Air-Frying Steak: Best Tips For A Perfectly Cooked Cut

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and foolproof method that yields a juicy and tender steak with a delicate texture and extra flavor. It is also hassle-free when it comes to choosing the best cut of steak, with options such as New York strip, ribeye, t-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon. To get started, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 5 minutes, and let your steaks sit out of the fridge for 10-30 minutes to absorb the salt and seasonings. Then, cook your steak for 10-12 minutes, flipping it halfway through, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

Choosing the right steak cut

Choosing the right cut of steak is crucial for achieving the perfect air-fried steak. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your steak:

Thickness: For even cooking and browning, opt for steaks that are at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly and won't have the chance to brown properly. If you're cooking thicker steaks, simply adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Cut: Different cuts of steak will offer varied results. Here are some popular options:

• Ribeye: A popular choice for air frying, ribeye steaks are flavourful and juicy. They can be cooked to your desired doneness, from rare to medium.
• New York Strip: Also known as NY Strip, this cut is versatile and works well in the air fryer. Aim for a thickness between 1 to 1.5 inches for the best results.
• Sirloin: Sirloin steaks are a great option for the air fryer, offering a balance between flavour and tenderness. Look for steaks with a thickness of about 1 inch.
• T-bone: T-bone steaks offer two different types of meat on one bone, making them a unique option for air frying.
• Top Sirloin: Top sirloin is a leaner cut that cooks well in the air fryer, providing a juicy and tender result.
• Filet Mignon: This cut is known for its tenderness and can be cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Bone-in or Boneless: Consider whether you prefer a bone-in or boneless steak. Bone-in steaks, such as porterhouse or T-bone, can add flavour to the meat, while boneless steaks may be easier to cook and eat.

Marbling: Look for steaks with a good amount of marbling, which is the flecks of fat within the meat. Marbling contributes to the steak's juiciness and flavour.

Weight: For individual portions, choose steaks that are around 1/2 pound (225 grams) in weight. This ensures a generous serving without overcrowding your air fryer basket.

Fresh or Frozen: You can use either fresh or frozen steaks in your air fryer. Fresh steaks should be brought to room temperature before cooking, while frozen steaks can be cooked directly from the freezer, allowing for a longer cooking time to achieve a crust on the outside.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in cooking the perfect steak. It ensures that the outside of your steak gets nice and brown, similar to searing, resulting in golden-brown edges that mimic a hard sear. Without preheating, your steak may turn grey and overcooked by the time the exterior browns.

To preheat your air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for at least 5 minutes before adding your steaks. If you are using a 1800-watt air fryer, like the GoWISE Air Fryer, you may achieve better browning.

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your steaks. Choose a cut like ribeye, New York strip, sirloin, or porterhouse, with a thickness of around 1 inch. If your steak is straight from the fridge, let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the salt and seasonings. If it's at room temperature, aim for 30 minutes of resting time before cooking.

Before placing the steaks in the air fryer, pat them dry with paper towels to remove moisture, which will help achieve a better sear. Then, season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or smoked paprika.

Seasoning and marinating

Firstly, it is recommended to let your steaks reach room temperature before cooking. Remove them from the fridge and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the steaks cook more evenly and allows them to better absorb the seasonings and spices.

When it comes to seasoning, the key is to be generous and creative. Start with a base of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also experiment with other spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder. Create a rub by mixing these spices, and apply it liberally all over the steak. If you want a more intricate flavour profile, consider using a store-bought steak rub or making your own blend with ingredients like Italian seasoning, fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley.

For a more intense flavour, you can marinate the steak. Choose a dressing or marinade that you love, and coat the steak generously. You can also add a pinch of sugar to the marinade, as this will help balance the salty flavours and give the steak a beautiful caramelized crust. If you're feeling indulgent, you can even bathe the steak in butter and seasonings, cooking it slowly at a lower temperature for a longer period.

Before placing the steak in the air fryer, it's important to pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps remove excess moisture, ensuring that the steak browns nicely. You can also spritz the steak with a little oil to promote better browning. Additionally, consider rubbing the steak with a small amount of olive oil or another neutral oil to help the seasonings stick and add richness to the flavour.

Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect combination of seasonings and marinades. Try different combinations of spices and herbs, and don't be afraid to adjust the cooking time and temperature to suit your taste. Remember, the beauty of cooking is in the exploration and personalisation of flavours!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your steak will depend on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of your steak. As a general rule, thicker steaks require more cooking time, while thinner steaks cook faster.

For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for 10 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway, for a medium-rare steak. For a medium steak, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes, still flipping halfway.

If you prefer your steak rare, cook for 9-11 minutes, flipping halfway. A steak cooked rare should register 125°F on an instant-read thermometer.

For thicker steaks, such as a 1.5-inch-thick steak, increase the cooking time accordingly. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 12-13 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway. For a medium steak, you may need to cook for up to 16 minutes.

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes before adding the steak. Additionally, allowing your steak to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking can result in better browning and ensure the steak cooks evenly.

Resting and serving

Resting the steak is an important step in the cooking process. Once you've cooked your steak to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer basket and place it on a plate, loosely tented with foil. This will prevent the steak from continuing to cook.

The amount of time you should leave your steak to rest depends on its thickness and the desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium-rare, let the steak rest for 5 minutes. If you're cooking thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the resting time accordingly. For example, for a 1.5-inch-thick steak, you might let it rest for 8-10 minutes.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to serve with it. Simple vegetable side dishes like salads, potatoes, asparagus, green beans, and French fries go well with steak. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try serving your steak with creamy sauces like alfredo, cheese sauce, or gravy.

Once the steak has rested, you can slice it and serve it immediately. For an extra decadent touch, top the steak with garlic butter or herb butter. Place the butter on top of the sliced steak, and it will melt into a delicious sauce.

Frequently asked questions