Air Fryer Ny Strip Steak: The Perfect Timing Guide

Air fryers are a convenient, quick, and healthy way to cook a New York strip steak. The cooking time depends on the level of doneness desired, but it usually takes around 10-12 minutes to cook a medium-rare steak in an air fryer. The air fryer's hot air circulation ensures the steak is cooked evenly and quickly, with a crispy outer crust and a tender inside.

How to prepare your steak for the air fryer

Preparing your steak for the air fryer is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, it's recommended to remove your steak from the refrigerator about 30 to 45 minutes before cooking and let it rest at room temperature. This helps to take the chill off the meat and ensure more even cooking. During this time, you can also season the steak with salt, which will not only enhance its flavour but also help draw out some of the moisture, leading to a better sear.

Once your steak has rested at room temperature, it's time to season it. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or a steak seasoning blend. Rub the seasonings onto both sides of the steak, ensuring it is evenly coated. You can also add a dry rub to the steak, which will enhance its colour and flavour.

After seasoning, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the steak by spraying it with cooking oil or olive oil on both sides. This will help the steak brown and develop a crispy crust.

Now, you're ready to place the steak in the air fryer. Ensure that there is enough space between the steaks for proper airflow, as overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the steaks in batches.

Finally, follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures for your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a medium steak, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes. Well-done steaks may take up to 15 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

To make a New York strip steak in an air fryer, you should preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Some sources suggest a temperature of 420°F.

The cooking time will depend on how well you like your steak done. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping the steak once halfway through. For a medium steak, cook for 11–12 minutes, and for medium-well, cook for 13 minutes. If you like your steak well-done, you may want to cook it for 15–20 minutes longer.

If you are cooking from frozen, you will need to add a few minutes to the cooking time. First, cook the steak for a few minutes until it is mostly thawed, then season and continue cooking until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

To check that your steak is cooked to your liking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 130–135°F (54–62°C). For a medium steak, the temperature should be 140–145°F, and for medium-well, it should be 150°F.

How to get the perfect sear on your steak

Air fryers are a great way to cook a steak, especially if you want to avoid the mess and hassle of a grill or frying pan. They can achieve a crisp outer crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Here are some tips for getting the perfect sear on your steak using an air fryer:

Temperature and Timing

• The air fryer should be preheated to 400°F. Some recipes suggest a higher temperature of 420°F.
• The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for around 10 minutes. For a well-done steak, you will need to cook for 15-20 minutes.
• The steak will continue to cook after it is removed from the air fryer, so it is best to remove it when it is 5 degrees below your desired temperature.
• If you are cooking from frozen, add a few minutes to the total cooking time.

Preparation

• Remove your steak from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking and allow it to come to room temperature.
• Pat the steak dry with paper towels.
• Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings, such as steak seasoning, minced onion, or rosemary.
• Rub the steak with a small amount of cooking spray or oil.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space around each steak for air to circulate.

During Cooking

• Flip the steak halfway through the cooking process. This will help it to sear evenly on both sides.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the temperature should be 130-135°F.

After Cooking

• Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
• Top with a pat of butter for extra flavor, if desired.

The benefits of cooking steak in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient, quick, and healthy way to cook steak. They can achieve a similar crisp outer crust as traditional cooking methods, while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Healthier Alternative

Air fryers require only a small amount of cooking spray, which is usually calorie and fat-free, making them a healthier alternative to cooking steak in butter or oil.

Quick and Convenient

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick process, taking around 10 minutes, and there is no need to worry about oil splashes on your stove or countertops. You also avoid dirtying grill racks and pans, as you only need to clean the air fryer basket when you're done.

Consistent Results

Air fryers are a foolproof way to cook steak, as they circulate heat all around the food. This means you don't have to worry about the steak being overdone or underdone.

Easy to Prepare

Preparing steak for the air fryer is a simple process, similar to other cooking methods. You only need to season the steak and preheat the air fryer before cooking.

How to store and reheat your steak

If you have leftover steak, the best way to reheat it is to cook it in a way that achieves a crispy exterior with a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth centre. There are several ways to do this, depending on the cut of steak and the equipment you have available.

Storing Your Steak

Allow your steak to cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container or sealable bag. Store it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to three days.

Reheating Steak in the Air Fryer

Place the steak directly in the air fryer basket and close the drawer. Reheat at 350°F for three to five minutes, depending on the size of the steak, adding a minute or two for thicker cuts.

Reheating Steak in the Oven

For thicker cuts of meat, reheating in the oven is best. Place the steak on a cooling rack over a sheet tray to allow heat and air to circulate and any fat to drip away. Bring the steak to room temperature and heat the oven to 250°F. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer registers an internal temperature of 110°F. Finally, sear the steak in a hot pan with some neutral oil for one to two minutes on each side.

Reheating Steak on the Stovetop

For thinner cuts of steak, such as skirt steak or flank steak, you can reheat the steak on the stovetop. Bring the steak to room temperature, then heat a skillet with a drizzle of neutral cooking oil, such as vegetable or grapeseed oil, over medium heat. Place the steak in the skillet and cook for two to three minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the steak: rare steak will read 120°F, medium 140°F, and well-done 160°F.

Reheating Steak in the Microwave

While not ideal, you can reheat steak in the microwave if that is your only option. Place the steak on a microwave-safe plate and cover it loosely with a slightly damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium heat in 30-second intervals, flipping the steak in between, for a total of 90 seconds to two minutes, depending on the power of your microwave and the thickness of the steak.

Sous Vide Style

Place your leftover steak in a sealable freezer bag with a small pat of salted butter. Allow the steak to come to room temperature, then fill a large stockpot with water and attach a sous vide according to the machine's instructions. The water should be about 120°F to 130°F. Place the bag in the pot and cook for about five to eight minutes, or until gently warmed through. For a crisp exterior, pat the steak dry and pan-sear for about 60 seconds on each side.

Frequently asked questions