Air-Frying Beef: How Long Should You Fry It?

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook beef, with the added bonus of minimal clean-up. The cooking time will depend on the type of beef and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, you'll need to air fry for around 10 minutes, while a well-done steak will take closer to 15 minutes. For roast beef, the cooking time will depend on the size of the joint and your desired level of doneness, but a good rule of thumb is 13 minutes per pound for rare, 18 minutes per pound for medium, and 23 minutes per pound for well-done.

How long to cook beef in an air fryer for a medium-rare finish

To cook beef in an air fryer to a medium-rare finish, you'll need to adjust the timing depending on the thickness of the beef and the type of air fryer you're using.

For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for around 10 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through at the 5-minute mark. This will result in a medium-rare steak with a pink centre. If you're using a meat probe, aim to take the steak out when it reaches 130-135°F; the temperature will continue to rise as the meat rests.

For thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, if your steak is thicker than 1 inch, add an additional 1 to 3 minutes. If it's thinner, start checking as early as 4 minutes to avoid overcooking.

It's important to note that different air fryer models can produce varying results. Air fryers with higher wattage, such as the GoWISE Air Fryer, tend to brown steaks more effectively.

Additionally, it is recommended to bring the beef to room temperature before cooking, usually for about 30 minutes, to ensure more even cooking.

How to get a good sear on beef in an air fryer

Air fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods, including beef. Here are some tips to help you achieve a good sear on your beef when using an air fryer.

Choose the Right Cut of Beef

Not all steaks are created equal when it comes to air frying. Look for steaks that are at least 1 inch thick, as thinner steaks may cook too quickly and not allow enough time for browning. Supermarket steaks, such as striploin or sirloin, tend to work better than more expensive cuts.

Prepare the Beef

Before cooking, it is recommended to bring your beef to room temperature by leaving it out for about 30 minutes. This will help the beef cook more evenly. Pat the beef dry with paper towels, then coat it with oil and your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, typically around 400°F/200°C. This will help sear the beef and lock in the juices. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, simply turn it on and let it run for about 5 minutes.

Cook the Beef

Place the seasoned beef in the air fryer basket and adjust the temperature to 360°F/180°C. For a good sear, it is important to get the beef as close to the heating element as possible, leaving about an inch of airspace to prevent any issues. Depending on your desired doneness, cook the beef for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare to medium, flipping it halfway through. For well-done steaks, you may need to cook for up to 15 minutes.

Rest and Serve

After cooking, remove the beef from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to finish cooking. Serve the beef with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a salad.

How to prepare beef before air frying

Preparing beef before air frying is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Here is a guide to help you achieve the best results:

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

Start by selecting the right type of beef for air frying. Some good options include ribeye, New York strip, tri-tip, sirloin, rump roast, or boneless ribeye (scotch fillet). The cooking time for air frying is relatively short, so it is recommended to choose a tender cut of beef. If you are working with a tighter budget, go for topside or top rump, which are more affordable options without compromising on quality.

Bringing the Beef to Room Temperature

Take the beef out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This step is important as it helps the beef cook more evenly.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C). If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, simply turn it on and let it run for about 5 minutes.

Preparing the Beef for Seasoning

Before adding any seasonings, use paper towels to pat the beef dry. This step helps the beef absorb the flavours of the seasonings better.

Seasoning the Beef

The magic of air fryer beef lies in its seasoning. You can use a variety of herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. A simple yet effective combination is rosemary and thyme. You can use fresh or dried herbs. If using fresh rosemary, make sure to finely chop the leaves. Mix the herbs with a good quality oil such as olive oil, avocado oil, or any other cooking oil with a high smoke point. You can also add some sea salt to enhance the flavour of the beef. Roll the beef on a plate coated with the herb-oil mixture until it is evenly covered.

Placing the Beef in the Air Fryer

Once the beef is seasoned, place it in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer requires flipping or rotating the food during cooking, refer to the manual for instructions.

Cooking the Beef

For a medium-rare roast, cook the beef at 360°F/180°C for 5 minutes, then lower the temperature to 300°F/150°C and cook for an additional 30 minutes. If you prefer your beef more well-done, extend the cooking time in 5-minute increments.

Resting the Beef

After air frying, remove the beef from the air fryer and wrap it in kitchen foil. Let the beef rest for a minimum of 10 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender roast.

Serving the Beef

Slice the beef thinly against the grain and serve it with your choice of sides. Air fryer beef goes well with roasted or steamed vegetables, wholegrain mustard, gravy, and a variety of potato dishes.

