Air Fryer Reverse Sear: Is It Possible?

Reverse searing is a technique that involves cooking steak slowly at a low temperature and then finishing it with a high-heat sear. This method can be done in an air fryer, and it results in a tender centre and a mega crust. The air fryer's convenience and efficiency make the whole process super easy, and the hot air inside cooks the steak at a precise temperature to get the desired crispy outer layer.

Reverse searing a steak in an air fryer vs. a pan

Reverse searing is a two-step process that gives you a tender centre and a crusty exterior. It involves first drying out the exterior of the steak before the final sear. The traditional method of searing a steak involves placing the raw meat in a hot pan and forming a caramelized outer crust, then resting the meat so that the inside can get up to temperature. Reverse searing flips this on its head, starting with a low-and-slow cook, then kicking up the heat at the end to get the desired crust.

Reverse searing a steak in an air fryer can be a great option if you want to avoid the smoke of a pan sear, or if you want to try something new. However, it is important to note that you will still need a cast-iron pan for the final searing stage.

To reverse sear a steak in an air fryer, you will first need to season your steak with salt and herbs, and let it dry brine. You can then preheat your air fryer to 245°F on the lowest fan setting for 60 minutes. Drizzle oil on both sides of the steaks, season with pepper, and place them in the air fryer. Check the temperature every 10 minutes until the centre of the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the steaks and let them rest for at least 5 minutes.

For the final searing stage, you will need a cast-iron pan. Start with a cold pan and add butter, oil, herbs, garlic, and other aromatics. Turn the burner to the highest setting. Once the butter begins to brown, place the steaks in the centre of the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes or until a golden crust has developed.

Reverse searing a steak in a pan follows a similar process, but without the use of an air fryer. First, pat your steak dry with paper towels and let it sit on a wire rack over a sheet pan in the fridge overnight. Preheat your oven to 250°F and place a wire rack over a sheet pan. Season your steak and place it on the wire rack, aiming for an internal temperature of 10 to 15 degrees below your desired finished temperature. Bake the steak for 20 to 50 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Remove the steak from the oven and heat a frying pan or cast-iron skillet on medium heat until it is very hot. Sear the steak on all sides with a knob of butter for about one minute per side.

In summary, reverse searing a steak in an air fryer can be a great option if you want to avoid smoke or try something new. However, it is important to note that you will still need a cast-iron pan for the final searing stage. Reverse searing a steak in a pan follows a similar process, but without the use of an air fryer.

The best cuts of steak for reverse searing

Reverse searing is a great way to cook steak in an air fryer, as it ensures even cooking, is convenient, and produces less smoke. This technique involves cooking the steak at a low temperature until it is almost at the desired level of doneness, and then finishing it off with a quick sear at high heat.

When it comes to choosing the best cuts of steak for reverse searing in an air fryer, opt for thicker cuts of at least 1.5 to 2 inches. This is because thinner cuts may cook too fast, making it difficult to achieve the desired doneness. Here are some specific cuts that are well-suited for reverse searing:

• Ribeye: This is a popular choice for reverse searing due to its marbling of fat and generous size. It has a robust flavour and remains juicy and tender when cooked using the reverse searing method.
• New York Strip: Also known as a strip loin, this cut is characterised by its thick shape and robust flavour. It has a good amount of fat marbling, making it ideal for reverse searing as it benefits from the even cooking and precise temperature control that the method offers.
• Sirloin: Sirloin steaks, especially those with a good amount of marbling, can be excellent for reverse searing. They have a rich, beefy flavour and a tender texture when cooked properly.
• Wagyu: Wagyu beef is known for its exceptional marbling, which results in a tender and juicy steak when reverse seared. The even cooking and low-temperature control of the air fryer can help highlight the unique flavour and texture of Wagyu beef.

When selecting steaks for reverse searing, look for cuts with a decent amount of fat marbling, as this will contribute to a juicy and flavourful final product. Additionally, consider the size and thickness of the steak, ensuring it is at least 1.5 inches thick to allow for proper cooking.

