Air Fryer Medium Sirloin Steak: How Long To Cook?

Cooking a medium sirloin steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a tender and juicy steak with minimal cleanup. The air fryer's circulating hot air ensures the steak cooks evenly on all sides, resulting in a perfect sear on the outside and a juicy, tender inside.

To cook a medium sirloin steak in an air fryer, first, ensure your steak is at least 1 inch thick. Rub olive oil on both sides of the steak, and season generously with salt and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3-5 minutes. Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it doesn't overlap with other steaks to allow even cooking.

For a medium steak, cook for around 12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. Once done, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

How long to cook a medium sirloin steak in an air fryer

The air fryer is a great way to cook a medium sirloin steak. It's quick, easy, and convenient, and you'll get a juicy and tender steak with a nice sear, all with very little clean-up.

Preparation

Take your steak out of the fridge 15-30 minutes before cooking to let it come up to room temperature. This will help you get the best texture and flavor from your meat. Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then drizzle or brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or a seasoning blend of your choice.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 3-5 minutes. Place the steak in the air fryer basket, trying not to overlap it with any other food. Cook for around 10 minutes, flipping the steak once about two-thirds or halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a medium steak, you're aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F/60°C. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer and keep cooking until it reaches the desired temperature.

Resting

When your steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Tent it with foil to keep it warm.

Tips

• Use a high-wattage air fryer (at least 1800 watts) for the best browning.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so that air can circulate evenly.
• Thinner steaks (less than 1 inch thick) may cook too fast and not get a chance to brown, so it's best to use steaks that are at least 1 inch thick.
• If your steak is frozen, defrost it in the refrigerator or using cold water before cooking.
• To get a good sear on your steak, preheat the air fryer basket as well as the air fryer itself.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak and take it out of the air fryer 5 degrees before your desired doneness, as the temperature will continue to rise as the steak rests.
• For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for 12 minutes for medium, flipping halfway through.

How to get a good sear on a medium sirloin steak in an air fryer

Preparation

Firstly, ensure your steaks are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks will cook too fast and won't get a chance to brown. Take your steaks out of the fridge 15-30 minutes before cooking and let them get to room temperature. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and brush or drizzle with olive oil. Rub in salt and pepper, and any other seasonings you like.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 3-5 minutes. Place the steaks in the basket, ensuring they are several inches apart and not overlapping. Overlapping steaks may cook unevenly and won't get a nice crispy edge. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping the steak once halfway through. The internal temperature of the steak should be 145°F.

Resting

Once your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. Tent it with foil and leave it for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• For a good sear, ensure your air fryer is at least 1800 watts.
• For optimal browning, don't overcrowd the basket.
• For a nice crust, use a dry rub on leaner steaks.
• For even cooking, flip your steak once at the halfway mark.
• For accurate cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak.

How to get a medium-rare sirloin steak in an air fryer

Preparation

Firstly, you'll want to ensure your sirloin steak is at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks cook too fast without getting a chance to brown. Take your steak out of the fridge 15-30 minutes before cooking to let it reach room temperature. Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then brush or drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning or a dry rub of your choice.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 3-5 minutes. Place the steak in the basket and cook for around 7-10 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, you're aiming for an internal temperature of 125°F-135°F (52°C-57°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature and remove the steak from the air fryer when it reaches the desired temperature.

Resting

Once your steak is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a plate and loosely cover it with foil. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook one steak at a time if necessary to ensure proper airflow.
• For the best browning, use an air fryer that is at least 1800 watts.
• If cooking from frozen, adjust the cooking time to 12-18 minutes for a 1" thick steak.
• To achieve a nice sear on your steak, preheat the air fryer basket so it's already warm when you add the steak.
• For a thicker steak (1.5-2 inches), increase the cooking time to 10-13 minutes for medium-rare.
• Use a meat probe or instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of your steak, and remove it from the air fryer 5 degrees before your desired doneness, as the temperature will continue to rise as the steak rests.
• For a nice crust and extra flavor, use a generous amount of seasoning on your steak.
• If you like your steak with a little extra fat, choose a well-marbled cut with a moderate to high amount of marbling.

