Buttered Steak In An Air Fryer: Good Or Bad Idea?

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a perfectly cooked steak. The air fryer is a handy tool to replace roasting in the oven or cooking on the stove. It can deliver a crusty, juicy steak without the smoke of a grill or cast-iron pan. Adding butter to the steak can make it even more flavourful and juicy. However, since air fryers cook at a higher temperature than the smoking point of butter, it's important to use it sparingly and melt it first. You can also clarify the butter to increase its smoke point.

How to make garlic butter

Garlic butter is a delicious addition to a steak cooked in an air fryer, and making it is simple. Here is a recipe for garlic butter, with some extra tips included.

Firstly, get your ingredients together. You will need:

• Butter, at room temperature
• Garlic, either fresh and minced, or powder
• Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Spices of your choice (optional)

If you don't have fresh garlic, shallot, onion or parsley, you can use garlic powder, onion powder and dried parsley, but at reduced quantities. You can also add in other spices like paprika, Italian seasoning, or garlic salt.

Now, simply combine all your ingredients in a bowl and stir until they are well-blended. You can also use a food processor to make the mixing even easier and to get a really smooth consistency.

Your garlic butter is now ready to be used! You can store it in the fridge for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to six months.

How to cook steak in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Steak ( Flat-iron, boneless top sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon, or ribeye)
• Salt and pepper
• Butter (flavoured with parsley, garlic, and soy sauce)
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic
• Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley

Method

• Prepare the steak: Take the steak out of the fridge 15-30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Rub the steak with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, or your chosen seasonings.
• Air-fry the steak: Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the level of doneness you prefer. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 8-10 minutes. For medium, cook for 10-12 minutes. For medium-well, cook for 12-15 minutes.
• Make flavoured butter: While the steak is cooking, make the flavoured butter by combining softened butter with minced fresh parsley, garlic, and soy sauce.
• Rest the steak: Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes. Top the steak with a pat of flavoured butter.

Tips:

• For a caramelized crust, rub the steak with olive oil before sprinkling with salt and pepper.
• For even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer and ensure there is enough airflow around the steak.
• To check if the steak is cooked to your preference, use a meat thermometer.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing Leftovers:

According to the USDA, cooked steak will stay fresh for up to four days when stored properly. To store your steak, place it in a shallow airtight container or a plastic zipper bag and keep it in the refrigerator.

Reheating Steak:

The air fryer is an excellent way to reheat your steak without overcooking it. Here are the steps to reheat your steak:

• Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This helps prevent the outer layer from overcooking before the inside is warmed.
• Pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which can affect crisping.
• (Optional) Reseason the steak with a light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and your favourite steak seasoning to enhance the flavour.
• Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C).
• Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation.
• Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your steak. For a very thick cut, you may need an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Flip the steak halfway through the reheating process to ensure uniform cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F (54°C); for medium, 140°F (60°C); and for medium-well, 150°F (66°C).
• Once the steak reaches the desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Your leftover steak is now ready to enjoy, with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior!

Best cuts of steak for the air fryer

While you can cook steak in an air fryer, choosing the right cut of meat is important. Here are some of the best cuts of steak to cook in an air fryer, along with some tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time.

Porterhouse

The Porterhouse is a large cut of steak that comes from the short loin portion of the cow, beneath its backbone. It consists of two types of steak: the top loin, also known as the New York strip, and the tenderloin. These two cuts offer different textures and flavours, providing the best of both worlds. When cooking a Porterhouse steak in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and keep the seasoning simple, as the meat's flavour is best when allowed to shine through.

Sirloin

Sirloin is a great cut of steak for air frying, especially when the meat is thawed. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and oil it before placing the seasoned or marinated steaks inside. Cook to your desired level of doneness, flipping the steaks halfway through. Sirloin is a versatile cut that can be paired with a variety of side dishes, such as French fries, roasted vegetables, or onion rings.

Strip Steak

Strip steak, also known as shell steak or Kansas strip, is a favourite among connoisseurs due to its beautiful texture and rich, beefy flavour. When cooking strip steak in the air fryer, preheat your device to 400°F and oil it before adding the room-temperature steaks. Cook for around 14 minutes for a medium-rare steak, adjusting the time as needed for your desired level of doneness. A simple seasoning of butter, garlic, and herbs is often all you need to create a delicious air-fried strip steak.

Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is a tender and lean cut of steak that comes from the loin primal section of the cow. Its soft texture and mild flavour make it versatile and well-suited to a variety of cooking methods, including air frying. When cooking filet mignon in the air fryer, preheat your device to 380°F and oil it before adding the meat. Filet mignon slices are typically around one to two inches thick, so they won't take long to cook. Don't forget to flip them halfway through and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Ribeye

Ribeye is a popular and delicious cut of steak known for its rich, buttery flavour and gorgeous marbling. It comes from a long muscle called the longissimus dorsi, which is not as heavily used as other muscles, making it more tender. When cooking ribeye in the air fryer, preheat your device to 400°F. You can cook this cut with or without the bone, but keep in mind that cooking it with the bone may be a bit more challenging. Season the steak simply to let its natural flavour shine, and cook it to your desired doneness.

Cube Steak

Cube steak is a versatile and convenient cut that usually comes from the top or bottom round of the cow. It is lean but can be tough, so it's best to marinate it before air frying. The acidic components in the marinade, such as balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, or Worcestershire sauce, will help to tenderize the meat. Alternatively, you can use a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook cube steak in the air fryer for five to seven minutes, flipping it halfway through. This cut is best served rare to medium-rare to avoid dryness.

Flank Steak

Flank steak is a lean, flavourful, and tender cut of beef that comes from the abdominal muscle below the cow's chest. It is best served rare, medium-rare, or medium, as it can become chewy if overcooked. When cooking flank steak in the air fryer, preheat the device to 400°F and lightly oil it. Season the steak with a spice rub and cook until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to avoid burning the butter

Yes, you can put butter in an air fryer, but it's important to be careful to avoid burning it. Here are some tips to avoid burning butter in your air fryer:

Use Small Amounts of Butter

Use a small amount of butter to avoid excess splatter and burning. A thin layer of butter is best as it's less likely to burn and still enhances the flavour and texture of your food.

Keep the Temperature Low

Butter has a low smoke point, so keep the temperature in your air fryer under 350°F. Preheat your air fryer to a low temperature, around 300°F, to avoid uneven cooking and prevent burning.

Melt the Butter First

Melt the butter before applying it to your food or the air fryer basket. This ensures an even coating and makes it easier to control the amount of butter used. You can melt the butter in a microwave or on the stove.

Brush or Spray the Butter

Use a silicone brush or a spray bottle to apply the melted butter. This gives you more control over the amount of butter used and helps to avoid pooling, which can cause smoking and burning.

Monitor the Cooking Process

Keep a close eye on your food while it's cooking to prevent burning. Butter can cause food to cook faster, so check your food regularly.

Use Clarified Butter or Ghee

Clarified butter, also known as ghee, has a higher smoke point than regular butter, making it less likely to burn. It also has a rich, buttery flavour.

Combine Butter with High Smoke Point Oils

Mixing butter with a high smoke point oil, such as avocado or canola oil, can help to prevent burning.

Use Parchment Paper

Lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper can help to absorb excess butter and prevent burning.

Clean Your Air Fryer Regularly

Residual butter can cause smoking in future uses, so be sure to clean your air fryer after each use. Soak the basket and tray in warm, soapy water and use a soft sponge to scrub away any grease.

Frequently asked questions