Air Fryer Rare Steak: Cooking Time Perfection

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender steak with a nice sear. The air fryer method is also healthier than traditional frying, as it requires much less oil. The key to a perfect air-fried steak is to ensure the steak reaches room temperature before cooking and to pat the steak dry to achieve the perfect sear. For a rare steak, cook for 6-7 minutes at 200°C/400°F, flipping halfway through.

Steak preparation

Choosing Your Steak

For the best results, choose a steak that is at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks will cook too fast and won't get a chance to brown. You can use any cut of steak you like, but some good options include sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, tri-tip, and filet mignon.

Preparing Your Steak

Take your steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking. This will ensure more even cooking. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help it brown rather than steam. Rub a little oil on the steak, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

Cooking Your Steak

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes for a rare to medium-rare steak, 12-13 minutes for medium, or 14-15 minutes for well-done. Be sure to flip the steak halfway through the cooking time.

Resting and Serving Your Steak

Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak will be more juicy and flavourful. Serve your steak with your favourite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.

Air fryer settings

To cook a rare steak in an air fryer, you should preheat your air fryer to a high temperature—either 400°F or 200°C. The exact cooking time will depend on how rare you like your steak, as well as its thickness.

For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for 6-8 minutes for rare, or 10 minutes for medium-rare. For thicker steaks, add an additional 1-3 minutes; for thinner steaks, start checking after 4 minutes.

If you don't have an instant-read thermometer, you can check the steak's doneness by cutting into it. For a rare steak, the inside should be bright red.

Flip the steak halfway through cooking. Once it's done, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking times

The cooking time for a rare steak in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. Most recipes recommend using a steak that is about 1 inch thick, as thinner steaks may cook too fast and become chewy and dry.

For a rare steak, cook the steak for 6-7 minutes in the air fryer, flipping it halfway through. If you prefer your steak to be medium-rare, cook it for 7-9 minutes, and for medium, cook it for 10-13 minutes. Well-done steaks will take around 14-15 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the thickness of the steak, so it is recommended to use a meat probe or instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of your steak. The desired internal temperature for a rare steak is 52°C/125°F.

Before cooking, it is recommended to let the steak come to room temperature, which takes about 20-30 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the steak from being tough. After cooking, it is important to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting into it, as this allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to relax, resulting in a more moist and flavoursome dish.

Resting the steak

During the resting period, you can make a sauce to accompany your steak, or simply let the meat sit undisturbed. It's important not to cut into the steak before it has rested, as this will cause the juices to leak out.

Additionally, allowing the steak to come to room temperature before cooking helps ensure more even cooking. Taking the steak out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking can help achieve this.

Finally, it's worth noting that the steak will continue to cook slightly while resting, so it's important to take it out of the air fryer about five degrees before it reaches your desired level of doneness. This will ensure that it's perfectly cooked to your liking after resting.

Side dishes

A juicy, tender steak cooked in an air fryer is best served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for side dishes that you can cook in your air fryer to complement your steak:

Potatoes

Air fryers are excellent for cooking potatoes in various forms, including potato wedges, baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, mashed potatoes, French fries, and sweet potato fries. You can also get creative with dishes like air fryer cheesy corn 'ribs', Parmentier potatoes, and potato salad.

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to add some colour and nutrition to your plate. Try air-fried asparagus, green beans, broccoli, or roasted vegetables. For a unique twist, you can make air fryer zucchini chips, or cauliflower tots.

Breads

Garlic bread is a classic side dish for steak, and you can easily make it in your air fryer. Try a crumpet garlic bread or a hash brown garlic "bread" for a fun twist on the classic.

Other Sides

If you're looking for something a little different, try air fryer mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, or even air fryer egg rolls. You can also make air fryer shrimp or chicken wings to add some variety to your meal.

With so many options, you're sure to find the perfect side dishes to pair with your air fryer steak!

Frequently asked questions