Air Fryer Pork Steaks: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cooking pork steaks in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a delicious meal. The air fryer seals in the juices, leaving the meat tender and succulent, while the outside remains crispy. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and the power of your air fryer, but generally, it should take between 8 and 15 minutes to cook pork steaks in an air fryer.

How to cook pork steaks in an air fryer

Ingredients and preparation

To cook pork steaks in an air fryer, you'll need:

• Pork steaks (boneless or bone-in)
• Olive oil or another cooking oil
• Salt and pepper
• Seasoning or a dry rub

First, remove the pork steaks from the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking and pat them dry with a paper towel. Brush the steaks with oil and season generously with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings or dry rubs you like.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for around 3 to 5 minutes. Place the pork steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch if you are cooking more than one.

Cook the steaks for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks, but you are aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C.

Serving

Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Tips

• It's important to rest meat after cooking so that the juices can be reabsorbed, keeping it succulent and juicy.
• Trim any excess fat or rind from the steaks before cooking, as fat doesn't cook down as well in an air fryer.
• If you want to tenderise the meat, marinate the steaks for at least four hours before cooking.
• To get a nice char on the steaks, choose thicker cuts of pork.
• To avoid an oily mess, use a cooking oil with a high smoke point.

How to prepare the air fryer

Preparing an air fryer for cooking pork steaks is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, coat the air fryer rack with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the pork steaks from sticking to the rack when you flip them over.

Next, preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C for around 3-5 minutes. Preheating is an important step as it ensures the air fryer reaches the right temperature for even cooking.

Now your air fryer is ready to go, you can begin preparing your pork steaks. Take the steaks out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. During this time, you can trim any excess fat or rind from the steaks if you wish—this step is optional and depends on your preference. The fat on pork steaks doesn't cook down as well as other cuts, so removing it can help avoid chewy pieces. Use a sharpened, non-serrated knife to carefully trim the fat, holding the loose end with your other hand.

Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. Drying the steaks will help the outsides crisp up. Then, brush each steak with a little oil and season generously with your chosen rub or seasoning. You can make your own rub with a mix of salt, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, or you can use a store-bought option.

Finally, place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. If you are cooking more than a few steaks, you may need to cook them in batches.

How to prepare pork steaks for the air fryer

Preparing pork steaks in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, juicy, and tender dinner on the table in under 15 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare pork steaks for the air fryer:

Choosing the Right Cut of Pork

Pork steaks are cut from the shoulder area of the animal, which is why they have excellent marbling and are so flavorful and tender. You can use either boneless or bone-in pork steaks, but note that bone-in steaks may require a little longer cooking time. Aim for steaks that are around 1-inch thick.

Making a Rub or Marinade

You can either make a rub for your steaks or marinate them. A simple rub can be made by mixing together salt, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and pepper. Alternatively, you can marinate your steaks for at least four hours, or even overnight if possible.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for around 3-5 minutes. It is important to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and to create a crispy crust on your steaks.

Preparing the Pork Steaks

Take your steaks out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel, then brush them with a little oil and season generously with your chosen rub or marinade. Make sure to coat both sides of the steaks.

Cooking the Pork Steaks

Place the pork steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks and the power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them. The internal temperature of the steaks should reach 145°F/63°C when they are done.

Resting and Serving

Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for at least 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures your steaks are juicy and tender. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

How to tenderise pork steaks

Pork steaks are a relatively cheap cut of meat that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. Here are some tips on how to tenderise pork steaks and ensure they are juicy and succulent.

Choosing the Right Cut

Firstly, choose a good cut of meat. Pork steaks should be about 1-inch thick to ensure even cooking. If your pork steaks are thicker, you will need to increase the cooking time.

Marinade

One of the best ways to tenderise meat is to use a marinade. A basic marinade consists of olive oil and your chosen seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. For extra flavour, add herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Place the pork steaks in the marinade, ensuring they are coated on all sides. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The marinade will enhance the flavour and tenderise the meat.

Cooking

When it comes to cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. Place the pork steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have some space between them for proper air circulation.

Cook for around 8-12 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through for even browning. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steaks and your desired level of doneness.

Resting

Once the pork steaks are cooked, it is important to let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in tender and juicy steaks.

Serving

Pork steaks can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Tips for Tender, Juicy Pork Steaks

• Use thicker pork steaks for a beautiful char on all sides.
• Create a rub with seasonings like brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Rinse the pork steaks and pat them dry before coating with olive oil and the rub.
• Check the internal temperature of the steaks with a meat thermometer. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F/63°C.
• For extra flavour, baste the steaks with leftover marinade halfway through the cooking process.
• Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to suit your taste preferences.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy tender, juicy, and flavourful pork steaks cooked in your air fryer.

Tips and tricks for the best air fryer pork steak

Air fryer pork steaks are a quick, easy, and tasty meal option. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure you get the best results:

Know Your Air Fryer

All air fryers are different, so it's important to check your specific model's instructions for cooking pork. You may need to adjust the temperature or timing to suit your air fryer.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step. Set the temperature to 400°F/200°C and preheat for around 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps to create a crispy, delicious crust.

Prepare the Pork Steak

Take your pork steaks out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel, then brush with oil and season generously with your chosen rub or seasoning. You can trim any excess fat or rind from the steaks if desired.

Flip Once

While air fryers can cook food thoroughly without flipping, it's recommended to flip pork steaks once halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crisping on both sides.

Rest the Steaks

After cooking, allow the steaks to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring your steaks are juicy and tender.

Choose the Right Cut

Pork steaks are typically cut from the shoulder region and are known for their excellent marbling, making them juicy and flavourful. For the best results, choose steaks with a little fat on the edges, and opt for boneless steaks that are around 1-inch thick.

Experiment with Seasonings

You can experiment with different sauces, dry rubs, and blends of herbs and spices to create a variety of flavour profiles for your pork steaks. Try a simple blend of salt, paprika, brown sugar, and garlic powder, or go for something spicier like cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Serve with Sides

Air fryer pork steak is versatile and can be served with a range of side dishes. Try roasted green beans or asparagus, creamy macaroni and cheese, maple-roasted carrots, or air-fried vegetables.

Frequently asked questions