Air Fryer Steak: Medium-Well Perfection In Minutes

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook steak, with the added benefit of being healthier than traditional methods. The air fryer's small space and fan ensure a consistent temperature, meaning your steak will be cooked to perfection every time. It is also a hands-off method, requiring little attention.

To cook a medium-well steak, you will need to air fry for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping the steak halfway through. This will yield a juicy, tender steak with a perfect crust.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the process of cooking a medium-well steak. By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you ensure a few key benefits that will ultimately result in a delicious and perfectly cooked steak.

Firstly, preheating guarantees that your steak will be cooked evenly. This is because the air fryer basket or tray reaches the desired temperature before the steak is placed inside, maintaining a consistent cooking temperature throughout the cooking process. This even heat distribution is crucial for achieving the desired doneness and preventing undercooked or overcooked steaks.

Secondly, preheating helps to create a delicious sear on your steak. A proper sear not only adds to the visual appeal of the steak but also enhances its flavour and texture. The high temperature of 400°F allows for the formation of a mouthwatering crust on the steak's exterior, sealing in the juices and creating that sought-after contrast between the crispy exterior and tender interior.

To preheat your air fryer effectively, follow these steps:

• Ensure your air fryer is unplugged and has cooled down from any previous use.
• Set the temperature to 400°F. Most air fryers have temperature controls that allow you to select the desired temperature.
• Allow the air fryer to preheat for a sufficient amount of time. Depending on the model of your air fryer, this could take around 5 minutes or more. Refer to your air fryer's instructions for precise information.
• Once preheated, you can carefully place your seasoned steak inside, following the specific instructions for your chosen recipe.

Remember, preheating your air fryer to 400°F is a crucial step in achieving that perfect medium-well steak. It ensures even cooking, enhances flavour and texture, and helps create a steak that will impress even the most discerning steak connoisseur.

Season the steak with salt and pepper

Seasoning your steak with salt and pepper is a simple yet crucial step in the cooking process. It enhances the natural flavour of the meat and adds a delicious savoury note.

When seasoning your steak, it is best to use kosher salt or sea salt, as these varieties have a more coarse texture compared to regular table salt. This coarse texture is important as it helps to form a delicious crust on the exterior of the steak as it cooks. Additionally, the type of pepper you use can also make a difference. Freshly ground black peppercorns are ideal, as they have a stronger, more complex flavour compared to pre-ground pepper.

To season your steak, simply sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper on both sides of the steak. You can also pat the steak dry with a paper towel before seasoning, as this will help the spices adhere better to the meat. Once seasoned, you can let the steak sit for a few minutes to allow the flavours to develop before cooking.

If you want to take your seasoning to the next level, you can try using a steak rub or creating your own blend of spices. For example, a simple blend of garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper can add a wonderful depth of flavour to your steak. Alternatively, you can experiment with other spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to give your steak a smoky kick.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to be generous and not be afraid to experiment with different flavours to find what you like best.

Cook for 10-12 minutes

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a super-quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking a medium-well steak in an air fryer in around 10-12 minutes:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to ensure that your air fryer is properly preheated to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

For the best results, remove your steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure the most even cooking. Before placing the steak in the air fryer, pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the steak brown rather than steam. You can also rub a little oil on the steak to improve browning.

Step 3: Season the Steak

Sprinkle both sides of the steak with salt and pepper, or a steak seasoning blend of your choice. You can also add other seasonings to your taste, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Air Fry the Steak

Place the steak in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-well steak, aim for an internal temperature of 150-155°F.

Step 5: Rest the Steak

Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak.

Step 6: Serve

Your steak is now ready to be served! For an extra touch of flavour, top it with a pat of garlic butter or your favourite herb butter. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer steak!

Rest for 10 minutes

Resting the steak for 10 minutes is a critical step in the cooking process. This is the time the meat needs to rest after cooking to allow the juices to reincorporate back into the meat. This step is essential for a tender and juicy steak.

During the resting period, the steak should be removed from the air fryer and placed on a plate or a wire rack. It is important to note that the steak will continue to cook slightly during this time, so it is recommended to remove the steak from the air fryer before it reaches the desired level of doneness. For a medium-well steak, aim for an internal temperature of 150-155°F, and remember that the temperature will rise by a few degrees as the steak rests.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to serve with it. Some side dish options include salad, roasted vegetables, or potatoes. A compound butter, such as garlic herb butter, can also be a delicious addition to the steak.

Finally, it is important not to skip the resting step, as it ensures that the steak is juicy and flavorful. This step also allows the steak to cool slightly, making it easier and safer to handle when it comes time to slice and serve.

Serve with garlic herb butter

To make garlic herb butter to serve with your medium-well steak, you will need the following ingredients:

• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• Fresh parsley
• Garlic (freshly minced) or finely grated
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Fresh rosemary
• Fresh thyme

You can prepare the garlic herb butter by mixing the ingredients in a small bowl until they are thoroughly combined. Then, place the mixture on some parchment paper and roll it into a log shape. Refrigerate the garlic herb butter until you are ready to use it. It will keep well in the fridge for a couple of weeks and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When your steak is cooked to medium-well, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. Then, top it with the garlic herb butter.

Frequently asked questions