Air-Fried Sirloin Steak: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking sirloin steak in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to enjoy a tender and juicy steak. The circulating hot air in the air fryer produces a more tender steak than cooking it on the stove or in the oven. This method is also foolproof and hands-off, making it harder to overcook or dry out the steak.

How to prepare the steak before air frying

Preparing your sirloin steak before air frying is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your steak is prepared properly:

Remove the Steak from the Fridge:

Take the steak out of the refrigerator about 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This step is important because it allows the steak to come to room temperature, promoting more even cooking.

Pat the Steak Dry:

Use paper towels to pat the steak dry on both sides. This step helps to remove any excess moisture from the surface of the meat, which is crucial for achieving a nice sear and crust during cooking.

Season the Steak:

Drizzle or brush a thin layer of olive oil over the steak. You can also use other types of cooking oil, such as avocado oil or canola oil. The oil will help the seasonings stick to the meat and promote browning.

After oiling, season the steak liberally with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also use other seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or Montreal steak seasoning. Additionally, you can try a dry rub, especially if your steak is on the leaner side. A simple dry rub could include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that your steak starts cooking immediately at the desired temperature, helping to create a nice sear on the surface.

Place the Steak in the Air Fryer Basket:

Arrange the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space around it for optimal airflow. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect the cooking process and prevent even browning.

Cook the Steak:

The cooking time will depend on your desired doneness and the thickness of your steak. As a guide, for a 1-inch thick steak, cook for about 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium, flipping the steak halfway through the cooking time. For thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Rest the Steak:

Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate or cutting board. Loosely cover the steak with foil and let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavourful steak.

Remember, these steps are just a guide, and you can always adjust the seasonings and cooking times to your personal preferences. Enjoy your air-fried sirloin steak!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking sirloin steak in an air fryer is 400°F/200°C. Preheat the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at this temperature before cooking.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. Here is a general guide for cooking times:

• Rare: 5 to 7 minutes for a 1-inch steak, 7 to 9 minutes for a 1.5-inch steak, and 9 to 11 minutes for a 2-inch steak.
• Medium-Rare: 7 to 10 minutes for a 1-inch steak, 10 to 13 minutes for a 1.5-inch steak, and 13 to 15 minutes for a 2-inch steak.
• Medium: 10 to 14 minutes for a 1-inch steak, 13 to 15 minutes for a 1.5-inch steak, and 15 to 17 minutes for a 2-inch steak.
• Medium-Well: 13 to 15 minutes for a 1-inch steak, 15 to 17 minutes for a 1.5-inch steak, and 17 to 19 minutes for a 2-inch steak.
• Well Done: 15 to 16 minutes for a 1-inch steak and 17 to 19 minutes for a 1.5-inch steak.

It is important to note that these cooking times are approximate and may vary depending on the specific air fryer and the cut of steak used. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure the desired level of doneness is achieved. The steak will continue to cook and increase in temperature by about 5°F while resting after cooking.

Resting the steak after cooking

During the resting phase, the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise by approximately 5°F. This is crucial to achieving your desired level of doneness. For instance, if you aim for a medium-rare steak, remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F, and let it rest. The temperature will then rise to 135°F, resulting in a perfect medium-rare steak.

To ensure accurate temperature readings, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. Additionally, always let the steak rest on a plate or a cutting board, not in the air fryer, to prevent overcooking.

Before slicing the steak, it is important to cut against the grain for maximum tenderness. This technique helps break down the long, stringy fibers in the meat, ensuring a tender bite.

Steak doneness and internal temperature

Steak doneness is a matter of personal preference, but it's important to understand the internal temperatures that define each level of doneness to ensure food safety and your desired taste. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve your preferred steak doneness in an air fryer:

Rare Steak:

For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 120-125°F (49-52°C). At this temperature, the steak will have a deep red centre and a cool red exterior. Keep in mind that a rare steak may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with weakened immune systems or young children.

Medium-Rare Steak:

A medium-rare steak is achieved at an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). It will have a warm red centre with a slightly pink exterior. This is a popular choice for steak lovers as it offers a good balance between doneness and a juicy, tender texture.

Medium Steak:

To cook a steak to medium, aim for an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C). The steak will have a pink centre that is starting to turn brown, and the exterior will be lightly browned. Medium steaks are a great option if you want your meat more cooked without losing too much juiciness.

Medium-Well Steak:

For a medium-well steak, the internal temperature should reach 150-155°F (65-68°C). At this stage, the steak will have a thin pink band in the centre, with a fully browned exterior. While this doneness level may result in a slightly drier steak, it is a good option for those who prefer their meat more well-done.

Well-Done Steak:

A well-done steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or above. The steak will be completely browned throughout, with no signs of pink. Keep in mind that a well-done steak may be drier and less juicy due to the longer cooking time.

To ensure accuracy, it is highly recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. Additionally, it's important to let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavourful and juicy final product.

What to serve with sirloin steak

There are many side dishes that can accompany a sirloin steak cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

Potatoes

• Baked potatoes
• Smashed potatoes
• Mashed potatoes
• Twice-baked potatoes
• Air fryer roasted potatoes
• Chunky oven chips
• Traditional chips
• Potato wedges
• Sweet potato fries
• Potatoes dauphinoise
• Potato salad
• Baked skinny fries

Salads

• Classic Caesar salad
• Wedge salad
• Asian-inspired wedge salad
• Watercress salad
• Classic steak salad

Vegetables

• Roasted green beans
• Asparagus
• Brussels sprouts
• Roasted butternut squash
• Roasted green beans
• Roasted broccolini
• Celeriac fries
• Kale
• Peas
• Mushrooms
• Curly kale
• Spinach

Other

• Herb butter
• Mac 'n' cheese
• Grilled tomato
• Slaw
• Refried beans
• Avocado
• Corn
• Salsa
• Onion rings

Frequently asked questions