Air Fryer Tips: Marinating Meat Before Frying

You can definitely put marinated meat in an air fryer! In fact, it's a great way to cook juicy and tender chicken and steak. The air fryer's high-speed circulation of hot air cooks food quickly and produces a crispy 'fried' layer, all with minimal oil. This method is perfect for marinated meats, as it locks in moisture and flavour, resulting in succulent and flavourful dishes.

Marinating times for meat

Yes, you can put marinated meat in an air fryer. In fact, marinating meat is an effective way to enhance its flavour and moisture, and to tenderise it before cooking.

Chicken

Chicken is best marinated for between 30 minutes and 12 hours. The thicker the pieces, the longer it will take for the flavour to permeate the meat. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts should be marinated for around two hours.

Beef

Beef can be marinated for a long time, even overnight, or for up to 24 hours. However, it's important to note that marinating for too long can negatively affect the texture of the meat, making it mushy and stringy.

Pork

Pork is best marinated for a short time, and definitely under 24 hours. A quick marinade can give pork a juicy kick.

Lamb

Like beef, lamb can be marinated for a long time, even overnight. However, don't exceed 24 hours, as this can affect the texture of the meat.

Seafood

Seafood should be marinated for a much shorter time than other meats – no longer than 15 to 30 minutes, and one hour maximum.

Best cuts of meat for the air fryer

Yes, you can put marinated meat in an air fryer. In fact, marinating your meat before air frying can add depth to the taste and help tenderise it.

Now, let's talk about the best cuts of meat for the air fryer.

Beef

A variety of beef cuts work well in an air fryer, including:

• Ribeye
• New York strip/Sirloin strip
• Tenderloin
• Flank
• Flat iron
• Sirloin
• Ground beef

When choosing a steak, thicker cuts, such as ribeye or strip loin, are better suited for air frying as they retain more moisture, allowing for a more even cooking process. If you opt for thinner cuts like sirloin or flank steak, reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking.

For those on a budget, cheaper cuts can be cooked in an instant pot and then air-fried to crisp them up.

Chicken

Chicken is a great option for air frying. You can use a range of cuts, including:

• Chicken thighs
• Chicken breasts
• Chicken legs/drumsticks
• Chicken wings

Chicken thighs are a popular choice as they are super cheap and moist. Chicken legs are also a favourite, especially with kids, as they can easily pick them up.

Pork

Pork is another versatile meat that works well in the air fryer. Here are some cuts to try:

• Ham steaks
• Pork chops
• Pork tenderloin
• Pork carnitas
• Pork chops
• Pork tenderloin
• Pork dumplings

Turkey

Turkey is a lean meat that cooks quickly in the air fryer. Try these cuts:

• Turkey breast cutlets
• Turkey tenderloin
• Turkey meatballs
• Turkey croquettes

How to prepare your air fryer

Preparing your air fryer for cooking is simple. First, ensure you have the right type of air fryer for your needs. There are two main types: basket air fryers and air fryer ovens. Basket air fryers are compact and have a removable basket for food. Air fryer ovens are larger and have racks inside.

Once you've chosen your air fryer, you'll need to set it up. Remove all packaging and clean all parts and accessories. Place the air fryer on a level, flat, dry surface, ensuring there is enough clearance around it. Refer to your owner's manual for specific setup instructions.

Before cooking, spritz or brush your food with a light coat of oil and your desired seasonings. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. Most air fryers don't require preheating, but it can help food cook properly, so refer to your manual to see if it's recommended for your model.

When cooking, you'll likely need to shake or flip your food at least once to ensure even cooking. After cooking, unplug your air fryer and let it cool before cleaning. Clean your air fryer after each use to prevent flavour mixing and oil buildup, which can cause smoking. Most air fryers have removable parts that can be washed in warm, soapy water or placed in the dishwasher.

Marinade ingredients and preparation

Marinades are a great way to add flavour and moisture to meat. The ingredients you choose for your marinade will depend on your taste preferences, the type of meat you are using, and the flavours you want to impart. Here are some general guidelines and tips for preparing a marinade for air-fried meat:

Ingredients

You can use a variety of ingredients to create a marinade. Some common ingredients include:

• Oils: Olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil are popular choices.
• Acid: Lemon juice, lime juice, or vinegar can be used to add a tangy flavour and help tenderise the meat.
• Sweeteners: Honey or brown sugar can balance out the acidity and add a touch of sweetness.
• Savoury Liquids: Chicken broth, soy sauce, or coconut aminos can enhance the savoury flavour of the marinade.
• Spices and Herbs: Garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil, sage, and parsley are just a few options to add flavour and aroma.
• Other Flavour Enhancers: Worcestershire sauce, ginger puree, mustard, or soy sauce can also be added to create unique flavour profiles.

Preparation

Once you have gathered your desired ingredients, here are the steps to prepare your marinade:

• Combine the ingredients: In a glass bowl or a non-reactive container, add your chosen ingredients and whisk or mix them together until well combined.
• Add the meat: Place your chosen cut of meat into the bowl or container with the marinade. Ensure that the meat is fully coated by turning it over or using a brush to spread the marinade evenly.
• Marinate: Cover the container with plastic wrap or transfer the meat and marinade into a sealable plastic bag. Place it in the refrigerator to marinate. For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight. For thicker cuts of meat, you may need to marinate for longer, up to 12 hours.
• Bring to room temperature: Before cooking, remove the meat from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step helps the meat cook more evenly.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually between 350-400°F (180-200°C).
• Prepare the meat: Remove the meat from the marinade and pat it dry with a paper towel. Discard any leftover marinade to avoid cross-contamination.
• Cook the meat: Place the meat in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between the pieces for even cooking. Cook according to the recommended time and temperature for your specific cut of meat.
• Rest the meat: Once the meat reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients and flavours to find your favourite marinade for air-fried meat!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for marinated meat in an air fryer will depend on the type of meat and marinade used. Here are some general guidelines and tips for cooking marinated meat in an air fryer:

• It is recommended to cook meat to an internal temperature rather than relying solely on time, as equipment and meat thickness can vary.
• For steak, a temperature of 400°F is ideal for encouraging browning.
• For a 1" thick steak at 400°F, cook for 8 minutes for rare, 10 minutes for medium-rare, 12 minutes for medium, and 14 minutes for medium-well.
• Thicker steaks are generally better for air frying, as they allow for a crisp exterior and a juicy interior.
• Flip the steak halfway through cooking for even cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a medium-cooked 8-ounce ribeye steak.
• For medium-rare, cook for 10 minutes, and for medium-well, cook for 14 minutes.
• An instant-read thermometer is essential for checking the doneness of your steak.
• The ideal internal temperature for steak is as follows: 135°F for medium-rare, 150°F for medium-well, and 160°F for well-done.
• For chicken, a temperature of 350°F is recommended.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for the best results.
• Cook chicken for 15-16 minutes at 350°F, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• The cooking time for chicken will depend on the size, with smaller breasts taking 15 minutes, medium breasts taking 20 minutes, and larger breasts taking 25 minutes.
• Frozen marinated chicken will take longer to cook, around 38 minutes.
• Always use a liner or foil tray to catch any drippings and make cleanup easier.

Frequently asked questions