Air-Fryer New York Strip: The Perfect Timing Guide

Air fryers are a convenient, quick, and healthy way to cook a New York strip steak. The cooking time is minimal, taking only about 10-15 minutes, and the cleanup is easy. This method also gives you more control over the temperature, ensuring your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to prepare the steak for air frying

Preparing steak for air frying is simple and requires minimal ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Choose the Right Steak

Select a steak with good marbling, which means it has the right amount of fat running through it. This will ensure your steak is juicy and flavourful. Good options include New York strip, ribeye, sirloin, t-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon.

Thickness

Choose steaks that are at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks will cook too quickly and won't get a chance to brown properly. If your steak is very thick, you may need to increase the cooking time or slice it in half.

Temperature

Take the steaks out of the refrigerator 30 minutes to an hour before cooking and allow them to come to room temperature. This will help the steaks cook more evenly.

Pat Dry

Use paper towels to pat the steaks dry. This will help the seasoning stick to the steak and improve browning.

Seasoning

Brush or rub both sides of the steak with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or butter. Then, season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary. If you want to get creative, you can try a dry rub or a marinade.

Meat Thermometer (Optional)

If you want to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. For a rare steak, aim for 125°F to 130°F. Medium-rare should be 130°F to 140°F, medium is 140°F to 150°F, and well-done is 160°F.

Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Some air fryers may not reach this temperature, so adjust the cooking time as needed.

Now that your steak is prepared, it's time to cook it in the air fryer! Place the steak in the air fryer basket and follow the cooking instructions provided by the manufacturer or a trusted recipe.

Tips and tricks for air frying

Don't Overload the Basket

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to fit one or two steaks in the basket. Cooking one steak at a time ensures that all sides of the steak are exposed to the hot air, leading to even cooking and a crispy exterior. If you cook multiple steaks at once, make sure they aren't touching and that there is sufficient airflow around each steak.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is essential when cooking steak. A hot air fryer will give your steak a quick sear, locking in the juices and flavours. This step is crucial to achieving the desired crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Flip the Steak Halfway

Although air fryers cook meat evenly on all sides, flipping the steak once during the cooking process is recommended. This is because the heating element in most air fryers is located in the upper part, so flipping ensures that both sides of the steak get direct heat exposure.

Choose the Right Cut

The New York strip steak, also known as strip steak or Kansas City strip steak, is a great cut for both texture and flavour. Look for steaks with good marbling, which will ensure a juicy and flavourful result. USDA prime is the best option, but USDA choice or grass-fed are also good alternatives.

Use Quality Ingredients

When preparing New York strip steak in the air fryer, keep the seasoning simple to let the flavour of the steak shine through. Use a good quality salt, such as kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the natural flavours of the meat. A high-quality steak doesn't need much else to make it delicious!

Rest the Steak

Once your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it's important to let it rest. Place the cooked steak on a cutting board or plate and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

How to store and reheat

Storing and reheating New York strip steak

If you have leftovers, it is important to store your New York strip steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cooked steak will last in the fridge for up to four days. After that, it is best to freeze it.

When you are ready to reheat your steak, you can pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven or on the stove. Keep in mind that reheating will cause it to cook internally. To avoid over-drying, watch it until it is just warmed through.

One great way to reheat your steak is to use the reverse sear method. Preheat the oven to a low temperature of 250-300°F. Place the steaks in a baking dish with a little broth at the bottom and seal with foil to create steam to lock in moisture. Warm in the oven for about 10 minutes.

What to serve with your steak

Now that you've cooked your New York strip steak in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with it. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your juicy steak:

Potatoes

• Baked, mashed, roasted, or fried potatoes are classic steak accompaniments. Try loading your baked potato with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, or get creative with toppings like roasted garlic and blue cheese.
• For something a little different, try potatoes dauphinoise, a classic French dish of layered potatoes baked in a creamy sauce.
• If you're feeling indulgent, make some fondant potatoes, which are slowly cooked in butter and stock until they're meltingly tender.
• Smashed potatoes offer a delightful contrast of crispy outsides and fluffy insides. Try mixing in some herbs, spring onions, or garlic.
• For a healthier option, bake some skinny fries and coat them in paprika and garlic powder for extra flavour.
• If you're a fan of spice, make some chilli wedges by tossing potato wedges in chilli powder before baking.
• For a more exotic option, try making Boursin mashed potatoes, which use Boursin, a garlic and herb-flecked spreadable cheese.

