cube steak, that is dredged in a flour mixture with spices and then traditionally pan-fried. When making this dish in an air fryer, you may encounter some challenges with keeping the breading on the steak. Here are some tips to help ensure that the breading stays in place:

Dry the Meat

Before dipping the steak into the flour mixture, it is important to pat it dry with a paper towel. This step may seem counterintuitive, but removing any excess moisture will help the flour adhere better to the meat.

Season the Meat

Seasoning the meat with salt and pepper before coating it in flour will not only enhance the flavour but also help the flour stick. You can also add other spices like paprika, thyme, mustard powder, or parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for extra flavour.

Soak the Meat

After seasoning, let the steak sit for about 5 minutes to allow the seasoning to set in. Then, soak the steak in buttermilk, milk, or a seasoned milk mixture for at least 30 minutes. This step will help tenderize the meat and create a moist surface for the flour to stick to.

Double Dredge

Instead of coating the steak in flour just once, try double dredging. Dip the steak in the flour mixture, then in an egg wash (beaten egg with a little water or milk), and then back into the flour mixture, making sure all sides are coated each time. This double dredging will create a thicker and more adherent coating.

Refrigerate

After coating the steak, place it on a tray, cover it, and put it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step is crucial as it allows the flour to become sticky and firmly attached to the meat.

Use an Oil Spray

Before placing the steak in the air fryer, spray it with cooking oil or use an oil mister. This will help the breading crisp up and turn golden brown. Additionally, spray the steak with additional oil halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer

When cooking, make sure the steak lies flat in a single layer and does not touch the sides of the air fryer. Overcrowding the air fryer can cause the breading to become soggy due to increased moisture, and it will also affect the airflow, resulting in uneven cooking.

Flip Carefully

When flipping the steak halfway through the cooking process, do so carefully to avoid disturbing the breading. You can use tongs or chopsticks instead of a spatula to minimise the chances of the breading sticking to the cooking utensil.

Let it Rest

After removing the steak from the air fryer, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the steak retain its juices and also ensure that the breading sets completely.

By following these tips, you should be able to keep the breading on your country fried steak when using an air fryer. Enjoy your delicious and crispy steak!

How to reheat country fried steak in an air fryer

Reheating country fried steak in an air fryer is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important step to ensure even cooking and to get the desired crispiness.

Prepare the Country Fried Steak:

Take your leftover country fried steak and place it in the air fryer basket. If your steak has gravy on it, consider using an air fryer pan for easier cleanup. You can spritz a little oil on the steak to prevent it from drying out.

Reheat the Steak:

Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and reheat the steak for 3 to 5 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your steak. For thicker cuts, you may need to add an additional minute or two. Keep an eye on the steak to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Flip the Steak (Optional):

For even cooking and crispiness, consider flipping the steak halfway through the reheating process. This will ensure that both sides of the steak get heated evenly and have a nice texture.

Check the Temperature:

To ensure that your steak is properly reheated, use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and make sure it has reached an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rest the Steak:

Once the steak is reheated, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a juicier steak.

Serve and Enjoy:

After resting, your country fried steak is ready to be served! You can serve it with sides of your choice, such as mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious and crispy country fried steak!

By following these steps, you can enjoy your leftover country fried steak with a crispy texture and juicy flavour, just like freshly cooked!

Frequently asked questions