What cuts of beef are best for air frying

When it comes to choosing the best cut of beef for air frying, there are several factors to consider, including the amount of marbling, the thickness of the cut, and personal preferences for flavour and texture. Here are some recommended cuts of beef that are ideal for air frying:

Ribeye

Ribeye is one of the most popular cuts of beef among meat lovers. It is known for its rich, buttery flavour and smooth texture. The ribeye comes from the long muscle called longissimus dorsi, which runs from the cow's hip to its shoulder. This muscle is not as used as other muscles, making it more tender, with a good amount of fat. The high fat content and marbling make ribeye a great choice for air frying, as it helps to keep the meat juicy. It is recommended to cook ribeye to medium-well, which should take around 15 minutes in the air fryer.

New York Strip/Kansas City Strip

The New York strip, also known as the Kansas City strip, is a cut of beef taken from the short loin of the cow. It is known for its beautiful texture and rich, beefy flavour. The fat marbling in this cut makes it tender and flavourful. When cooking in an air fryer, a simple seasoning of butter, garlic, and herbs is often all you need. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the steak for about 14 minutes for a medium-rare finish.

Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is a French term meaning "cute filet". It is a boneless filet known for its mild, buttery flavour and exceptional tenderness. This cut of beef comes from the tenderloin of the cow, an area that sees little exercise, resulting in minimal connective tissue. When cooking filet mignon in an air fryer, it is important to consider the thickness of the cut. For thicker cuts, cooking at 400°F for 11-13 minutes is recommended.

Top Sirloin

Top sirloin is a versatile and flavourful cut of beef that comes from the top of the cow's subprimal area. It is considered more tender and flavourful than bottom sirloin. Top sirloin benefits from high dry heat, making it a good choice for air frying. To enhance the flavour and texture, it is recommended to salt the steak the night before cooking and let it chill uncovered in the fridge.

Tri-Tip

Tri-tip is a small, triangular cut of beef taken from the very tip of the sirloin. It is a meaty and versatile cut that is full of flavour and surprisingly tender when cooked properly. Tri-tip can be cooked on the highest setting of an air fryer, but it is important to note that its uneven shape can sometimes lead to uneven cooking.

Cube Steak

Cube steak, also known as Swiss steak, is a lean and affordable cut of beef taken from the top or bottom round of the cow. It gets its name from the dimpled marks left by a mechanical tenderizer. While cube steak can be tough, it performs well in the air fryer, especially when marinated beforehand. Cook in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, being careful not to overcook.

Flank Steak

Flank steak is a lean and flavourful cut of beef that requires fast and intense heat to achieve a proper sear. While it is best suited for grilling, it can also be cooked in an air fryer for a quick and healthy option. For best results, cook at 390°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.

How to serve beef cooked in an air fryer

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook beef, locking in flavour and moisture, and producing a tender, juicy result. The key to serving beef cooked in an air fryer is to complement its delicious taste and texture with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to add colour, flavour and nutrition to your meal. Here are some vegetable side dish ideas that go well with air fryer beef:

• Roasted or steamed vegetables
• Roasted lemon garlic asparagus
• Crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon
• Green beans
• Air fryer roasted cauliflower
• Air fryer carrot fries
• Air fryer roasted vegetables
• Roasted butternut squash
• Air fryer broccoli

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish for beef and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are some potato side dish ideas:

• Baked potatoes
• Smashed potatoes
• Mashed potatoes
• Air fryer sweet potato wedges
• Air fryer potato wedges
• Air fryer roast potatoes
• Goose fat roast potatoes
• Air fryer baked potatoes

Salads

If you're looking for something lighter, a salad can be a great option to serve with air fryer beef. Here are some salad ideas:

• Strawberry spinach salad
• Spinach salad with a spicy lemon salad dressing
• Arugula salad
• Slow cooker roast beef salad

Gravy and Sauces

Gravy and sauces can add extra flavour and moisture to your air fryer beef dish. Here are some ideas:

• Whole grain mustard
• Gravy
• Horseradish sauce
• Mushroom gravy

Other Side Dishes

There are also a variety of other side dishes that can complement air fryer beef. Here are some ideas:

• Yorkshire pudding
• Fajitas
• Beef sandwiches
• Air fryer garlic bread
• Air fryer chicken fajitas
• Air fryer pork chops

Doneness and Temperature

When serving air fryer beef, it is important to consider the desired doneness and internal temperature. Here are some guidelines for different levels of doneness:

• Rare: 120-130°F (red centre)
• Medium rare: 130-135°F (red centre with some pink)
• Medium: 140-145°F (pink centre)
• Medium well: 150°F (centre only slightly pink)
• Well done: 160°F (no pink)

A meat thermometer can be very helpful in achieving your desired level of doneness. It is recommended to remove the beef from the air fryer a few degrees early, as the temperature will continue to rise while the meat rests.

Resting and Slicing

Allowing the beef to rest before serving is crucial to letting the juices redistribute and ensuring a juicy, tender result. Cover the beef loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. When slicing, use a sharp knife and cut thin slices against the grain.

Frequently asked questions