Air Fryer Steak: Marinade Or Not?

Yes, you can cook marinated steak in an air fryer. It is a straightforward and simple method that makes steak bites juicy, tender, and flavourful. The air fryer cooks the meat quickly and evenly, sealing in the natural juices while browning the outside. It is also a healthier option as it requires only a small amount of oil.

Steak preparation

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make marinated steak in an air fryer:

• Steak (flank or sirloin)
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic
• Onion
• Lime juice
• Orange juice
• Olive oil
• Cilantro
• Rosemary
• Oregano
• Cumin
• Paprika

Marinade

Add the steak to a gallon-sized Ziploc bag and season with salt and pepper. In a food processor, add orange juice, lime, cilantro, onion, garlic, rosemary, oregano, cumin, and paprika, and blend until combined. Pour one cup of the marinade into the bag, seal, and turn to coat. Refrigerate and marinate the steak for 2 to 24 hours.

Air Frying

Remove the steak from the marinade and place it in the air fryer basket. Spritz with olive oil and cook at 400°F for 5 minutes on each side or until an instant meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak registers 135°F for medium-rare.

Resting

Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a more tender steak.

Sides

You can serve your air fryer steak with a variety of sides such as BBQ cauliflower wings, roasted butternut squash, air fryer broccoli, or roasted ranch potatoes.

Reheating

To reheat your steak, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature.

Marinade ingredients

Marinating a steak before air frying is a great way to get a juicy, flavorful finish. The air fryer cooks the meat quickly and evenly, sealing in the natural juices while browning the outside.

There are many different ingredients you can use to make a marinade for steak. Here are some ideas for ingredients to use and how to prepare them:

Salt and Pepper

Don't skip the salt and pepper! They act as flavor enhancers, bringing out the natural taste of the meat. Season the steak with salt and pepper before adding the rest of your marinade ingredients.

Citrus

Citrus fruits such as lime and orange add a tart and acidic bite to the marinade. They also contain citric acid, which helps to break down the meat and make it more tender. Use the juice of these fruits, or you could add some zest for extra flavor.

Herbs

Fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, and cilantro add delicious flavor to your marinade. You could also try thyme, sage, parsley, or basil. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use about a third of the amount as the flavor is more concentrated.

Spices

Spices like cumin, paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder add depth and warmth to your marinade. You can experiment with different types of paprika—smoky, hot, or sweet—to find your favorite. If you don't have garlic cloves, you can substitute garlic powder.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a great base for your marinade as it adds a savory, umami flavor. You can also use coconut aminos, but be aware that this will change the flavor profile of your dish.

Oil

Oil is an important component of your marinade as it helps to carry all the flavors and tie them together. Olive oil is a good choice as it has a delicate flavor and is rich in healthy fats and vitamins. Avocado oil is another option with a mild flavor.

Sweetness

A touch of sweetness can balance out the other flavors in your marinade. You can add brown sugar or your preferred sweetener to taste.

Preparing the Marinade

Add your chosen ingredients to a food processor and blend until combined. Then, pour the marinade over your steak in a sealable bag or a bowl, making sure the meat is completely coated. Place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least one hour or up to 24 hours, turning the steak over once during this time.

Remember to always marinate your meat in the refrigerator to prevent bacteria from growing. Enjoy experimenting with these ingredients to create your perfect air-fried steak!

Air fryer temperature

Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it at high speed, creating a crispy 'fried' layer without the need for much oil. This method of cooking is called convection.

When cooking steak in an air fryer, the cut of meat and the desired level of doneness are important factors to consider when determining the air fryer temperature. The thickness of the steak will also impact the cooking time and temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking steaks in an air fryer at around 370°F (187-204°C) for 8-14 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness.

For a rare steak, cook at 400°F (204°C) for 8 minutes. For a medium-rare steak, cook at the same temperature for 10 minutes. If you prefer your steak medium, cook for 12 minutes, and for medium-well, cook for 14 minutes. These timings are based on a 1-inch thick steak and may vary depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of the steak.

