Air Fryer Steak: Seared To Perfection?

Air fryers are an underrated way to cook a steak with a crispy, caramelized crust and a juicy, tender inside. The high-temperature air circulation sears the outside of the steak, while the inside cooks more gently. This method is also healthier, quicker, and less messy than traditional cooking methods.

Steak cuts for air frying

Air-frying steak is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook steak without the mess. It is also a convenient option when grilling outdoors is not feasible.

Best Cuts for Air Frying

• Porterhouse: This is a thick, flavourful cut of meat that comes from the short loin portion of the cow, consisting of the top loin (New York strip) and the tenderloin.
• Sirloin: This is a good option for air frying, especially when the meat has been thawed. It is divided into the top sirloin, which is more tender, and the bottom sirloin, which is leaner and tougher.
• Strip steak: Also known as a New York strip or shell steak, this cut comes from the top loin of the cow. It has a beautiful texture and a rich, beefy flavour.
• Ribeye: This is one of the most popular cuts of steak, known for its rich, buttery flavour and gorgeous marbling. It comes from the longissimus dorsi, a long muscle that runs from the cow's hip to its shoulder.
• Filet mignon: This cut comes from the loin primal section of the cow and is known for being extremely lean and tender. It is a bit pricier than other options but well worth it.
• Cube steak: This versatile cut usually comes from the top or bottom round of the cow. It is lean and can be tough, so it is best to marinate it before air frying.
• Flank steak: This cut comes from the abdominal muscle below the cow's chest. It is a bit tougher but very lean and flavourful, with a tender texture and approachable taste.

Tips for Air Frying Steak

• Choose steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too fast and not get a chance to brown properly.
• Let your steaks reach room temperature (about 30 minutes) before cooking for the best results.
• Pat your steaks dry with paper towels before seasoning to remove moisture and ensure better browning.
• Spritz or rub your steaks with a little oil to help them brown better.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak and ensure your desired level of doneness.

Steak preparation

Choosing your steak

Ribeye and New York Strip are the best cuts for air frying, but tri-tip, top round, sirloin, and bottom round also work well.

Marinating

Marbled cuts like ribeye and New York Strip stay moist, so you can skip the marinade or apply a dry rub. Lean cuts like top round, tri-tip, flank steak, and bottom round should be marinated to prevent them from drying out in the high heat.

Temperature

Steaks should be cooked to a minimum of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, which is medium. For a quick reference, here are the ideal temperatures for different levels of doneness:

• Rare: 125ºF
• Medium-rare: 135ºF
• Medium: 145ºF
• Medium-well: 155ºF

Timing

The timing will depend on the level of doneness you want to achieve, as well as the thickness of your steak. As a general rule, thicker steaks will take longer to cook. Here are some recommended timings for a 1-inch-thick steak:

• Rare: 5 minutes
• Medium-rare: 7 minutes
• Medium: 9 minutes
• Medium-well: 11 minutes

Preheating

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Not all air fryer models require preheating, but if yours does, make sure it's nice and hot before adding the steak.

Cooking

Place your steak in the air fryer and cook for the desired amount of time, flipping halfway through. For a good sear, coat the steak in olive oil before cooking.

Resting

Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest on a clean plate or platter for 3 to 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Covering it loosely with foil will help keep it warm.

Air fryer settings

Air fryers are similar to convection ovens, cooking food quickly with a compact area and a lot of cooking power. They can create fried foods with a similar taste and texture to deep-fried foods, but without the excess fat and oil.

When cooking steak in an air fryer, the key is to get a good sear on the outside, while keeping the inside juicy and tender. To do this, you should:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Coat both sides of the steak with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your choice of steak seasoning.
• Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 3 minutes.
• Flip the steak and cook for another 3 minutes.
• Continue cooking for a few more minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for a total of 7 to 8 minutes; for medium, cook for 10 to 12 minutes; and for medium-well, cook for 14 minutes.
• Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate or cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

It's important to note that air fryers can vary in their cook times and temperatures, so you may need to adjust the settings and timings accordingly. Additionally, for thicker steaks, you may need to cook at a lower temperature for a longer time to ensure the inside is cooked to your desired level of doneness without overcooking the outside.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your steak will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch-thick steak, the cooking time will vary between 7 to 16 minutes for a medium-rare steak and 10 to 15 minutes for a medium steak. Well-done steaks may take up to 15 minutes or more.

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, not all air fryer models require preheating. If yours does, make sure it's nice and hot before adding your steak.

For a medium-rare steak, cook for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes. If you prefer your steak medium, cook for 6 minutes on each side.

It's important to note that air fryers can vary in their cook times, so it's better to err on the side of caution and start with a shorter cook time. You can always add more time if needed. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium doneness.

Let your steak rest for 3 to 10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure every bite is juicy. During this time, the internal temperature of the steak will continue to rise by about 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Steak resting

Resting your steak is an essential step in the cooking process. Once your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it's time to remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. This is a critical step that allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

The resting time for a steak is typically around 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the steak will continue to cook slightly from residual heat, so it's important to take it out of the air fryer a few degrees shy of your target temperature. For example, if you're aiming for a medium-rare steak, which has an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C), you may want to remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 130°F, as it will continue to cook a little during the resting phase.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany it. Some classic side dishes for steak include roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a starchy option like mashed potatoes or fries. For an elevated touch, you can add a pat of herb butter or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to your steak just before serving.

Once the resting time is complete, you can slice and serve your steak. For maximum tenderness, it is recommended to slice the steak against the grain, cutting through the long, stringy fibers that can make it chewy. This way, you'll end up with a juicy, tender, and flavorful steak cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions