Searing Steak Before Air Frying: Is It Necessary?

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a tender steak with a juicy inside and a crunchy, seared exterior. While some people are unsure whether to sear a steak before placing it in the air fryer, the consensus is that preheating the air fryer to a high temperature and coating the steak in oil will help to achieve the perfect sear.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of cooking a steak that is seared on the outside and juicy on the inside. By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you can ensure that your steak develops a nice brown crust similar to that of a sear. This step is crucial, as without it, your steak may turn grey and overcooked by the time the exterior browns.

To preheat your air fryer to 400°F, start by setting the temperature to 400°F. Allow the air fryer to heat up for at least 10 minutes before adding your steaks. This timing is important, as it ensures that the air fryer basket gets hot enough to create the desired searing effect on the surface of the steaks.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your steaks. It is recommended to let the steaks come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. You can then season them with salt and pepper, and perhaps a dry rub for added colour and flavour. For a more tender and juicy steak, you may also want to coat the steaks with a thin layer of oil or cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.

Once the air fryer has preheated to 400°F and your steaks are seasoned and prepared, you are ready to begin cooking. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space between them for even cooking. Depending on your desired level of doneness, cook the steaks for 10 to 12 minutes for a 1-inch steak, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. For a medium-rare steak, aim for a slightly shorter cooking time of around 10 minutes, while a medium steak might require the full 12 minutes.

Pat steaks dry and brush with oil

While some sources recommend brushing the steak with oil, others suggest spraying or spritzing it with oil to achieve a nice sear. This step is crucial because it helps the steak brown better and gives it a golden-brown colour. It is recommended to let the steak come to room temperature before cooking, which takes about 30 minutes. This step is important for even cooking and achieving the perfect sear.

After patting the steaks dry and brushing them with oil, season them with salt and pepper or your favourite steak seasoning. You can also add a dry rub to the steak, especially if you're using a leaner cut like sirloin. A dry rub will enhance the overall colour and flavour of the steak. Once your steak is prepared, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the steak in the air fryer and cook for about 3 minutes on each side for a good sear.

The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch steak, cook for about 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium, flipping the steak halfway through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The thickest part of the steak should register 125°F for rare, 130 to 135°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium.

Season with salt and pepper

Seasoning your steak with salt and pepper is a simple yet effective way to enhance its flavour. While you can use pre-ground pepper, freshly ground black pepper has a better flavour. You can also use steak seasoning instead of salt and pepper, such as Montreal steak seasoning.

Before seasoning, it's important to pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This will help ensure a good sear. You should also let the steaks come to room temperature before cooking, which takes about 30 minutes. This is critical for properly cooking the steak and achieving the perfect sear and crust.

Once the steak is dry and at room temperature, brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also add chopped fresh herbs like thyme, tarragon, parsley, or rosemary.

After seasoning, the steak is ready to be cooked in the air fryer. For a good sear, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and place the steak in the basket or on the tray. Cook for about three minutes on each side, then flip the steak and cook for another three minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare or 12 minutes for medium, flipping halfway through.

Cook for 3 minutes on each side

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a juicy and tender steak with a crispy, seared exterior. To do this, you'll want to follow a few key steps to ensure your steak is cooked to perfection.

Firstly, it's important to start with the right type of steak. Look for thick, tender cuts such as ribeye or sirloin, ideally at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too fast and won't achieve the desired browning.

Before cooking, remove your steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to allow them to come to room temperature. This is a critical step for ensuring even cooking. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which can prevent browning. Then, brush both sides of the steaks with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred steak seasoning.

Now, you're ready to cook your steaks in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 10 minutes before adding the steaks. This step is important, as it ensures the outside of the steaks get a nice sear. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer, and cook for 3 minutes. Then, flip the steaks and cook for another 3 minutes. This will give your steaks a beautiful sear on each side.

At this point, you can choose to cook your steaks 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, while a medium steak will take 10 to 12 minutes. Remember, every air fryer model is different, so it's important to keep an eye on your steak to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Once your steaks have reached the desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate or cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Finally, slice your steak against the grain and serve with herb butter for a truly mouthwatering experience.

Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving

After air-frying your steak, it is important to let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the steak, ensuring that it stays juicy and tender. Resting the steak also gives it time to finish cooking, as the meat's internal temperature will increase slightly as it rests.

To rest your steak, simply remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate, loosely tented with foil. This will prevent it from continuing to cook in the residual heat of the air fryer basket. If you are cooking thicker steaks, you may need to increase the resting time to ensure that the meat reaches your desired level of doneness.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or garnishes. For example, baked or mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables like green beans or asparagus go well with steak. You could also make a compound butter with herbs, garlic, or spices to melt on top of the steak just before serving.

Finally, when the resting time is up, use a sharp knife to slice the steak against the grain. This will ensure that the meat is tender and not tough. Then, simply plate the steak and serve it to your guests or enjoy it yourself!

Frequently asked questions