Air Fryer Frozen Steak: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Cooking frozen steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy, tender, and tasty steak. It is a convenient method for those who are forgetful or short on time, as it eliminates the need for thawing. The cooking time varies depending on the desired doneness and the thickness of the steak, but on average, it takes around 18 minutes for a medium-well steak. It is recommended to season the steak with salt and pepper and brush it with olive oil before air frying.

How to season a frozen steak

Seasoning a frozen steak can be challenging since the seasoning may not stick to the steak as well as it would on a thawed steak. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season a frozen steak:

• Thaw the steak slightly: Before seasoning, it is recommended to thaw the steak slightly so that the outer layer is no longer solid ice. This will help the seasoning adhere to the steak. You can do this by placing the steak in your air fryer or another appliance for a few minutes.
• Coat the steak with oil: Drizzle or brush the steak with olive oil or another oil of your choice. This step is crucial as it will help the seasonings stick to the steak.
• Apply seasonings: There are various seasoning options you can use for your steak, depending on your preference. At a minimum, it is suggested to use salt and pepper. You can also add other spices such as rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, or Italian seasoning. It is recommended to use about 1.5 times the amount of seasoning you would normally use on a thawed steak, as the seasonings will not penetrate the meat as much when frozen.
• Cook the steak: Once the steak is seasoned, you can cook it in your air fryer or using another cooking method of your choice.

It is important to note that seasoning a frozen steak may not yield the same results as seasoning a thawed steak, as the seasonings may not penetrate the meat as effectively. However, with proper technique and generous seasoning, you can still achieve a delicious and flavorful steak.

How long to cook a frozen steak for

The cooking time for a frozen steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak, the desired level of doneness, and the air fryer model. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to cook a frozen steak for:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for most frozen meats. Set the temperature to between 360°F and 400°F or 190°C and 200°C. Preheat the air fryer for about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

Take the steak out of the freezer and remove any packaging. Brush or spritz both sides of the steak with olive oil or oil of your choice. This helps the seasonings stick to the steak and ensures the steak stays tender.

Step 3: Season the Steak

Apply a liberal amount of seasoning to the steak. A simple combination of salt and pepper will work, but you can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, or Italian seasoning. It is recommended to go heavier on the seasoning than you normally would when cooking a steak at room temperature.

Step 4: Cook the Steak

Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket and cook at the preheated temperature. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for about 18 to 20 minutes for a medium-rare to medium steak. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

For a rarer steak, cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, and for a well-done steak, cook for about 20 to 25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness.

Step 5: Rest the Steak

Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Resting the steak allows the juices to stay in, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.

The best cuts of steak to cook from frozen

It is possible to cook a frozen steak in an air fryer, and it will taste just as good as a fresh steak. The best cuts of steak to cook from frozen are:

• Ribeye
• New York Strip
• T-bone
• Porterhouse
• Sirloin
• Filet

These cuts are meant for grilling, but can be cooked from frozen in an air fryer. The key to cooking a frozen steak in an air fryer is to make sure the steak is not overcrowded by other food and that the air fryer is preheated to 400°F/200°C. For a 1" steak, cook for a total of 20 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes.

When preparing to freeze steaks, it is important to freeze them properly to prevent moisture build-up, which can slow down searing and cause flare-ups when the steak is placed in smoking-temperature oil. To prevent this, freeze steaks on an exposed-air pan lined with parchment paper. The next day, wrap the steaks in airtight plastic wrap and place them in a zip-locked plastic bag before returning them to the freezer.

How to defrost a frozen steak

While it is possible to cook a frozen steak in an air fryer, you may be looking to defrost your steak before cooking it in a different way. Here is a guide on how to defrost a frozen steak:

The key to defrosting meat is to minimise the "drip". This drip is the result of broken meat cells when exposing frozen meat to sudden high temperatures, which reduces the quality and flavour of your meat. The best way to avoid this is to defrost your steak slowly at the lowest temperature possible.

The easiest way to do this is to leave your steak in the fridge. Transfer the steak from the freezer to a plate in the refrigerator and leave it there for at least 24 hours. If you need to defrost your steak quicker, submerge the sealed steak in a bowl of cold water, changing the water periodically, and this should take between 45 minutes to 2 hours.

If you are really in a pinch, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but this is not recommended as it can strip the steak of its juices. If you do use this method, make sure to only defrost the steak rather than cook it.

The time it takes to defrost your steak will depend on the thickness of the steak and the method used. A thin steak may take between 1-2 hours to defrost in cold water, whereas a thicker steak will likely take closer to 3 or 4 hours. In the fridge, a larger steak will take between 24 and 30 hours, while a smaller steak may take about 18 to 24 hours.

How to cook multiple steaks at once

Yes, you can cook multiple steaks at once in an air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Preparation

Before you start, it's important to select steaks with similar cooking times and temperatures. Choose steaks of similar size and cut, and ensure they are not less than 1 inch in thickness, as thinner steaks are prone to overcooking and becoming chewy. If your steaks are frozen, it is best to separate them before cooking.

Seasoning

Pat the steaks dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs to enhance the flavor. Rub the seasoning into the meat, ensuring that it coats both sides. Let the seasoned steak sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can hinder air circulation and result in uneven cooking. If necessary, cook the steaks in batches.

Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of your steaks and your desired level of doneness. As a guide, for a medium-rare steak, cook a 1-inch thick steak for around 9-12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. Adjust the time accordingly for rarer or more well-done steaks.

Resting

Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steaks are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to add a new dimension of flavor.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• If cooking from frozen, you may want to slightly thaw the steaks in the air fryer before seasoning, otherwise, the seasoning may fall off.
• If cooking multiple steaks with different cooking times and temperatures, consider using dividers or multiple baskets to separate the steaks and manage cooking times and temperatures.

Frequently asked questions