How to season a steak for reverse searing

Reverse searing a steak in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a juicy and tender steak with a crispy, flavoursome crust. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season your steak for the perfect reverse sear:

Step 1: Choose the Right Steak

Select a quality cut of steak, opting for thicker cuts of at least 1.5 to 2 inches. Thicker cuts are less likely to dry out and are key to achieving supreme tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

Generously season the steak with salt and pepper. You can also add herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage. If you want to dry brine your steak, season it the night before and leave it uncovered on a perforated rack. This helps the flavour penetrate the meat and dries out the exterior, making it easier to sear.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 245-250°F on the lowest fan setting for 60 minutes. You can use the air fry, sear, or roast mode.

Step 4: Cook the Steak in the Air Fryer

Drizzle a small amount of oil on both sides of the steak. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and set a timer for your first checkpoint, usually around 10 minutes. Flip the steak midway through and check the temperature. For a rare steak, you want the centre to reach 90-100°F. For medium-rare, aim for 110-125°F. Depending on the thickness and your desired doneness, the cooking time can range from 20 to 40 minutes.

Step 5: Rest the Steak

Remove the steak from the air fryer and place it on a draining rack. Loosely cover it with aluminium foil and let it rest for a minimum of 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender steak.

Step 6: Pan Sear and Butter Baste

For the final sear, use a cast-iron skillet. Add butter, oil, herbs, garlic, and any other aromatics to the pan and turn the burner to the highest setting. Once the butter begins to brown, remove the foil from the steak and pat its surface with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Lightly season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Place the steak in the centre of the pan and lift it once or twice to redistribute the butter. Sear for 2-3 minutes or until a golden crust forms. For increased browning, sear the steak for longer.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

After searing, quickly remove the steak and place it on a resting rack. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to settle. Serve the steak with the buttery aromatics from the pan and your choice of sides.

The ideal temperature for reverse searing in an air fryer

Reverse searing is a technique used to cook steaks, where the steak is first cooked at a low temperature to evenly cook the interior and then finished with a high-heat sear to develop a flavorful crust. This method is particularly well-suited to the air fryer, which can accurately maintain the low cooking temperature and then increase the heat for the final sear.

To reverse sear a steak in an air fryer, start by selecting a quality cut of steak that is at least 1.5 inches thick. Season the steak generously with salt and any other preferred seasonings, and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate.

Preheat your air fryer to a low temperature of around 245-250°F (120-121°C). Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough room for air to circulate. Cook the steak to about 10°F (5-6°C) below your desired final internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, this typically takes about 30 minutes, but use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Once the steak has reached the target temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. Meanwhile, increase the air fryer temperature to its highest setting, usually around 400°F (200-204°C), or use a cast-iron skillet on the stove for the sear. If using a skillet, add a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or canola oil and heat until it's shimmering.

Place the steak back in the air fryer or skillet for a short sear on each side, usually about one minute per side. The goal is to create a delectable, caramelized crust without overcooking the interior.

After searing, let your steak rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will ensure the juices stay locked in, resulting in a juicy and tender bite.

How long to cook a steak in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook a steak in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the thickness of the steak, the desired level of doneness, and the specific air fryer model being used. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook a steak in an air fryer, along with estimated cooking times.

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Before cooking, it is recommended to season the steak generously with salt and pepper or a steak seasoning blend. Some recipes suggest seasoning the steak the night before to dry brine, which allows the flavour to penetrate the meat. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the steak is at least 1-1.5 inches thick to prevent overcooking.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set the air fryer to a low temperature, typically between 245-280 degrees Fahrenheit, on the lowest fan setting for 60 minutes. If your air fryer only allows temperature adjustments in increments of 10 degrees, set it to 280 degrees.

Step 3: Cook the Steak in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-15 minutes for a rare steak. Check the steak's temperature periodically with a meat thermometer, aiming for an internal temperature of 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit for rare and 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare. Depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness, this process can take up to 40 minutes.

Step 4: Sear the Steak

While the steak is cooking in the air fryer, preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until smoking hot. Once the steak is done in the air fryer, transfer it to the hot skillet and sear each side for 1-2 minutes, or until a golden, crispy crust forms. This step should be quick, as the purpose is to create a crust without overcooking the steak.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

After searing, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board or a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak.

Tips for Success

• Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the steak to avoid overcooking.
• Experiment with lower-cost steaks first to familiarise yourself with the air fryer method.
• If your air fryer tends to run hot, consider lowering the cooking temperature to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and flipping the steak halfway through to prevent overheating.
• For a more intense sear, use a cast-iron skillet and avocado oil or butter, heating the pan to 430-500 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the steak.

Frequently asked questions