Air Fryer Cube Steak: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Cube steak is a classic beef dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. This cooking method results in a tender and juicy steak with a slightly crispy exterior. It is also a great option for an easy and inexpensive meal. To make cube steak in an air fryer, you will need to season and tenderize the meat, and cook it at the right temperature to avoid overcooking.

Marinating cube steak

Cube steak is a relatively inexpensive cut of beef that can be a little tough. However, marinating and cooking it in an air fryer can make it tender and juicy. Here is a guide to marinating and preparing cube steak for the air fryer.

Marinade Ingredients

To make a marinade for four cube steaks, you will need:

• 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup of soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
• 2 tablespoons of avocado oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of minced garlic or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Marinating the Cube Steak

First, in a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients. Then, add the cube steaks to the mixture, coating them well. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more tender the meat will be.

Air Frying the Cube Steak

After marinating, remove the cube steaks from the refrigerator. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steaks and the model of your air fryer, so adjust as needed.

For a good sear and colour on the outside, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F to 155°F. Let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips

• If you want to tenderise the cube steak further, you can use a meat tenderising mallet or apply a meat tenderiser to the surface before dredging and cooking.
• To check the doneness of the steaks, go by the colour and internal temperature rather than relying on a meat thermometer, as it can be hard to use with this thin cut of beef.
• For best results, thaw frozen cube steaks before cooking and cook fresh steaks.
• If you want to freeze cooked cube steaks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil, and they can be stored for up to six months.

Prepping the air fryer

To prep your air fryer for cooking cube steak, you'll want to start by ensuring the air fryer basket is clean and free from any food residue that may cause the steak to stick. As the meat is dredged with flour, you should also apply a generous amount of oil to the basket to prevent sticking. You can use any oil spray that is compatible with your air fryer.

If you are cooking multiple cube steaks, you will need to cook them one at a time, even if you have a larger air fryer. If cooking in batches, line the floured steaks up on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper to prevent them from sticking or losing their coating before cooking.

Just before you are ready to start cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.

Prepping the cube steak

Firstly, allow the cube steaks to come to room temperature before cooking. This usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and it is an important step as it helps the breading process. Pat down the surface of the steaks to ensure they are relatively dry. This step is crucial as it helps the egg and flour layers adhere better, resulting in a crispier crust.

Next, season the steaks. A simple way to season the cube steak is to sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt per steak and let it dry brine overnight. If you choose to do this, remember to reduce the salt in the flour mixture by half. Alternatively, you can use a spice mix like Montreal Steak Seasoning, which includes garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dill seed, and salt.

Now, it's time to set up your dredging station. In one bowl, mix the flour with your choice of seasonings. In another bowl, prepare the egg wash by whisking together eggs and either buttermilk or water. You can also add some milk to the egg wash if desired. The number of eggs you use will depend on the number of steaks you are cooking. For four or more steaks, use three eggs.

Once your dredging station is set up, it's time to start breading the steaks. Dip each cube steak first in the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated, and then coat it with the flour mixture. Repeat this process for all the steaks.

Finally, if desired, you can further tenderize the steaks by using a meat tenderizing mallet. This will help soften the meat and make it cook faster. You can also apply a meat tenderizer to the surface of the steaks and let it work its magic as the meat comes to room temperature.

Your cube steaks are now ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Don't forget to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. Enjoy your juicy and delicious air-fried cube steaks!

Tenderizing cube steak

Cube steak is a great, inexpensive cut of beef that is perfect for a quick, tasty meal. It is usually pre-tenderized, but there are a few ways to ensure it is as tender as possible when cooked in an air fryer.

Firstly, it is important to prep the air fryer and the steak. Make sure the air fryer basket is clean and free from any food residue. Oil the basket to prevent the meat from sticking. If you are cooking more than one cube steak, you will need to cook them individually, so line up the others on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Allow the cube steak to reach room temperature before cooking, and pat the surface dry.

Next, you can tenderize the meat further with a meat mallet. This will also thin the meat, so adjust cooking times accordingly. You can also apply a meat tenderizer to the surface of the meat and let it melt in as the steak comes to room temperature.

Marinating the cube steak is another great way to tenderize the meat and add flavour. A simple marinade can be made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, leave it for 2 hours.

When you are ready to cook the steak, preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Place the steak in the basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a thinner cut of meat, look for a nice colour on the outside rather than checking the internal temperature.

Finally, allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Serving suggestions

Cube steak is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded and delicious meal. Here are some serving suggestions to complement your air-fried cube steak:

Starchy Side Dishes

• Potatoes: Whether it's mashed potatoes, French fries, or potato wedges, potatoes are a classic pairing with steak. They provide a hearty and filling option to go with your meal.
• Rice: A simple and versatile option that can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as steamed, fried, or boiled.
• Macaroni and cheese: A comforting and indulgent side dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Vegetables

• Green beans: Fresh or steamed green beans can add a pop of colour and a healthy dose of vegetables to your plate.
• Asparagus: Air-fried asparagus is a great option to pair with your steak, especially when cooked in the same appliance.
• Broccoli: Another healthy and tasty vegetable option that can be prepared in a variety of ways.
• Corn: Grilled, boiled, or steamed corn on the cob can be a sweet and juicy addition to your meal.

Salads

A simple side salad with greens and vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the steak. You can also try something more substantial like a spinach and strawberry salad.

Breads

• Crispy cornbread: A crunchy and sweet option that pairs well with the savoury flavours of the steak. Drizzle some honey on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Garlic bread: Toasted garlic bread can add a punch of flavour to your meal, especially if you're serving your steak with a juicy sauce.

Sauces and Gravies

• Country gravy: Also known as sawmill gravy, this traditional white gravy made with black pepper is a classic pairing with cube steak.
• Brown beef gravy or mushroom gravy: For a heartier option, these gravies add depth of flavour to your meal.
• Steak sauce: A classic condiment that can enhance the flavours of your steak.

Remember, cube steak is a versatile dish, so feel free to get creative with your sides and pairings! You can also adjust your choices based on the preferences of your family or guests.

Frequently asked questions