Air Fryer Pork Steak: How Long To Fry?

Cooking pork steak in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to achieve a perfect crispy crust while keeping the inside moist and tender. The process is straightforward and only requires a few simple ingredients. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to cook juicy and tender pork steak in an air fryer, ensuring even cooking and a delicious crispy exterior.

Preheat settings

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking pork steaks, as it ensures even cooking and helps create a crispy and delicious crust. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer is 400°F (200°C), and you should preheat it for about 5 minutes. Depending on the model of your air fryer, it may take a little more or less time to reach the desired temperature.

Preheating your air fryer helps to sear the exterior of the pork steaks, giving them a beautiful char on all sides. This is especially important if you are using thick-cut pork steaks, as thinner cuts may cook too quickly and not achieve the same level of doneness. By preheating your air fryer, you also reduce the risk of undercooking or overcooking your pork steaks, ensuring they are juicy and tender.

Additionally, preheating helps to reduce the cooking time by quickly bringing the steaks up to temperature. This is particularly advantageous when using an air fryer, as it minimises the amount of hot air escaping from the appliance, keeping the cooking time as short as possible.

When preheating your air fryer, it is essential to place the basket inside the unit. This is because the heating element is often located at the top, so preheating with the basket inside ensures that the air inside the fryer is evenly heated.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed with cooking your pork steaks. Brush them with oil, season them generously, and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Cooking times

The cooking time for pork steaks in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steaks and the desired level of doneness. As a general rule of thumb, thicker pork steaks require longer cooking times than thinner ones. It is also important to ensure that the air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature before adding the steaks.

For best results, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you can place the seasoned pork steaks inside, making sure they are arranged in a single layer with enough space between them for proper air circulation. The cooking time can vary from 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steaks and your desired level of doneness.

For thinner pork steaks, a cooking time of 8 to 9 minutes is usually sufficient. However, thicker steaks may require a longer cooking time, ranging from 10 to 15 minutes. It is important to note that the exact cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model and your desired level of doneness.

To ensure that your pork steaks are cooked to your desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare pork steaks, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If you prefer your steaks medium, aim for an internal temperature of 150–155°F (66–68°C). For medium-well, cook the steaks to an internal temperature of 155–160°F (68–71°C). And finally, for well-done steaks, make sure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

It is also important to note that the cooking time may be affected by whether you are cooking fresh or frozen pork steaks. Fresh pork steaks will cook more evenly and result in juicier and more delicious outcomes. If you are cooking frozen pork steaks, it is recommended to thaw them first for the best results. Additionally, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Marinades and seasonings

Dry Rub:

A dry rub is a mixture of dried herbs and spices that you can generously apply to the meat. You can make your own rub by combining ingredients like dried sage, savory, cilantro, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion, and garlic granules. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought BBQ dry rub, which is readily available in most supermarkets. Massage the rub into the meat and let it sit for a while before cooking to allow the flavours to penetrate the pork steaks.

Olive Oil:

Coating the pork steaks with olive oil serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it helps the seasonings stick to the meat, ensuring a uniform coating. Additionally, olive oil enhances the browning process, giving your steaks a beautiful char. It also prevents the meat from sticking to the air fryer basket, making cleanup easier.

BBQ Sauce:

Barbecue sauce is a classic pairing with pork, and for a good reason. Brush your pork steaks with BBQ sauce during and after cooking for a mouthwatering, sticky glaze. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own homemade version.

Spicy Kick:

If you like your food with a bit of heat, add a tablespoon of cayenne pepper to your seasoning mixture. Alternatively, create a coffee-based seasoning rub for a unique, rich, and savoury flavour profile.

Garlic and Herb:

Garlic is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with pork. You can incorporate it into a dry rub or use garlic butter to baste your steaks for a more refined flavour. Additionally, fresh or dried herbs like rosemary and thyme can be added to your seasoning blend for an aromatic touch.

Mustard:

For a tangy twist, mix your pork seasoning with a generous amount of mustard and olive oil, then brush this mixture all over the pork steaks. This combination will give your steaks a bold and distinctive flavour.

Remember, the key to a successful marinade or seasoning is allowing it to sit on the meat for a while before cooking. This gives the flavours time to develop and infuse into the pork steaks. So, be generous with your coatings, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profile!

Internal temperatures

The internal temperature of the pork steaks is crucial to ensuring they are cooked properly. The recommended minimum internal temperature for pork is 145°F/63°C. This is to avoid any foodborne illnesses. However, some people prefer to cook their pork to an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C. This is still considered a safe temperature and will result in a juicy and moist steak.

The degree of doneness you prefer will determine the ideal internal temperature for your pork steaks. Here are the temperature ranges for different levels of doneness:

• Medium-rare: 145–150°F / 63–66°C
• Medium: 150–155°F / 66–68°C
• Medium-well: 155–160°F / 68–71°C
• Well done: 160°F / 71°C

To check the internal temperature of your pork steaks, use a cooking thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak to get an accurate reading. If your steaks are not yet fully cooked, you can close the air fryer and cook them for a few more minutes until they reach the desired temperature.

It is important to note that the cooking time and internal temperature may vary depending on the thickness of your steaks and the specific model of your air fryer. As a general guideline, thick pork chops require a longer cooking time of about 12 minutes, while thin steaks will be done in 8-9 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your steaks are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Reheating and storing

Firstly, you can store your cooked pork steaks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to two months.

When it comes to reheating, simply place the steaks in the air fryer at 160C/320F or in the oven until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave until heated through.

For reheating in the air fryer, preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the steaks in the basket and baste both sides with BBQ sauce. Cook for three to four minutes and then serve.

If you're reheating from frozen, it is recommended to thaw the steaks first for even cooking and better texture. You can reheat frozen steaks in the air fryer by setting the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking for around 12 to 15 minutes. Flip halfway through and ensure the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frequently asked questions