Air Fryer T-Bone: The Perfect Timing For A Tender Steak

Cooking a T-bone steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender, and flavourful steak. It's a convenient method that gives you a steakhouse-quality meal in just 10-20 minutes.

How to prepare the T-bone steak for the air fryer

Preparing a T-bone steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender, and flavourful steak. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the steak

Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. This is an important step as it helps the steak cook evenly. After it has reached room temperature, rub both sides of the steak with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. You can also preheat it to 390 degrees Fahrenheit if you prefer.

Step 3: Cook the steak

Place the steak in the air fryer basket or tray and set the timer for 8 to 10 minutes. For a medium-rare steak, 8 minutes should be enough, while for a medium steak, you will need 10 minutes. If you like your steak well done, you can cook it for up to 15 minutes, but be careful not to overcook it, as this can make it tough. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Step 4: Rest the steak

Once the steak is done to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 4 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and juicy steak.

Step 5: Make a compound butter (optional)

While the steak is resting, you can make a compound butter to take your dish to the next level. For this recipe, mix together some butter and Gorgonzola cheese in a small bowl. You can serve it right away or form it into a log using plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for later use.

Step 6: Plate and serve

Place the steak on a plate and top it with a slice of your compound butter. Serve it with your favourite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad. Enjoy your perfectly cooked T-bone steak!

How to cook the T-bone steak in the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to cook a T-bone steak in an air fryer:

• T-bone steak (1-inch thick)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter (optional)
• Garlic (optional)

Method

• Prepare the steaks: Take the steaks out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Brush or rub both sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F and preheat for about 5 minutes.
• Air fry the steaks: Place the steaks in the air fryer basket or tray. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. For a medium steak, cook for 10 minutes, and for a medium-well steak, cook for 12 minutes.
• Rest the steaks: Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for about 4 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak tender and juicy.
• Make garlic butter (optional): While the steaks are resting, you can make garlic butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt.
• Serve: Plate the steaks and top with slices of garlic butter, if desired. Enjoy your perfectly cooked T-bone steak!

Tips:

• Always bring your steak to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. For medium-rare, aim for 135 degrees F, and for well-done, aim for 160 degrees F.
• Don't be shy with the salt and pepper—a good amount of seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the steak.
• Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
• Experiment with different sauces or toppings, such as balsamic glaze, chimichurri, or garlic butter.

How long to cook the T-bone steak for

The cooking time for your T-bone steak will depend on a few factors: the thickness of the steak, the temperature you are cooking at, and your desired level of doneness.

As a general rule, thinner cuts of T-bone steak will take less time to cook than thicker cuts. For example, a thinner steak can be cooked to medium doneness in as little as 4 minutes, while a thicker steak may take up to 15 minutes or more to reach the same level of doneness.

Most recipes recommend cooking your T-bone steak in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, a thinner steak (around 1 inch thick) can be cooked to medium doneness in about 8-10 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. For a thicker steak, you may need to increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes or more, depending on your desired level of doneness.

It's important to note that T-bone steaks can go from too rare to done in under a minute, so it's crucial to keep a close eye on your steak and use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The USDA recommends the following internal temperatures for steak doneness:

• Medium Rare: 135 degrees F
• Medium: 145 degrees F
• Medium Well: 155 degrees F
• Well Done: 160 degrees F

It is also recommended to let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, which will result in a more tender and juicy steak.

How to make toppings and sauces to accompany the steak

Now that you've cooked your T-bone steak in the air fryer, it's time to think about toppings and sauces to accompany it. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sauces

• Red wine jus
• Peppercorn sauce
• Chimichurri
• Marsala sauce
• Whisky cream sauce
• Béarnaise sauce
• Red wine and shallot sauce
• Horseradish sauce
• Mushroom sauce
• Blue cheese sauce
• Tomato vinaigrette
• Hollandaise sauce
• Red wine sauce
• Creamy avocado sauce
• Cowboy caviar sauce

Toppings

• Fried egg
• Kimchi
• Guacamole
• Pickled vegetables
• Marinated grilled shrimp
• Caramelised onions
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Caramelised shallots
• Garlic
• Herbs

How to store leftover T-bone steak

Storing leftover T-bone steak is simple. If you have cooked T-bone steak, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you have leftover raw T-bone steak, it will last in the fridge for up to three days.

If you want to store leftover T-bone steak for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or store it in a freezer bag. It will last for two to three months in the freezer.

To reheat your leftover T-bone steak, you can use the microwave or the air fryer. To microwave, remove the steak from its container and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 60-90 seconds on high. To reheat in the air fryer, cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for two to three minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired temperature.

Frequently asked questions