Air-Frying London Broil: A Quick, Easy, Delicious Treat

London broil is a popular dish that can be prepared in several ways, and one of the most convenient, healthiest, and quickest methods is to use an air fryer. This guide will take you through the steps to cook London broil in an air fryer, from pre-cooking preparation to seasoning and cooking, as well as tips for getting the best results.

Pre-cooking preparation

Preparing London broil for cooking in an air fryer begins with selecting the right cut of meat. London broil is not a specific cut of meat but a method of preparing it. Typically, it is made from a top round or flank steak, which is marinated and then cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness.

Once you have selected the right cut of meat, it is important to bring the meat to room temperature. This is a crucial step that applies to any cut of meat and any cooking method. Allowing the meat to reach room temperature helps it cook more evenly and improves the overall result. While the meat is resting, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C).

The next step is to pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step helps achieve a better sear in the air fryer by reducing the amount of steam generated during cooking. After patting the meat dry, brush or rub both sides of the steak with a light coat of oil, such as olive oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, or another preferred cooking oil. This step promotes browning and helps prevent the meat from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Finally, season the London broil generously with salt and black pepper, or your favorite steak seasoning. Seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the beef. If you prefer a more complex flavor profile, you can consider marinating the steak before placing it in the air fryer. A variety of marinades can be used, such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs, or spices.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for London broil in an air fryer depend on the level of doneness you want to achieve. It is recommended to cook London broil rare to medium-rare in an air fryer for the best results.

For a medium-rare steak, cook the steak for 8–10 minutes on one side and then flip it over and cook for another 8–10 minutes on the other side. The internal temperature for medium-rare should be around 130–135°F (54–57°C). If you want your steak to be medium, cook it for 20 minutes, flipping it halfway through, and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the model of your air fryer. It is recommended to use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The temperature will continue to rise by about 5°F as the steak rests.

If you are cooking a frozen London broil, the cooking time will be longer, around 12–15 minutes, until the meat reaches your desired doneness. The temperature for medium-rare in this case should be 115–120°F.

To ensure even cooking, it is important to bring the meat to room temperature before cooking and to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C).

Marinades and seasonings

Marinating your London broil is a great way to add flavour and enhance the meat's tenderness. While it's not necessary, it's a good option if you're looking for a more intense taste. London broil is a cheaper cut of meat, so marinating can be a great way to ensure a juicy and tender result.

There are plenty of options for marinades, from homemade to store-bought. A simple combination of olive oil, salt, and black pepper can be a great starting point. You can also experiment with other oils, such as avocado or sunflower oil. For a more intense flavour, try adding soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs, or spices to your marinade. If you're short on time, a store-bought option like Lawry's Teriyaki with Pineapple Juice can be a great choice.

When marinating, it's important to give the meat enough time to absorb the flavours. Aim for at least a few hours, but for the best results, it's recommended to leave it for four hours or more.

If you don't want to marinate your London broil, you can still add flavour by seasoning the meat generously before cooking. A simple option is to use a store-bought steak seasoning, such as McCormick's Montreal Steak Seasoning. You can also make your own seasoning blend with ingredients like salt and black pepper, or even dried herbs like rosemary.

Whether you choose to marinate or season your London broil, remember to pat the meat dry before applying any seasonings. This helps to ensure a better sear in the air fryer. Additionally, brushing the meat with a light coat of oil can promote browning and prevent sticking.

Resting and slicing

Resting the London broil is a crucial step in the cooking process. After removing the steak from the air fryer, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the muscle fibres to relax and the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more succulent and flavourful steak. The resting time can vary depending on the thickness of the meat, but it is typically between 5 and 10 minutes. Tenting the steak loosely with aluminium foil can help retain heat during this process, but it is optional.

While the steak is resting, it's important to note that the temperature will continue to rise by about 5°F. This means that if you want a medium-rare steak, with an internal temperature of around 130-135°F, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 125-130°F, as it will continue to cook during the resting process.

When it comes to slicing, it is important to cut the London broil against the grain. This means slicing in the opposite direction of the muscle fibres, which you will see as lines running up and down the steak. This ensures that the steak is tender and not tough. It is also recommended to cut the steak into thin slices, as this will make it easier to chew and ensure that the meat is cooked evenly.

If you have any leftovers, London broil makes fantastic slices to enjoy throughout the week. You can store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze the slices and reheat them in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal.

Finally, it is worth noting that the resting and slicing process is just as important as the cooking process when it comes to London broil. By allowing the meat to rest and slicing it properly, you will ensure that your steak is juicy, tender, and full of flavour.

Reheating and storing leftovers

If you have extra London broil, you can store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge in sandwiches or reheated.

To reheat London broil, cover the slices with a damp paper towel and microwave for 20- to 30-second intervals until warmed. Alternatively, place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer and fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about a minute, or until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions