Reheating Steak: Air Fryer's Got Your Back!

Reheating steak in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy juicy, tender steak without drying it out. The circulating air in the air fryer heats the steak from the outside, so the inside doesn't overcook. This method is also quicker than using a skillet or oven and avoids the sogginess that comes with reheating steak in a microwave.

To reheat steak in an air fryer, first, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Then, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F. Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring there's a single layer of meat. Reheat for 3 to 8 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. For best results, use a meat thermometer to check that the steak has reached an internal temperature of between 130°F and 145°F.

How to prepare your steak for reheating

Preparing your steak for reheating is a simple process, but it requires patience and the right techniques to ensure your steak doesn't dry out or become chewy. Here are the steps you should follow to prepare your steak for reheating in an air fryer:

Allow the Steak to Reach Room Temperature:

Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes. This step is crucial, as it helps the meat cook more evenly and prevents the outside from cooking faster than the inside. It also ensures that the steak reheats evenly and quickly in the air fryer.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheating your air fryer is essential for even heating. Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and preheat it for 3 to 5 minutes. Some sources suggest running it for 5 minutes at 360°F (180°C) before placing the steak inside.

Slice the Steak or Keep it Whole:

You can choose to slice the steak into pieces or keep it whole. Slicing the steak will help it reheat more quickly and evenly, reducing the risk of drying it out. However, if you prefer to keep the steak whole, you can do so, but you'll need to keep a close eye on it during the reheating process.

Seasonings and Oil (Optional):

You can add a small pat of butter or a drizzle of avocado or olive oil to your steak before reheating for extra flavour and moisture. Additionally, a pinch of salt and pepper is optional but can help boost the flavour of your steak.

Use a Meat Thermometer:

To ensure your steak reaches the optimal internal temperature, use a meat thermometer to check its doneness. The desired internal temperature will depend on your preferred level of doneness. For rare steak, aim for 130°F (55°C), while for medium, you'll want it to reach 145°F.

Timing and Flipping:

The timing for reheating will depend on the thickness and size of your steak. As a general guide, a 1-inch thick steak will take about 4 to 8 minutes to reheat in the air fryer. Thinner steaks will take less time, around 3 minutes, while thicker steaks may need up to 10 minutes. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating on both sides.

Resting:

Once your steak has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and wrap it in aluminium foil. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak.

Remember, it's best to eat your reheated steak immediately. Avoid re-reheating, as this will lead to dry and undesirable steak.

The ideal temperature and time for reheating

As a general rule, it is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to 350°F/180°C. However, if you are reheating a thicker steak (1.5-2 inches), you may want to increase the temperature to 375°F. Most sources recommend reheating for 3-8 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through.

• 1/2 inch steak: 350°F for 5-6 minutes
• 1-inch steak: 350°F for 6-8 minutes
• 1.5-2 inch steak: 375°F for 8-10 minutes

It is important to note that these are just estimates, and the exact time may vary depending on your air fryer and the doneness you prefer. To ensure your steak is reheated to your desired level, it is recommended to use a kitchen thermometer or meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. A safe internal temperature for steak is 135°F, but if you prefer your steak rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F.

Additionally, it is worth noting that bringing your steak to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer can help it cook more evenly and reduce the risk of drying it out.

Why the air fryer is the best option

Reheating steak in an air fryer is the best option for several reasons. Firstly, it is a quick and easy method that doesn't require you to turn on your stove or oven, which is especially useful during hot summer months. The air fryer's small, enclosed space and circulating hot air heat the steak evenly and efficiently, without drying it out or overcooking it. This results in a juicy, tender steak that tastes just like it did when freshly cooked.

Additionally, the air fryer is versatile and can handle different cuts and amounts of steak, including large pieces like filet or T-bone, as well as sliced or diced steak. It is also a simple process that only requires a few minutes of preparation and cooking time, making it a convenient option for those short on time.

To reheat steak in an air fryer, simply bring the steak to room temperature, preheat the air fryer, and cook for a few minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. This method ensures your steak is heated through without losing its delicious flavour and texture.

The air fryer is a fantastic option for those looking for a quick, convenient, and effective way to reheat their steak without compromising on taste and quality.

Step-by-step guide to reheating steak in an air fryer

Let the steak reach room temperature

Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit for 15-30 minutes to reach room temperature. This is an important step as it will help the steak cook evenly and quickly, reducing the risk of drying it out.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/180°C for 3-5 minutes. This step is essential to ensure even cooking and to prevent the steak from sticking to the basket.

Place the steak in the air fryer basket

Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring that it is in a single layer with no overlapping pieces. If you are cooking multiple steaks, arrange them in a single layer to allow proper air circulation.

Add butter or oil (optional)

For extra flavour and juiciness, you can add a small pat of butter or a drizzle of cooking oil on top of each steak before cooking.

Reheat the steak

Set the timer for 6-8 minutes for a whole steak or 3-6 minutes for sliced steak. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness.

Check the internal temperature (optional)

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. A safe internal temperature for steak is 135°F/55°C, while a medium-rare steak should be around 130°F/55°C.

Remove, rest, and serve

Remove the steak from the air fryer using tongs and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak.

Tips:

• It is best to reheat steak only once to prevent it from drying out.
• Reheating times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on your steak to avoid overcooking.
• If your steak is not heated through to your liking, you can add 2-3 minutes of cooking time at a lower temperature (320°F/160°C) to avoid overcooking.
• For best results, reheat steaks of similar size and thickness together to ensure even cooking.

Serving suggestions:

Reheated steak can be served with a variety of sides, such as baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, or a salad. You can also use the steak in sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for salads or rice bowls.

Tips for reheating steak

Allow the steak to reach room temperature

Letting the steak reach room temperature before reheating is a crucial step. This will help the steak cook more evenly, reducing the risk of the outside cooking faster than the inside. It also ensures the meat stays tender and helps it cook quicker, reducing the risk of drying it out. Aim to let the steak sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes, but 30 minutes to an hour is ideal.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/180°C for 3-5 minutes. This will ensure even heating and help you avoid undercooking or overcooking the steak.

Use a meat thermometer

To ensure your steak is reheated sufficiently without becoming overcooked, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. Steak should reach an internal temperature of at least 135°F/55°C. For rare steak, aim for 130°F/55°C, and for well-done steak, the USDA recommends reheating to 165°F/74°C.

Add butter or oil

Adding a small pat of butter or a drizzle of oil to your steak before reheating can help keep it juicy and add extra flavour.

Don't re-reheat

Avoid reheating steak multiple times, as this will lead to dry and undesirable meat. Reheat only what you plan to eat in one sitting.

Check your steak

Each air fryer is different, so be sure to check your steak as it cooks to avoid overcooking or undercooking. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking process to ensure even heating on both sides.

Reheat similar-sized pieces together

For the best results, reheat pieces of steak that are of similar size and thickness. This will help them cook more evenly, reducing the risk of hot or cold spots.

Frequently asked questions