Air Fryer Steak: Medium-Rare Perfection In Minutes

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender steak with a crispy crust. The air fryer's high circulation of heat means you don't have to worry about the steak being overdone or underdone, and there's no splatter or mess in the kitchen!

To cook a medium-rare steak in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat the air fryer to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The steak should be around 1-inch thick and brought to room temperature before cooking. Rub the steak with oil and season with salt and pepper, or a dry rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Place the steak in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, flipping the steak after 5 minutes. After cooking, let the steak rest for around 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for a medium-rare steak in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a medium-rare steak. If you prefer your steak on the rarer side, reduce the cooking time to 8-9 minutes. For a steak that is closer to medium, cook for 12 minutes.

If your steak is thinner than 1 inch, adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking. Thin steaks are prone to cooking too quickly and becoming chewy. As a general rule, allow 5-6 minutes for rare, 8-9 minutes for medium-rare, 10 minutes for medium, 11 minutes for medium-well, and 12-13 minutes for well-done.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of the air fryer, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your steak while it cooks.

To check if your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 130°F and 140°F.

Once your steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the muscle fibres to relax, resulting in a moist and flavoursome steak.

Steak type

The cooking time for a medium-rare steak in an air fryer depends on the type of steak you are using. Here is a list of different types of steak and the cooking time required for each to achieve a medium-rare doneness:

Ribeye Steak

A juicy and tender option, ribeye steak is a popular choice for air fryer cooking. To achieve a perfect medium-rare ribeye steak, cook it in the air fryer for about 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking process. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes after cooking to ensure the juices are evenly distributed.

Sirloin Steak

For a medium-rare sirloin steak, cook it in the air fryer for about 10 minutes, flipping it halfway. Sirloin steaks are leaner, so a dry rub can help enhance their colour and overall appearance.

New York Strip Steak

New York strip steak is another popular choice for air fryer cooking. To achieve a perfect medium-rare doneness, cook the steak for about 10 minutes in the air fryer, flipping it halfway. You can also finish it with a dollop of compound butter and a sprinkle of parsley for added flavour.

Top Sirloin Steak

Top sirloin steak is a delicious option for air fryer cooking. For a medium-rare top sirloin steak, cook it for about 15 minutes in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping it halfway. Coating the steak with extra virgin olive oil and a mix of seasonings will enhance its flavour and texture.

Tri-Tip Steak

Tri-tip steak is best cooked to a medium-rare doneness in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the steak for about 10 minutes, flipping it halfway. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes after cooking to ensure a juicy and tender texture.

It is important to note that the cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the specific air fryer model being used. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it reaches the desired doneness.

Steak thickness

For a medium-rare steak, it is recommended to cook the steak in a preheated air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking process. However, this timing is based on a 1-inch-thick steak. If your steak is thicker or thinner than 1 inch, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

As a general rule, thicker steaks will require a longer cooking time, while thinner steaks will cook faster. For example, if you are cooking a steak that is 1.5 inches thick, you may need to increase the cooking time to 14 or 15 minutes for medium-rare. On the other hand, if your steak is only 0.5 inches thick, you may only need to cook it for 8 or 9 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time for a medium-rare steak in an air fryer can vary depending on several factors, including the type of air fryer, the accuracy of its temperature settings, and personal preference for doneness. Therefore, it is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness. The ideal temperature range for a medium-rare steak is between 130°F and 140°F.

Additionally, it is recommended to let your steaks reach room temperature before cooking, which can take about 20 to 30 minutes. This step helps ensure more even cooking and improves the overall texture and flavour of the steak.

Steak seasoning

A good steak really only needs salt and pepper, but a blend of seasonings can add impact and interest to your steak. A steak rub is a blend of spices added to the meat to enhance its flavour. You can make a big batch and keep it on hand for up to six months.

Ingredients

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Dried rosemary
• Dried thyme
• Cayenne
• Red pepper flakes

Method

• Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
• Store the seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

How to Season Steak

Sprinkle or rub the seasoning on the steak before cooking. If you're making a grilled steak, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil to the seasoning to make a paste.

Resting the steak

How long you rest your steak depends on how well done you like it. For a medium-rare steak, you should rest it for around 3-4 minutes. If you prefer your steak cooked for longer, then a good rule of thumb is to rest it for 10 minutes. This gives you the perfect opportunity to make a sauce to accompany your meal.

It's also important to let your steak come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures your steak is less tough and helps it cook evenly. Take your steak out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before you plan to cook it.

Once you've cooked and rested your steak, it's time to serve. Your steak will be moist and flavoursome, with a juicy inside and crispy crust on the outside.

Frequently asked questions