Air Fryer Steak: Achieving Extra Rare Perfection

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender steak with a crispy crust. But can you make an extra-rare steak in an air fryer?

The key to a good air-fried steak is to ensure the steak reaches the desired internal temperature without overcooking it. For an extra-rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 120-125°F. Most air fryer steak recipes recommend cooking the steak for around 10 minutes for a medium-rare steak, so for an extra-rare steak, you would likely need to reduce the cooking time to around 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your steak.

To ensure your steak doesn't overcook, it's important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. You should also allow your steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy and tender steak.

Choosing the right steak cut

Thickness:

It is recommended to choose steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks tend to cook too quickly and may not get a chance to brown properly. A thicker steak will give you more control over the cooking process and help you achieve the desired doneness.

Type of Steak:

Different types of steak have varying levels of fat marbling, which affects their tenderness and flavour. Here are some popular options:

• Ribeye: Known as "the beauty steak," ribeye has abundant marbling, making it juicy and flavourful. It can be cooked with or without the bone, but cooking it without the bone is simpler.
• Sirloin: Sirloin is a leaner option, but still tender. It is a good choice if you prefer a steak with less fat.
• New York Strip: Also known as Kansas City strip, this steak has beautiful marbling and a rich beefy flavour. It is a popular choice for steak lovers.
• Filet Mignon: This is a tender and mild-flavoured cut, usually quite small. It is best suited for rare to medium-rare doneness.
• Hanger Steak: Hanger steak is a surprisingly tender cut that comes from the area between the kidneys. It is affordable but may be hard to find.
• Flat Iron Steak: Flat iron steak has generous marbling and used to be an affordable option. However, due to its increasing popularity, its price has gone up.

Personal Preference:

Ultimately, the best steak cut for the air fryer depends on your personal preference. Consider factors such as flavour, tenderness, and fat content when choosing your steak. Remember to look for steaks with good marbling, as this will help keep the meat juicy and flavourful.

Air fryer settings

To make an extra rare steak in an air fryer, you will need to adjust the settings according to the desired level of doneness. Here are the steps to follow:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Place an oven-safe bowl directly under the air fryer rack or grid, as close to the heating element as possible. This helps the steak develop a crispy crust while cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
• Season the Steak: Remove any moisture from the steak by patting it dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the steak generously with your choice of seasonings. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are commonly used, but you can also add other spices like garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or a steak rub.
• Air Fry the Steak: Place the seasoned steak in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring the steaks don't overlap. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For an extra rare steak, cook for a shorter duration, around 8-10 minutes for a 1-inch thick steak, flipping the steak halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be between 125°F to 130°F for an extra rare steak.
• Rest the Steak: After air frying, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. For an extra rare steak, let the steak rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing or serving.

It's important to note that the specific settings and timing may vary slightly depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's instructions as well. Additionally, for thicker or thinner steaks, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Seasoning

A simple yet classic seasoning for steak is salt and pepper. You can generously season both sides of the steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage. This combination will allow the natural flavour of the steak to shine through.

If you're looking for something more complex, you can create a dry rub for your steak. For example, combine garlic powder, sweet paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Spray or rub a little olive oil on the steaks, and then coat both sides with the spice mixture. This will help the steaks brown better and develop a nice sear.

Additionally, you can experiment with other spices and herbs such as Italian seasoning, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Fresh herbs like these add subtle flavour and colour to your steak.

For a more intense flavour, you can also try marinating your steak before placing it in the air fryer. A marinade can help the meat crisp up on the outside, and you can use ingredients like coconut aminos or soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic paste or powder, and cumin.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to trust your taste buds and adjust the spices and herbs according to your preference.

Cooking time

The cooking time for an extra rare steak in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the steak and the air fryer model. A good rule of thumb is to cook a 1-inch thick steak for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a medium-rare steak. For a steak that is rarer, you could try reducing the cooking time by a minute or two.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have. Some sources suggest preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the steak, while others suggest putting the steak in the air fryer as it preheats. It is recommended that you follow the instructions for your specific air fryer model.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the steak will continue to cook for a few minutes after it is removed from the air fryer, so it is important to take this into account when timing your cook.

For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 125-130°F. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 130-140°F.

To check the doneness of your steak, use a meat thermometer to measure its internal temperature. If it is not cooked to your liking, you can always add another minute or two to the cooking time.

Remember, it is better to undercook than overcook your steak, as you can always put it back in the air fryer for a little longer if needed.

Resting the steak

The steak will continue to cook slightly after it is removed from the air fryer, so it is recommended to pull it out just before it reaches your desired level of doneness. For example, if you are aiming for a medium-rare steak, which typically has an internal temperature of 130-140°F, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches around 125-135°F, as it will continue to cook and increase in temperature as it rests.

During the resting period, the juices will redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more succulent final product. This step is crucial for optimal juiciness, so it is best not to rush it. Aim for a minimum of 5 minutes, but if you can, let it rest for the full 10 minutes.

After resting, your steak is ready to be sliced and served. For maximum tenderness, slice the steak against the grain, cutting the long, stringy fibres that can make it chewy.

Frequently asked questions