Air-Frying Sirloin Steak: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a convenient and easy way to enjoy steak all year round with less work. They are also a lean way of cooking, keeping the steak juicy while reducing the amount of fat you eat.

Sirloin steak is a great choice for cooking in an air fryer thanks to its generous marbling, tender texture, and flavour. It is one of the fastest and easiest ways to cook steak to tender, juicy perfection.

How to prepare your steak before air frying

Choosing Your Steak

Select a thick cut of steak for air frying. A minimum thickness of one inch is recommended, with thicker cuts of up to two inches also suitable for the air fryer. Good cuts for air frying include sirloin, filet mignon, ribeye, New York strip, tri-tip, and top sirloin.

Defrosting and Tempering

If your steak is frozen, defrost it thoroughly before cooking. The best way to do this is by leaving it in the refrigerator for a day or more, depending on thickness. You can also defrost it by submerging it in cold water, changing the water every two hours. Do not defrost steak in the microwave, as this will negatively affect its texture.

Once defrosted, remove your steak from the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to temper, or come up to room temperature. This will help the steak cook more evenly.

Seasoning

Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Then, rub or brush the steak with olive oil, or another high-heat neutral-flavoured oil. You can also use a marinade, but be careful not to use too much oil, as this can cause your air fryer to smoke.

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the steak, or use a dry rub or steak seasoning. You can also use a combination of dried herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, cayenne, parsley, dill, sage, rosemary, lavender, marjoram, tarragon, or bay leaves.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for around five minutes. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply turn it on at the desired temperature for five minutes.

How to season your steak

Firstly, it is important to take the steaks out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking and let them reach room temperature. This is to ensure the steaks cook evenly.

Next, pat the steaks dry on both sides with a paper towel. This is an important step as it ensures the outside of the steak browns rather than steams.

Now, brush or drizzle a light layer of olive oil onto the steaks on both sides. This will help the steaks to brown better and will also help the seasonings to stick.

Generously season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper, pressing the seasonings into the meat. You can also add other seasonings such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, or a dry rub.

Finally, add the steaks to the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have enough airflow.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking sirloin steak in an air fryer is 400°F/200°C. Preheat the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at this temperature.

For a 1-inch thick steak, the cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of doneness. Here is a general guide:

• Rare: 5 minutes
• Medium-Rare: 7 minutes
• Medium: 10 minutes
• Medium-Well: 13 minutes
• Well: 15 minutes

For a 1.5-inch thick steak:

• Rare: 7 minutes
• Medium-Rare: 10 minutes
• Medium: 13 minutes
• Medium-Well: 15 minutes
• Well: 17 minutes

And for a 2-inch thick steak:

• Rare: 9 minutes
• Medium-Rare: 13 minutes
• Medium: 15 minutes
• Medium-Well: 17 minutes
• Well: 19 minutes

It's important to note that these timings are approximate and may vary depending on the cut of steak and the specific air fryer being used. It's always a good idea to check the steak's internal temperature with a kitchen thermometer to ensure it's cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Additionally, it's recommended to bring the steak to room temperature before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking, preventing the outer edges from getting too hot and crispy while the centre remains undercooked. Taking the steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking should be sufficient.

Finally, don't forget to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes after air frying. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

Resting your steak

Resting the steak also helps it reach the perfect temperature. For example, if you are aiming for a medium-rare steak, you should remove it from the air fryer at an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F. The steak's temperature will continue to rise by about 5 to 10 degrees as it rests, eventually settling between 130°F and 140°F, which is the ideal range for a medium-rare steak.

The resting period also gives you time to prepare any side dishes, ensuring that your meal is ready to be served and enjoyed as soon as the steak has rested.

What to serve with your steak

There are many options for what to serve with your air-fried sirloin steak. Here are some ideas:

Potatoes

• Mashed potatoes
• Baked potatoes
• Roasted potatoes
• Smashed potatoes
• Potato wedges
• Chips/fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Potatoes dauphinoise
• Twice-baked potatoes

Salads

• Arugula salad
• Asian-inspired wedge salad
• Watercress salad
• Classic Caesar salad
• Citrus, beet, and arugula salad
• Steak salad

Vegetables

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Broccolini
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Corn on the cob
• Green beans
• Mushrooms
• Roasted garlic
• Spinach
• Tomatoes

Other

• Mac and cheese
• Chimichurri sauce
• Béarnaise sauce
• Red wine sauce
• Onion rings

Frequently asked questions