How To Warm Up Steak In An Air Fryer

Yes, you can warm up steak in an air fryer. This method is faster than using an oven and, unlike microwaving, it won't leave your meat dry and rubbery. The air fryer's convection cooking ensures even heating, a crispy exterior, and a juicy interior.

How to prepare steak for reheating in an air fryer

Preparing steak for reheating in an air fryer is simple and will ensure your leftovers taste as good as the first serving. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Bring the steak to room temperature:

Remove the steak from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature. This helps with even reheating and prevents the outer layer from overcooking before the inside is warmed. Aim to take the steak out of the fridge 30 minutes to one hour before reheating.

Pat the steak dry:

Use a paper towel to gently pat the surface of the steak and remove any excess moisture. This is an important step as excess moisture can hinder the crisping process and prevent the desired sear on the outside of the steak.

Reseason the steak (optional):

Before placing the steak in the air fryer, you may want to reseason it to refresh the flavours. A light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and your favourite steak seasoning can enhance the overall taste.

Preheat the air fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures the steak heats evenly and retains moisture.

Arrange the steak in the air fryer basket:

Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket.

Set the temperature and time:

Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). The time will depend on the thickness and your preferred level of doneness. For a medium-rare to medium steak, start with 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust as needed and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, and 150°F (66°C) for medium-well.

Flip the steaks halfway through:

To guarantee uniform cooking, flip the steaks halfway through the reheating process. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking, as air fryers work efficiently and quickly.

Remove, rest, and serve:

Once the steak has reached the desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice and serve.

The benefits of using an air fryer to reheat steak

Reheating steak in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy your leftovers without sacrificing taste or texture. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer to reheat your steak:

Juicy and Tender Steak

The air fryer is a great way to reheat steak without drying it out. It uses convection cooking, circulating hot air around the steak, which results in even and consistent heating. This helps maintain the desirable contrast between a crispy crust and a tender, juicy centre.

Quick and Efficient

The air fryer is a quick and efficient way to reheat steak, taking only a few minutes. You don't need to bother with heating the meat slowly to prevent overcooking. It's also a set-it-and-forget-it method, so you can walk away while your steak is warming up.

Crispy Exterior

The air fryer gives your steak a delicious, light crisp while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This is because the air fryer crisps up the exterior of the food while keeping the inside moist.

Versatile

Air fryers are versatile appliances that can handle a variety of foods, from fries to chicken wings, and now reheating steak. You can also use the air fryer to reheat other leftovers, such as chicken wings and pizza.

Easy Preparation

Preparing your steak for reheating in an air fryer is simple. Just bring it to room temperature, pat it dry, and reseason if desired. Then, preheat your air fryer, place the steak in the basket, and cook for a few minutes, depending on the thickness of your steak.

Overall, using an air fryer to reheat steak is a great way to enjoy your leftovers without sacrificing taste or texture. It's quick, efficient, and versatile, and it gives your steak a delicious, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

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

Preparation

Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour to bring it to room temperature. This will ensure the steak reheats evenly and helps to prevent the outer layer from overcooking before the inside is warmed.

Air Fryer Settings

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is a high enough temperature to reheat the steak without overcooking it.

Steak Preparation

Pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which can stop the steak from crisping. You can also choose to reseason the steak with a light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and your favorite steak seasoning to refresh the flavors.

Brush the steak with avocado, olive, or another cooking oil before reheating. This will help to ensure a crispy texture. You can also place a pat of butter on the steak for extra moisture.

Reheating

Place the steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 3-5 minutes for a medium-rare to medium steak. For a thick steak, you may need to add an additional 1-2 minutes.

Halfway through the cooking time, flip the steak to guarantee even cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.

Resting

Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to spread evenly and prevent the steak from becoming rubbery.

Serving

Your steak is now ready to be served! For a special touch, add a dollop of butter and serve with your favorite sides, such as baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, or green beans.

