Air Frying London Broil: Is It Possible?

London broil is a method of preparing a lean, thick cut of beef, typically a top round steak, which can be cooked in an air fryer. This cut of meat is usually tough, but the air fryer's hot air circulation keeps the beef tender and juicy. The air fryer also gives the meat a delightful crust that is hard to achieve in a traditional oven.

How to cook London Broil in an air fryer

London Broil is a popular dish that can be prepared in several ways. One modern, convenient, and healthier method for cooking London Broil is using an air fryer. This method offers many benefits, including quicker cooking times and less use of oil.

Understanding London Broil

London Broil is a versatile beef dish that is not actually a specific cut of meat but rather a method of preparing it. Typically, London Broil is made from a top round or flank steak, which is marinated and then cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness. This method aims to make the meat tender and flavourful.

Ingredients

• London Broil steak (top round or flank steak)
• Olive oil (for brushing)
• Salt and black pepper (for seasoning)
• Optional: Your choice of marinade (e.g. soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs, or spices) for added flavour

Optional Ingredients for Added Flavour

• Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
• Red pepper flakes for heat
• Balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist
• Citrus zest (e.g. lemon or orange) for a refreshing note

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Take the London Broil out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

While the meat is resting, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C).

Step 3: Pat the Meat Dry and Brush with Oil

Pat the London Broil dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear in the air fryer. Brush the meat with a light coat of olive oil to promote browning and prevent sticking to the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Season and Marinate the Meat (Optional)

Generously season the London Broil with salt and black pepper. If you want to add more flavour, consider marinating the steak. Place the London Broil in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and add your chosen marinade. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on how deep you want the flavour to infuse.

Step 5: Air Fry the London Broil

Place the London Broil steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space around it for proper air circulation. Cook the steak for approximately 8–10 minutes on one side for medium-rare. Then, flip the steak and cook for an additional 8–10 minutes on the other side. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak.

Step 6: Check the Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 130–135°F (54–57°C), but you can adjust it according to your preference.

Step 7: Rest the Meat

Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Tips for Different Air Fryer Models

The cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly between different air fryer models. Always consult your air fryer's manual for specific instructions. You may need to experiment with cooking times to achieve your preferred level of doneness, as air fryers can vary in performance.

Finished Beef Temperatures

• Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
• Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
• Medium-well: 150–155°F (65–68°C)
• Well-done: 160°F (71°C) and above

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftover London Broil, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, cover the slices of meat with a damp paper towel and heat in the microwave for 20–30-second intervals until warmed through.

Marinating London Broil

Marination is a crucial step in preparing London Broil, as it is a lean-muscle cut that tends to be a tougher piece of meat due to its low-fat content. The acids in the marinade help to tenderise the meat, and the combination of powerful ingredients infuses the beef with flavour.

The ideal marination time for London Broil is at least 4 hours, preferably 6-9 hours, and up to 24 hours. Marinating the meat for less than 4 hours will not allow enough time for the marinade to tenderise the meat completely. On the other hand, marinating for longer than 24 hours may cause the meat to become mushy as the acid in the marinade will break down the meat's tissue.

• Combine 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of less-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 a lemon's juice, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried crushed rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme in a small bowl.
• Use the sharp, spikey side of a meat mallet to pound both sides of the meat once or twice, leaving rows of marks on each side.
• Place the beef in a baking dish and sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over both sides.
• Pour the marinade over the meat, cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. Remember to flip the meat once during the marination process.
• Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it rest, covered, at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before cooking.

You can also experiment with different ingredients in your marinade, such as maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar, or adding fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, basil or rosemary.

Best temperature for cooking London Broil

London Broil is a versatile beef dish that is not a specific cut of meat but rather a method of preparing it. Typically, London Broil is made from a top round or flank steak, which is marinated and then cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness.

The best temperature for cooking London Broil in an air fryer is around 400°F (200°C). Place the London Broil in the air fryer basket and ensure there is enough space around it for proper air circulation. Overcrowding can cause steam, which can stop the searing process.

For a medium-rare London Broil, the internal temperature should be around 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium doneness, the temperature should be 140-145°F (60-63°C). Medium-well is achieved at 150-155°F (65-68°C), and well-done is 160°F (71°C) and above.

The cooking time will depend on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. For a 1-pound London Broil, check the meat after about 5 minutes. For a 1 3/4-pound cut, it may take around 15-20 minutes.

It is important to let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking, allowing the muscle fibres to relax and the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more succulent and flavourful steak.

Reheating London Broil

Before Reheating:

• Allow the London broil to come to room temperature before reheating. Taking it out of the fridge 20-30 minutes beforehand will help it cook more quickly and reduce the risk of drying it out.
• Slicing the meat will help it reheat more quickly and evenly, reducing the risk of drying it out.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even heating.
• If you want to keep the meat rare or medium-rare, be aware that consuming leftovers that haven't been sufficiently heated may pose a risk. The USDA recommends reheating leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure you don't overheat the meat, which will dry it out.

Reheating in the Air Fryer:

• Place the London broil in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spritz with a little olive oil spray or add a pat of butter to the top of the meat.
• Reheat at 350°F-370°F for 3-5 minutes, flipping the meat halfway through. The time may vary depending on the thickness of the cut.
• Check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer. It should be at least 110°F. If it's not warm enough, add 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
• Remove the meat from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Avoid reheating London broil more than once, as it will become overcooked.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Storing London Broil

London broil is a great dish to make if you want to enjoy the meal over a few days, as it keeps well in the refrigerator and can also be frozen.

If you have cooked London broil and want to store it, it is important to let the meat cool down first. Then, you can decide whether to slice the meat or keep it as a whole slab. Wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminium foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days.

If you want to freeze London broil, again, ensure the meat has cooled completely, then place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date and the name of the dish. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.

To reheat London broil, you can use the air fryer! Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer and fry for 1 minute at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or until warmed through. If you are reheating a whole slab, cook for 2-3 minutes. You can also reheat London broil in the microwave; cover the slices with a damp paper towel and heat in 20-30 second intervals until warmed through.

London broil is also delicious served cold, straight from the fridge, in sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions