Air-Fried London Broil: A Tasty, Healthy Treat

London broil is a cooking method that typically refers to a beef top round steak or flank steak that is marinated and cooked at high heat. While it is traditionally grilled or broiled, it can also be cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a tender and juicy dish with a crispy exterior. The air fryer's hot air circulation ensures the meat stays tender and juicy, and it can be ready to serve in under 20 minutes.

Marinating the London Broil

If you are short on time, you can cook London broil without marinating it. However, marinating is highly recommended to enhance the flavour and tenderness of the meat. Additionally, it is important to note that London broil is a lean cut of meat with tough muscle fibres, so marinating helps break down the connective tissue, resulting in a more tender and flavourful steak.

There are also various optional spices and dry rubs that can be used to add extra flavour to your London broil. For example, red pepper flakes, a family favourite spice rub, kosher salt, or fresh herb butter can take your steak to the next level.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is the first step to achieving the perfect London broil. This is a crucial step as it ensures your steak cooks evenly and efficiently. Here's a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for the best results:

Firstly, set your air fryer to the correct temperature. For London broil, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to a high temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 400°F (200°C). This temperature will give your steak a nice char on the outside while keeping it juicy and tender on the inside.

Next, you'll want to let your air fryer preheat for a sufficient amount of time. Depending on your air fryer model, this could take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. It's important to give your air fryer enough time to reach the desired temperature fully. Check your air fryer's manual for specific instructions, as preheat times can vary between models.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your steak. Rub it with a light coating of olive oil and your choice of seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper or go for a more complex rub like Montreal steak seasoning. You could also try a marinade for added flavour.

Once your air fryer has preheated, it's time to place your seasoned steak into the air fryer basket or rack. Ensure there is enough space around the steak for proper air circulation. You can now proceed with the rest of your cooking process, following your chosen recipe's instructions for cooking time and temperature adjustments.

Remember, the key to a successful London broil in an air fryer is achieving that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. By preheating your air fryer adequately, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious steak cooked to perfection!

Seasoning the London Broil

Marinating the Meat:

London Broil benefits from a good marinade to enhance its flavour and tenderness. While you can skip the marinade and opt for a dry rub or seasoning, marinating is highly recommended. Aim to marinate the meat for at least 1-2 hours, but preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. You can use a blend of soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs, or try a combination of 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp each of fresh chopped parsley and oregano, and 1/2 tbsp fresh thyme.

Drying and Oiling the Steak:

Once you're ready to cook, remove the London Broil from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the oil and seasonings adhere better to the surface. Then, lightly drizzle or rub olive oil over the steak, ensuring it is well coated.

Seasoning Options:

You can go with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper on both sides of the steak, or get creative with your favourite steak seasoning. Some suggested seasonings include Montreal Steak Seasoning, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried rosemary, or thyme. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.

Cooking Tips:

If you have time, wrapping the steak in plastic wrap after applying the oil and seasonings can help to further enhance the flavour. Also, remember that the air fryer cooks the meat by circulating hot air, so ensure there is enough space around the steak in the air fryer basket or rack for optimal cooking.

With these seasoning tips, you're well on your way to creating a mouthwatering London Broil in your air fryer!

Cooking the London Broil

London Broil is a popular cut of beef known for its rich flavour and tender texture. It is a lean meat with tough muscle fibres, so it is important to marinate the steak to help break down the connective tissue. This will ensure your meat is tender and flavoursome.

If you have time, marinate your London Broil for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible. A simple marinade can be made by mixing olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, parsley, oregano, thyme and black pepper. Place the steak in a casserole dish, pour over the marinade, cover and leave in the fridge.

When you are ready to cook your London Broil, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is warming up, remove the steak from the fridge and pat it dry with paper towels. Rub the steak with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or your favourite steak seasoning.

Place the seasoned steak into the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space around it for the hot air to circulate. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and cook for 8-15 minutes, depending on the size of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, 15-18 minutes for medium, and 18-20 minutes for well-done.

Once your steak has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and flavourful steak. Finally, thinly slice the London Broil against the grain and serve.

Resting the meat

Additionally, a large piece of meat will continue to cook for a few minutes after you take it out of the air fryer. This is called carry-over cooking and is why recipes often instruct you to remove the meat before it is fully cooked. The internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise during the resting period, so you should account for this when deciding when to remove the meat from the air fryer. The larger the mass of the meat, the more the temperature will rise during resting.

To rest your London broil, first, remove it from the heat and place it on a cutting board. Tent it with foil to keep it warm and let it rest for about 10 minutes. The amount of resting time will vary depending on the cut of meat and cooking technique but is usually between 10 and 20 minutes.

Frequently asked questions