How to get a medium sirloin steak in an air fryer without overcooking it

A medium sirloin steak is a beautiful thing: juicy, tender, and with a delicious sear. And, thanks to your air fryer, you can achieve all of that without the mess and hassle of grilling or pan-searing.

Preparation

First, take your steak out of the fridge 15-30 minutes before cooking to let it reach room temperature. This step isn't essential, but it will help your steak cook more evenly.

Next, pat the steak dry with paper towels. This step is important because moisture will steam your steak instead of browning it.

Now, brush or rub both sides of your steak with olive oil. This will help with browning and ensure your seasonings stick.

Finally, season your steak. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with a steak rub or seasoning mix. A good rule of thumb is to use a blend of garlic salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 3-5 minutes. The exact time will depend on your air fryer model. This step is essential, as it ensures your air fryer basket is already warm, helping you get a good sear on your steak.

Place your steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space around it for air to circulate. Overlapping steaks or overcrowding the basket will lead to uneven cooking. If your steaks are overlapped or don't fit in a single layer, cook them in batches.

Cook your steak for around 10 minutes, flipping it once about two-thirds of the way through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. For a medium steak, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. Remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 135°F-140°F (57°C-60°C), as the temperature will continue to rise by about 5°F while the steak rests.

Resting and Serving

When your steak reaches the desired temperature, transfer it to a plate and tent it with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

Serve your steak with your favorite sides, such as baked or roasted potatoes, a classic Caesar salad, or garlic butter green beans.

Tips for Success

• Choose a well-marbled steak. The marbling, or fat content, makes a big difference in the juiciness and tenderness of your cooked steak.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of your steak. This is the most accurate way to determine when your steak is ready.
• Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. Ensure there is space around your steak for optimal airflow and even cooking.
• Let your steak rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to relax, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
• Use a high-wattage air fryer for the best browning. Air fryers with at least 1800 watts tend to produce the best sear.

Troubleshooting

If your steak is overcooked or dry, it's likely due to one of the following reasons:

• Your steak was cooked for too long or at too high a temperature.
• Your steak was too thin. Steaks less than 1-inch thick are more prone to overcooking and drying out.
• Your air fryer basket was overcrowded, leading to uneven cooking.
• You didn't let your steak rest after cooking. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite.

By following the tips and instructions above, you should be well on your way to air-frying a perfect medium sirloin steak. Enjoy!

How to get a medium sirloin steak in an air fryer without drying it out

Air fryers are a convenient and easy way to enjoy a juicy steak without the hassle of grilling or pan-searing. By circulating hot air around the steak, the air fryer cooks it evenly on all sides, resulting in a perfectly done steak with a crispy crust and a tender, juicy inside. Here are some tips to help you achieve a medium sirloin steak in your air fryer without drying it out:

Choose the Right Steak

Select a sirloin steak that is about 6 to 10 ounces, at least 1-inch thick, and well-marbled. A thicker steak is preferable as thinner steaks tend to cook too fast and may dry out. Look for a steak with generous marbling as this will render nicely during cooking, resulting in a tender and juicy outcome.

Prepare the Steak

Take the steak out of the refrigerator 15-30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature. Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then drizzle or brush both sides with olive oil. This helps with browning and ensures a nice crust. Season generously with salt and pepper, and if desired, add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step is important as it ensures the basket is already warm, helping to create a nice sear on the steak.

Cook the Steak

Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it doesn't overlap with the sides to allow for even cooking. For a medium steak, cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 12 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and the model of your air fryer, so it's crucial to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium steak, remove it from the air fryer when the temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Rest and Serve

Once your steak has reached the desired internal temperature, transfer it to a plate and loosely cover it with foil. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite. Top with a pat of garlic herb butter for extra flavor, if desired.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook one steak at a time if needed to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Use an air fryer with at least 1800 watts for the best browning and searing.
• Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your steak. Thicker steaks will need more time, while thinner steaks should be checked earlier to avoid overcooking.
• Consider using a dry rub or marinade to enhance the flavor, but be mindful of the oil content to prevent excessive smoking.

Frequently asked questions