It is important to note that the USDA recommends cooking all raw beef to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (62.8°C). However, this may be longer than some people prefer their steaks.

To ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. For a rare steak, cook to an internal temperature of 125°F (51.6°C). For medium-rare, cook to 135°F (57.2°C). Medium steaks should be cooked to 145°F (62.8°C), while medium-well steaks should reach 155°F (68.3°C). Well-done steaks should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71.1°C) or above.

Allowing the steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking is also crucial. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful steak.

In summary, cooking steak in an air fryer is a convenient and effective method that can produce juicy and tender results with a crispy exterior. By adjusting the temperature and cooking time, you can achieve your desired level of doneness.

Steak cooking times

Steak Doneness Levels

According to the USDA, raw beef should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F (62.8 °C). However, steak can be cooked to lower internal temperatures depending on the desired level of doneness:

• Rare: 125° F to 130° F
• Medium-rare: 130° F to 140° F
• Medium: 140° F to 150° F
• Medium-well: 155° F
• Well done: 160° F

Air Fryer Steak Cooking Times

Cooking times will vary depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of the steak. It is recommended to cook steak to the desired internal temperature rather than relying solely on time. Here are some general guidelines for cooking steak in an air fryer:

• Rare: Around 8 minutes at 400 °F
• Medium-rare: Around 10 minutes at 400 °F
• Medium: Around 12 minutes at 400 °F
• Medium-well: Around 14 minutes at 400 °F
• Well done: Around 160° F

For thicker cuts of steak, it is recommended to cook at a lower temperature, such as 370 °F, to ensure even cooking. Thinner steaks may cook faster and may be more prone to overcooking, so it is important to monitor the steak closely.

Additionally, it is recommended to flip the steak halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Steak serving suggestions

Steak is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to elevate your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to complement your juicy air-fried steak:

Starch Sides

A starch side dish is traditional to balance the protein-rich steak. Here are some options:

• Bread: Cheesy garlic biscuits, cornbread muffins, or dinner rolls are great choices. You can top them with butter, onion, and garlic for extra flavour.
• Pasta: Try a creamy and savoury pasta dish like mac and cheese or a vegan avocado pasta with fresh basil and garlic.
• Rice: Fried rice with kimchi or rice noodles with ginger, spring onions, and red chilli are perfect accompaniments.
• Potatoes: Baked, mashed, or roasted potatoes are classic steak sides. For a twist, try potato dauphinoise, sweet potato fries, or rosemary celeriac fries.

Vegetable Sides

Adding a vegetable side dish provides colour, texture, and nutritional balance to your meal. Here are some options:

• Grilled or roasted vegetables: Peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, or asparagus are great choices. You can also wrap asparagus in bacon and bake it for a special touch.
• Broccoli: Parmesan roasted broccoli adds a boost of flavour to your meal.
• Green beans: Sautéed in olive oil or butter, topped with almonds or breadcrumbs, they make for an elegant side.
• Mushrooms and onions: A quick and easy sauté of these two ingredients makes a classic steakhouse side.
• Brussels sprouts: Grill them alongside your steak, or try them wrapped in bacon.
• Salads: A simple salad of fresh leaves like romaine or iceberg lettuce can be paired with a creamy dressing like a blue cheese or Caesar salad. You can also add a twist with a wedge salad or a German-style potato salad.

Sauces

A sauce can add extra flavour and moisture to your steak. Here are some options:

• Red wine sauce: A full-bodied red wine, beef stock, and butter come together for a rich and glossy sauce.
• Quick vinaigrette: Whisk together vinegar, oil, mustard, and a splash of water for a simple dressing.
• Horseradish sauce: Stir creamed horseradish into yoghurt with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of sugar.
• Chimichurri: A coarse South American sauce made with parsley, garlic, shallots, and chilli.
• Béarnaise: A classic French sauce with a slight vinegar tang and fresh tarragon.
• Basil hollandaise: A buttery French sauce with a lift of fresh basil.
• Shallot and red wine reduction: Deglaze the pan with this traditional bistro sauce, perfect for a rib-eye or sirloin steak.

Frequently asked questions