Tiffany Haney
Flank steak is a lean cut with less fat, so it's important not to overcook it to prevent it from becoming chewy. The air fryer is a great option for cooking flank steak as it requires less time and effort than other methods, and it doesn't heat up your kitchen. Depending on the desired doneness, the cooking time for flank steak in an air fryer can range from 5 minutes for rare to around 10 minutes for medium-rare, and up to 14 minutes for medium. It's important to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak Type | Flank Steak |
| Steak Doneness | Rare, Medium-Rare, Medium |
| Steak Weight | 250-300g |
| Steak Thickness | 3/4 inch |
| Marinade Time | 20 minutes to overnight |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 400° F |
| Air Fryer Time | 8-12 minutes |
| Rest Time | 5 minutes |
| Steak Slice Thickness | Thin |
| Steak Slice Direction | Against the grain |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating the steak
Marinating your flank steak is an important step in the cooking process, as it helps to tenderise the meat and infuse extra flavour. The longer you can leave the steak to marinate, the more tender and flavourful it will be. It is recommended to marinate the steak for at least 20 minutes, but preferably for several hours or even overnight.
To marinate your flank steak, start by placing the steak in a plastic bag. Then, pour in your chosen marinade, seal the bag tightly, and remove any excess air. It is important to ensure that the marinade is evenly coating all sides of the steak, so turn the bag occasionally. If you have time, you can also "'score'" the meat by cutting very thin lines into both sides of the steak in a crosshatch pattern, which will help to impart extra flavour.
If you are marinating the steak for less than 30 minutes, you can leave it at room temperature. However, if you are marinating for longer than 30 minutes, place the steak in the refrigerator and then bring it back out 30 minutes before cooking so that it can come to room temperature.
Once you are ready to cook your steak, remove it from the marinade and place it in the preheated air fryer. Don't forget to discard the leftover marinade. The steak should be cooked for around 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. For a rare steak, cook for 5 minutes on each side, for medium-rare cook for 6 minutes, and for medium, cook for 7 minutes.
After removing the steak from the air fryer, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Finally, slice the steak thinly against the grain and serve.
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Pre-heating the air fryer
Pre-heating your air fryer is a crucial step in preparing the cooking environment for your flank steak. It allows the steak to heat evenly and helps retain moisture, resulting in a juicy interior. The pre-heating process also ensures a crispy exterior for your steak.
To pre-heat your air fryer, start by setting the desired temperature. For flank steak, it is recommended to pre-heat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 350 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your preference for doneness. The higher temperature is more suitable for a medium-rare steak, while the lower temperature will yield a medium-rare to medium doneness.
After setting the temperature, turn on the air fryer and wait for it to reach the desired temperature. Pre-heating usually takes around 2 to 5 minutes. Some air fryers will indicate that they are pre-heated by turning on a light or displaying a message. It is important to refer to your air fryer's manual to understand its specific functions and capabilities.
If you are cooking thinly cut meats, such as a shaved steak, pre-heating the air fryer is generally recommended. However, if you are cooking thick cuts of meat, it is suggested to place the meat in the air fryer before turning it on. This is because thick slabs of meat can burn on the outside before the inside is cooked properly. By starting the cooking process without pre-heating, you allow the meat to cook more evenly.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for flank steak in an air fryer depend on your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, 5 minutes on each side is enough. Increase the cooking time to 6 minutes on each side for a medium-rare steak. For a medium steak, cook the steak for 7 minutes on each side.
The thickness of the steak also affects the cooking time. For a 3/4-inch thick steak, 8 to 10 minutes of cooking time is generally good for a medium-rare steak. However, the exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer. If you prefer your steak to be more well-done, you will need to cook it longer. You can adjust the cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes as needed.
It is important to note that flank steak is a lean cut with less fat, so it can become chewy if overcooked. Therefore, it is recommended to cook flank steak to medium-rare or medium. To achieve a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should reach 130 degrees Fahrenheit. After cooking, wrap the steak in foil and let it rest for 5 minutes. The temperature will rise to a perfect 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Before cooking, the steak should be brought to room temperature. It is also important not to skip the marinade step, as it helps to tenderize the steak and infuse extra flavor. The longer you can marinate the steak, up to 24 hours, the better. However, if you are short on time, even an hour of marination will produce delicious results.
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Resting the steak
After cooking your flank steak in the air fryer, remove it from the basket and transfer it to a cutting or chopping board. It is important to note that the steak will continue to cook for a few minutes after being removed from the air fryer due to residual heat. This is known as carryover cooking. Cover the steak with aluminium foil to keep it warm and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. If you are cooking a larger steak, you may need to rest it for up to 10 minutes.
While the steak is resting, you can prepare a sauce or side dishes to accompany your meal. You can also use this time to clean up any mess made during the cooking process, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable dining experience.
Once the steak has rested, it is ready to be sliced. Cut the steak into thin strips, slicing against the grain for the most tender bites. This technique ensures that the muscle fibres are separated, making the meat easier to chew and digest.
Remember, the resting time will depend on the size and thickness of your steak, so adjust accordingly. For larger or thicker steaks, a longer resting time of up to 10 minutes may be necessary. For smaller or thinner steaks, 5 minutes should be sufficient.
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Slicing the steak
Once your steak is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and wrap it in foil. It is important to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing, as this will allow the juices to settle and enhance the tenderness of the meat. If you cut into it right away, you will lose the juices.
When you are ready to slice, place the steak on a chopping board. It is best to slice the steak thinly and against the grain for the most tender bites. You can serve the steak as is, or use it in tacos, burritos, nachos, or salads.
If you have leftovers, it is recommended to slice the steak before freezing, as it will then thaw faster. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. It is best to eat leftovers cold, as reheating the steak can dry it out.
To reheat, use the air fryer for 1 minute for slices or 4-5 minutes for a whole flank steak.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 10 minutes to cook a flank steak in an air fryer at 400°F. This will produce a medium-rare steak. If you prefer your steak to be more well done, you should cook it for longer.
Marinating your steak will help to tenderise it and infuse extra flavour. It is recommended that you marinate your steak for at least 20 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours. The longer you can marinate it, the better—up to 24 hours if possible.
You should cook your flank steak at 400°F.
For a medium-rare steak, your flank steak should reach an internal temperature of 130°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer.