Vegetables

• Grilled asparagus is a popular choice, especially when cooked with garlic, salt, and olive oil.
• Charred broccoli is another tasty option, especially when paired with a blue cheese dressing.
• If you're looking for something more indulgent, try creamed spinach, which can be made even richer by adding cream, garlic, or even cognac.
• Sauteed mushrooms are a versatile side dish that can be served on their own or spooned over your steak.
• Grilled corn on the cob is a perfect summer option, especially when slathered in tangy lime mayonnaise.
• If you're looking for something a little more unusual, try roasted cauliflower tossed in garlic butter.
• For a healthy option, make a simple salad with butter lettuce or a more exotic option like a citrus, beet, and arugula salad.

Other Sides

• Macaroni and cheese is a favourite of Michael Jordan, who insisted on including it on the menu of his now-closed steakhouse in Manhattan.
• If you're looking for something lighter, try a simple slaw with a basic dressing of chilli paste, soured cream, and mayonnaise.
• For a more exotic option, try making Israeli couscous and tomato salad with arugula pesto.
• If you're a fan of spice, make some chipotle bavette steak with lime corn and chunky salsa.
• For a real treat, serve your steak with a compound butter, like chive garlic butter, which will add a burst of flavour.

The benefits of cooking steak in an air fryer

Air fryers have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. This convenient cooking method offers numerous advantages when it comes to preparing steak. Here are some of the key benefits of using an air fryer for your next steak dinner:

Ease and Convenience

One of the most significant advantages of cooking steak in an air fryer is the ease and convenience it offers. Unlike traditional stovetop cooking, which requires constant attention, an air fryer allows you to set it and forget it. You don't have to stand over the stove, flip the steak, or baste it. This set-it-and-forget-it approach is especially appealing if you're cooking side dishes or managing multiple tasks in the kitchen. The whole process is quick and straightforward, typically taking around 10-15 minutes from start to finish.

Reduced Mess and Splatter

Cooking steak in a skillet or on a grill can often result in a messy kitchen due to grease splatter. The enclosed basket of an air fryer contains the mess, making cleanup a breeze. You won't have to worry about cleaning your stove, countertops, or backsplash after cooking a juicy steak. This is especially beneficial if you have a busy lifestyle or simply want to minimize the time spent on cleanup.

Healthier Option

Air fryers are known for making foods healthier without sacrificing taste. They use fast-moving hot air to cook steak quickly and efficiently, reducing the amount of oil needed compared to other cooking methods like frying or sautéing. This results in a healthier meal with less fat and calories, making it a great option for those conscious of their dietary choices.

Consistent and Even Cooking

Air fryers circulate heat evenly around the steak, ensuring consistent and even cooking. This takes the guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures, as you don't have to worry about overcooking or undercooking your steak. The air fryer's ability to maintain a consistent temperature means you can achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Versatility and Customization

With an air fryer, you have more control over the cooking temperature, allowing you to cook your steak to your desired level of doneness. Whether you prefer your steak rare, medium-rare, or well-done, you can easily adjust the settings to achieve the perfect result. Additionally, air fryers offer versatility in terms of seasonings and spices, allowing you to customize your steak to your taste preferences.

Minimal Intimidation Factor

Cooking steak on a stovetop can be intimidating for some, as it requires high heat and quick reflexes to prevent overcooking. Air fryers provide a more hands-off approach, making them ideal for those who feel uncomfortable with traditional cooking methods. While the results may vary slightly from a perfectly seared stovetop steak, an air fryer will get the job done and deliver a delicious meal.

Frequently asked questions