Tips

• The steak is done when it is warmed thoroughly and has an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, and 150°F (66°C) for medium-well.
• If the steak is not reheated enough for your liking, add 2-3 minutes of cooking time at 320°F (160°C).
• Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak and ensure it is not overcooked.
• The USDA recommends that leftovers are reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Tips for achieving the best results when reheating steak in an air fryer

Reheating steak in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy your leftovers without sacrificing taste or texture. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

Bring the steak to room temperature before reheating

Allowing your steak to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before reheating will help it cook more evenly. This is because the outside of the steak won't cook faster than the inside, reducing the risk of overcooking. It also ensures a more tender piece of meat.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking and to help the steak retain moisture.

Brush or spray the steak with oil

For the best crispy texture, brush or spray your steak with oil before placing it in the air fryer. You can also add a pat of butter for extra moisture.

Reseason the steak

Enhance the flavour of your reheated steak by sprinkling it with salt, pepper, and your favourite steak seasoning before placing it in the air fryer.

Place the steak in the air fryer basket

Arrange the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. This ensures proper air circulation, which is critical for achieving a crispy exterior.

Set the temperature and time

For a medium-rare to medium doneness, set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust the time as needed, depending on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of your steak.

Flip the steaks halfway through

To guarantee uniform cooking, flip the steaks halfway through the reheating process. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking, as air fryers work efficiently and quickly.

Check the internal temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F (54°C); for medium, 140°F (60°C); and for medium-well, 150°F (66°C).

Let the steak rest after reheating

Once your steak has reached the desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to spread evenly, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a reheated steak that rivals its freshly cooked counterpart. So, the next time you have leftover steak, don't settle for a mediocre reheating method – let the air fryer work its magic!

Serving suggestions for reheated steak

There are several ways to serve reheated steak, depending on your preferences and the equipment you have available. Here are some suggestions:

Air Fryer

If you're looking for convenience and speed, an air fryer is a great option. It can give your steak a crispy exterior without the need for a lot of oil or time. To reheat your steak in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush or spray the steak with oil, and consider adding a pat of butter for extra moisture. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 2-4 minutes on each side, depending on its thickness. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.

Oven and Stovetop

This two-step method combines the oven and stovetop to reheat your steak gently and evenly. First, preheat your oven to 250°F and place the steak on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. Warm the steak in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 110°F, which should take about 25-30 minutes. Then, heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan or cast-iron skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the steak to the pan and cook for about 60 seconds on each side to give it a crispy exterior. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Stovetop Steam

For a quick and easy option, you can use a stovetop steam method. Place the steak in a covered pan on the stove with a small amount of water. Steam the meat for about 10 minutes or until the water cooks off. This method will keep the steak moist, but it may taste slightly bland and won't have a crusty exterior.

Stovetop Sear

If you have sliced steak, a stovetop sear is a simple and effective method. Warm some oil in a skillet over medium-low heat and add the steak, searing it for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method works well for sliced steak but may not be ideal for larger pieces as it can dry out the meat.

Sous Vide with Optional Sear

The sous vide method requires a zip-top bag and a pot of water heated to 130°F. Place the steak in the bag and submerge it in the water until heated through, which should take about 5 minutes. You can eat the steak as is, or quickly sear it in a hot pan for about a minute on each side to add a crust.

Microwave

While not the ideal method, you can also reheat steak in the microwave. Place the steak on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a slightly damp paper towel. Set the microwave to medium heat and cook the steak in 30-second intervals, flipping it in between. This will help prevent overcooking and keep the steak juicy.

Once you've reheated your steak, you can serve it with a variety of sides or incorporate it into dishes such as:

• Fajitas
• Scrambled eggs
• Mashed potatoes or a baked potato
• A wrap with sauteed onions and provolone
• Steak sandwiches
• Grilled steak wraps
• Salad
• Hash
• Quesadillas

Frequently asked questions