Air-Fryer Steak: The Perfect Timing For A Tender Cut

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender steak with a crispy crust. The air fryer method is faster than using an oven or grill, and it also cuts down on the cooking time by half. The air fryer is also a healthier alternative to traditional cooking methods as it reduces the fat content without sacrificing flavour.

Steak type: Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip are good options

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a great option for a quick, easy, and tasty meal. Here is a guide specifically for cooking sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip steaks in an air fryer.

Preparation

Firstly, take your steaks out of the fridge 30-45 minutes before you plan to cook them. This will bring them to room temperature and ensure they cook evenly. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Then, rub or drizzle olive oil onto the steaks and season with salt and pepper on both sides. If you want to add extra flavour, you can also add Italian seasoning, rosemary, thyme, or garlic.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. When the air fryer is preheated, put the steaks in the basket, ensuring they are not overlapping or touching. Cook for around 10-12 minutes for a medium steak, flipping the steak once halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12-15 minutes for a well-done steak.

Resting and Serving

Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a plate and loosely cover them with foil. Let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. You can finish your steak with a pat of butter or garlic herb butter for extra flavour.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook one steak at a time if necessary.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure the steak gets a quick sear.
• Flip the steak once halfway through cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking, as the temperature will continue to rise by around 5 degrees.
• For best results, pick steaks of even thickness so that they cook evenly.
• If you are cooking frozen steak, cook for a few minutes to thaw and then season before continuing to cook.

Storage

Leftover steak can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the steak back in the air fryer at 350°F/150°C for a few minutes, being careful not to overcook.

Thickness: Aim for 1-inch thick steaks

Thickness is an important factor when cooking steak in an air fryer, and most recipes recommend aiming for a thickness of around 1 inch. This is because thinner steaks will cook too fast and won't get a chance to brown.

For a 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium-rare, you should cook the steak in a preheated air fryer for 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through at the 5-minute mark. If you prefer your steak cooked to medium, you should cook it for 12 minutes, flipping it at the 6-minute mark.

However, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your steak to ensure it doesn't overcook. Additionally, if your steak is thicker or thinner than 1 inch, you should adjust the cooking time accordingly.

To check if your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, you can use a meat probe or an instant-read thermometer. For a medium-rare steak, the ideal temperature is around 130°F, while for a medium steak, it's between 140°F and 150°F.

It's also recommended to let your steaks reach room temperature about 30 minutes before cooking, as this will ensure more even cooking. After cooking, it's crucial to let the steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak is juicy and tender.

Temperature: 400°F is the ideal temperature

Temperature is key when it comes to cooking the perfect steak in an air fryer. While the ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on the cut and your desired level of doneness, 400°F is a good rule of thumb and the temperature most commonly recommended by chefs and air fryer steak recipes.

At 400°F, your steak will cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and tender steak with a crispy, seared exterior. This temperature is high enough to create a delicious crust on the outside of your steak while keeping the inside perfectly cooked to your liking.

For a medium-rare steak, cook your steak at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. If you prefer your steak medium, simply increase the cooking time to 12 minutes. Remember that the thickness of your steak will also impact the cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

It's important to note that every air fryer model is different, so it's a good idea to keep a close eye on your steak the first time you cook it to ensure you don't overcook or undercook it. Additionally, using a meat probe or instant-read thermometer will help you achieve the perfect level of doneness.

By following these temperature guidelines and adjusting the cooking time as needed, you'll be able to cook a delicious and perfectly cooked steak in your air fryer every time.

Timing: Medium-rare steaks take 10 minutes, medium steaks take 12 minutes

The cooking time for a steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, it is recommended to cook a 1-inch-thick steak in a preheated air fryer for 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through at the 5-minute mark. This will result in a steak that is seared on the outside and juicy on the inside.

For thicker or thinner steaks, the cooking time should be adjusted accordingly. It is also important to note that different models of air fryers may yield different results. For example, air fryers with higher wattage, such as the GoWISE Air Fryer, tend to brown steaks better.

To achieve the perfect doneness, it is recommended to use a meat probe or an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, the ideal temperature range is 130-140°F (54-60°C).

If you prefer your steak cooked to a medium level of doneness, the cooking time will be slightly longer. For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook it in the preheated air fryer for 12 minutes, flipping it halfway through at the 6-minute mark. This will give you a steak that is cooked to a perfect medium doneness with a nice crust on the outside and a juicy interior.

Similar to cooking a medium-rare steak, adjustments should be made to the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak. It is always recommended to use a meat probe or instant-read thermometer to check the temperature and ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. For a medium steak, the ideal temperature range is 140-150°F (60-65°C).

By following these timing guidelines and using the appropriate tools to monitor the temperature, you can ensure that your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, whether it be medium-rare or medium.

Resting: Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking

Resting the steak for 5-10 minutes after cooking is a critical step in the cooking process. This allows the juices to reincorporate back into the meat, ensuring the steak is juicy and tender. Cover the steak loosely with foil to keep it warm while it rests. This step is essential for achieving the perfect steak texture and flavour.

During the resting period, the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise. This is important to consider when determining the desired doneness level. For a medium-rare steak, remove the steak from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F, as it will increase to 135°F while resting. For a medium steak, cook the steak to 140°F, as it will rise to 150°F.

Additionally, resting the steak gives you time to prepare any side dishes or finalise the rest of the meal. It is a crucial step in ensuring the steak is cooked to perfection and allows you to serve a restaurant-quality meal.

Remember, the resting time is just as important as the cooking time, so don't skip it!

Frequently asked questions