Tiffany Haney
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy and tender steak with a delicate texture and a crispy crust. The air fryer's circulation of hot air helps to quickly brown the exterior, creating a golden-brown sear that is similar to pan-searing. The cooking time for steak in an air fryer depends on the desired level of doneness, with rare steaks requiring less time and well-done steaks needing more time. The thickness of the steak also plays a role in determining the cooking time, with thicker steaks requiring longer cooking times. To check the doneness of the steak, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak Type | Leaner sirloin, ribeye, New York, or Tri Tip |
| Steak Thickness | At least 1 inch |
| Steak Temperature | Bring to room temperature before cooking |
| Steak Seasoning | Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, olive oil, or vegetable oil |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 400°F |
| Air Fryer Preheat Time | 10 minutes |
| Air Fryer Cooking Time | 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, 12-15 minutes for medium, 20 minutes for well-done |
| Air Fryer Cooking Instructions | Flip halfway through |
| Resting Time | 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Steak thickness and cooking time
The cooking time for steak in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
For a 1-inch thick steak, the cooking time ranges from 10 to 12 minutes for a medium-rare steak. Flipping the steak halfway through ensures even cooking. If you prefer a medium steak, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes, flipping at the six-minute mark. For a well-done steak, the cooking time is approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
Thicker steaks will require a longer cooking time. For example, a 16-ounce steak strip that is thicker than 1 inch may take around 16 to 18 minutes in the air fryer to achieve a medium to medium-well level of doneness. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and its wattage.
On the other hand, thinner steaks may cook too quickly and may not achieve the desired browning. It is recommended to use steaks that are at least 1 inch thick to allow for proper browning and cooking.
To ensure accurate cooking times, it is advisable to allow the steaks to reach room temperature before cooking. This can be achieved by removing them from the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. Additionally, preheating the air fryer for at least 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) is crucial for a consistent sear and even cooking.
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Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the process of cooking a steak. It ensures that the outside of the steak gets browned nicely, giving it that coveted seared look. Without preheating, your steak may end up grey and overcooked by the time the exterior browns.
To preheat your air fryer, start by setting it to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature for cooking steak, as it will give you that desirable golden brown exterior. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your steak by bringing it to room temperature. Taking your steak out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking will ensure it cooks more evenly and results in a less tough texture.
During this time, you can also season your steak. A simple combination of salt and pepper is classic, but feel free to experiment with other seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or rosemary. After applying the seasonings, rub a small amount of oil on each side of the steak. This will help the steak brown better and give it a crispier texture.
Allow your air fryer to preheat for at least 10 minutes. This timing ensures that the appliance reaches the desired temperature and is ready for the steak to be placed inside. Once the preheating time has elapsed, you can open the air fryer, being cautious of any hot air or steam that may escape, and proceed to place your seasoned steak inside.
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Seasoning and spices
A good starting point is to rub the steak with oil on each side. This helps the steak brown better and creates a crispy crust. You can use olive oil, or a simple vegetable or canola oil. Brushing the steak with melted butter before cooking will also add a rich flavour.
The next step is to season the steak generously with salt and pepper. You can use kosher salt or regular table salt, depending on your preference. Black pepper is a popular choice, but you can also use white pepper or a pepper blend. Remember to season both sides of the steak for an even flavour. If you want to keep it simple, you can stop at this step. A well-seasoned steak with salt and pepper is a classic for a reason.
However, if you want to take your steak to the next level, you can explore different spice blends and herbs. Italian seasoning is a great option, which typically includes a blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. You can also create your own blend by combining garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and Creole seasoning. For a fresh herb flavour, you can use minced garlic, parsley, and chives, and mix them with softened butter to create a compound butter to serve on top of your steak.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favourite combinations. You can try sage, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, or BBQ rub. The options are endless, and you can tailor the spices to your taste preferences.
Lastly, remember to let your steak come to room temperature before seasoning and cooking. This helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures a tender, juicy result.
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Internal temperature
The internal temperature of your steak will depend on how well done you want it. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 125°F and 130°F. A medium-rare steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of 130-135°F. For a medium steak, the internal temperature should be 140°F. If you prefer your steak well-done, the internal temperature should be 160°F.
It is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak. Thinner steaks will cook faster and may not get a chance to brown, so it is recommended that steaks are at least 1 inch thick. The temperature of the steak will also increase as it rests, so it is recommended to take the steak out of the air fryer 5°F before your desired internal temperature is reached.
To check the internal temperature of your steak, use an instant-read thermometer or a meat probe. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to get an accurate reading. If your steak is not at the desired temperature, you can continue cooking it in the air fryer and check the temperature every 2 minutes until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Additionally, it is recommended to let your steak come to room temperature before cooking. This will help the steak cook more evenly and result in a less tough texture.
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Resting the steak
During the resting period, it is important to keep the steak loosely covered with foil or a lid to prevent it from continuing to cook. You can let the steak rest on a plate or a cutting board. Some recipes recommend transferring the steak to a warm plate and topping it with a pat of garlic butter or herb butter to add extra flavour and moisture.
The resting time is also crucial for the steak's internal temperature to rise and reach the desired doneness. For example, if you are aiming for a medium-rare steak, the final internal temperature should be 130°F to 135°F. However, you should remove the steak from the air fryer 5°F before reaching this temperature, as the steak will continue to cook during the resting period.
Additionally, the resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, ensuring a juicy and flavourful bite. A good indicator that your steak is ready to be served is when the juices on the surface are no longer pink but have turned brown. This indicates that the steak has rested enough and is ready to be enjoyed.
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Frequently asked questions
For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for 10 minutes and flip the steak at the five-minute mark. The temperature of the air fryer should be set to 400°F.
For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes and flip the steak at the six-minute mark. The temperature of the air fryer should be set to 400°F.
For a well-done steak, cook for 12 to 15 minutes. The temperature of the air fryer should be set to 400°F.
