Air Fryer Ny Strip Steak: Cooking Time Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to cook New York strip steak. The method is simple and it only takes about 10 minutes of active cooking time. The air fryer can achieve a crisp outer crust while keeping the inside tender. It is also healthier than traditional ways of cooking steak, as you only need a small amount of cooking spray or oil. Preparing the steak for the air fryer is similar to other cooking methods: remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30-45 minutes before cooking, season generously with salt, and allow it to rest at room temperature. Then, spray with cooking oil, add any other seasonings, and preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes for medium-rare, or 11-12 minutes for medium, flipping the steak once halfway through.

Air fryer vs grill or frying pan

The air fryer has been praised for its convenience, speed, and ease of use. Cooking an NY strip steak in an air fryer takes about 10 minutes for a medium-rare steak. If you want your steak to be medium, it will take about 11-12 minutes, and 13 minutes for medium-well.

Air Fryer vs Grill

The grill is the traditional method for cooking steak and is known for imparting a distinctive smoky flavor to the meat. Grilling uses high heat from flames directly below the meat, searing the surface and creating attractive char marks. However, grilling may result in uneven cooking and varying degrees of doneness.

On the other hand, the air fryer is a modern alternative that offers convenience, health benefits, and a crispy yet juicy steak. It uses circulating hot air to cook the steak evenly on all sides, resulting in a crispy outer layer and a juicy inside. The precise temperature control of an air fryer makes it easier to achieve your desired doneness.

Air Fryer vs Frying Pan

Cooking steak in a frying pan, especially a cast-iron skillet, is loved for the taste and the crisp outer layer it produces. However, it can be messy due to splattering and requires more clean-up afterward. A frying pan allows you to achieve the Maillard effect, which is the browning and crisping of the steak's exterior.

The air fryer is a convenient, healthy, and easy-to-use alternative to the grill or frying pan for cooking NY strip steak. It may not produce the same level of crust as a cast-iron pan, but it still delivers a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The air fryer is ideal for those who prioritize convenience, health, and consistent cooking results. However, if you prefer the traditional smoky flavor of grilled steak or the Maillard effect of a cast-iron pan, those methods may be more suitable.

How to prepare steak for air frying

Preparing steak for air frying is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, remove the steak from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature. This should be done for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 45 minutes.

Next, pat the steak dry with a paper towel. This is an important step to ensure the steak browns properly. You can also brush or rub the steak with a small amount of oil, such as avocado or olive oil, to help with browning.

After drying, season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or steak seasoning. If you want to add a marinade, now is the time to do so. Just be sure to pat the steak dry before adding the marinade to allow for proper crisping.

Once the steak is seasoned, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If your air fryer doesn't reach this temperature, you can cook the steak at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for a slightly longer time.

When the air fryer is preheated, place the steak in the basket, ensuring there is space around it for proper airflow. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook one steak at a time.

Now, you're ready to start cooking! The cooking time will depend on the desired doneness of your steak. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For medium, cook for 11-12 minutes, and for medium-well, cook for about 13 minutes.

After cooking, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

That's it! You now have a perfectly cooked, juicy air-fried steak.

Tips and tricks for air frying steak

Air fryers are a great alternative to grilling or frying steak, offering a healthier, more convenient, and quicker way to cook your meat. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the best results when air frying steak:

• Don't overcrowd the basket: Ensure there is enough space between the steaks for air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to fit one or two steaks in the basket. Cooking in batches is crucial to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
• Preheat the air fryer: Don't skip the preheating step! This is important to ensure the steaks get a quick sear on the outside before cooking through.
• Flip halfway through: While air fryers cook meat evenly, flipping the steak once during the process helps to sear both sides evenly as the heating element is usually on the upper part of the fryer.
• Use a meat thermometer: To avoid overcooking your steak, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The steak will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so take it out a few degrees before your desired temperature.
• Pat the steak dry: Before cooking, use paper towels to pat the steak dry. This will help to ensure a crispy crust forms during cooking.
• Use cooking spray: A small amount of cooking spray will help to create a crispy crust without adding extra calories or fat.
• Allow the steak to rest: After cooking, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives the juices a chance to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.
• Choose the right cut: While you can use your favourite cut of steak, some cuts are better suited to air frying. Ribeye, sirloin, and tri-tip have a good amount of fat and marbling, resulting in great flavour and texture. Chuck shoulder steaks are a more budget-friendly option but tend to be firmer.
• Season generously: Don't skimp on the seasoning! A good quality salt, like kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper will enhance the flavour of your steak. You can also use your favourite steak seasoning blend.
• Don't overload the basket with oil: A little oil goes a long way in an air fryer. You only need a light coating of oil to encourage browning and help the seasoning stick to the steak.

How to store and reheat air fryer steak

If you have leftover air fryer steak, you can store it in an airtight container or sealable bag in the refrigerator for up to four days. Place it on the bottom shelf of the fridge and ensure it's not sliced too thinly, as this will affect how long it lasts.

When it's time to reheat, pop the steak back into the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and ensure the steak pieces aren't touching if you're reheating more than one. For a medium-rare steak, cook for three minutes on one side, then flip and cook for a further two to three minutes. If your steak is very thick, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

You can also use both oil and butter to help prevent your steak from drying out. Brush the steak with olive oil and place pats of butter on top before heating.

Can you cook a frozen steak in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a frozen steak in an air fryer. In fact, the air fryer is designed to cook frozen items quickly and simply. The best way to cook a frozen steak in the air fryer is to cook it for a few minutes until it's mostly thawed, then season it on both sides before finishing it off. Frozen steaks generally take 15-20 minutes to cook in an air fryer, depending on how well done you like your steak.

If you're cooking an NY strip steak in an air fryer, it will take about 10 minutes for a medium-rare steak. For a medium steak, you're looking at 11-12 minutes, and 13 minutes for medium-well.

To prepare your steak, remove it from the refrigerator about 30-45 minutes before you're ready to start cooking. Then, pat the steak dry with paper towels and sprinkle seasoning salt and any other seasonings you like on both sides. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). When the air fryer is fully preheated, spray both sides of the steak with olive oil cooking spray and place it in the air fryer.

It's important to note that you shouldn'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. This is because the steaks need air circulation around all sides, or they may cook unevenly.

If you're cooking from frozen, you can skip the preheating step, but it's still important to ensure your steaks are well-seasoned before they go into the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions