Air Fryer Steak: Perfect Timing For Tender Meat

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender steak with a crispy crust. The high heat of the air fryer is perfect for cooking steak, as the less time the steak spends cooking, the more tender it will be. The air fryer also cuts down the cooking time, giving you extra time to prepare side dishes.

How long to bake a 1-inch steak in an air fryer

Baking a 1-inch steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy and tender steak with a perfect crust. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness, ranging from rare to well done.

Preparation

Firstly, ensure your steak is at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks may overcook and become chewy. Allow your steak to reach room temperature before cooking, which should take around 30 minutes. This step is important for achieving even cooking.

Before seasoning, pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove moisture. This will help the steak brown rather than steam. You can then season the steak with oil, salt, and pepper, or a dry rub.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. The cooking time for a 1-inch steak in an air fryer will vary depending on your desired level of doneness.

For a rare steak, cook for 5-6 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 125-130°F.

For a medium-rare steak, cook for 8-10 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 130-140°F.

For a medium steak, cook for 10-12 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 140-150°F.

For a medium-well steak, cook for 11 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 150-155°F.

For a well-done steak, cook for 12-13 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak and adjust cooking times accordingly.

Resting and Serving

Once your steak has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

Your 1-inch steak cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as salads, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or French fries.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked air-fried steak!

How to get a rare or medium-rare steak

If you're looking for a juicy, tender steak cooked to a perfect rare or medium-rare finish in your air fryer, follow these steps:

Preparation:

Start with a thick steak—at least 1 inch is recommended. Thinner steaks tend to overcook quickly and may not get a chance to brown properly. Choose your favourite cut; options like ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, and porterhouse work well.

Take your steak out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. This is an important step for even cooking.

Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures a nice sear on the steak.

Brush or rub both sides of the steak with a little olive oil. This helps the steak brown better and develop a nice crust.

Season the steak with salt and pepper or a steak seasoning blend of your choice. You can also get creative with seasonings and rubs, adding spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes for a flavour boost.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-9 minutes for medium-rare, depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the steak. For rare, aim for 5-6 minutes. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For rare, it should be between 125°F and 130°F, while medium-rare should fall between 130°F and 140°F.

Resting:

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

Serving:

Slice the steak against the grain to tenderize the meat fibres, and serve!

Tips:

• If you're cooking multiple steaks, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the steaks to ensure even cooking.
• If you're cooking thicker steaks, you may need to increase the cooking time by a minute or two.
• The steak will continue to cook a little after it's removed from the air fryer, so take it out about 5 degrees before your desired doneness temperature.
• For a flavour boost, top the steak with garlic herb butter or your favourite compound butter.

How to get a well-done steak

A well-done steak is a beautiful thing: a crispy, caramelized crust on the outside, with a juicy, tender inside. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this deliciousness using an air fryer.

Preparation

Firstly, choose your steak. Good options are sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, porterhouse, or filet mignon. Ensure your steak is at least 1 inch thick; thinner steaks will overcook and become chewy. Take your steak out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature, which will ensure more even cooking. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove moisture, which will help achieve a good sear.

Seasoning

Drizzle a little olive oil on each side of the steak and rub it in. You can also add a dry rub of salt and pepper, or a store-bought steak seasoning. A simple dry rub could include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the steak in the basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping it halfway through. For a well-done steak, you are aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F, so use a meat thermometer to check.

Resting

Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to relax, ensuring it is moist and flavoursome.

Serving

Well-done steaks go well with simple vegetable side dishes, such as salads, potatoes, asparagus, green beans, or French fries. You can also top your steak with a pat of garlic herb butter for an extra indulgent touch. Enjoy!

How to season steak for an air fryer

To season steak for an air fryer, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, let your steak come to room temperature for around 30 minutes. This will help the steak cook more evenly.

Next, pat the steak dry with paper towels. This is an important step as it will help the steak to brown rather than steam.

Now, it's time to season the steak. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt and pepper, as well as garlic powder and paprika for a dry rub. Simply sprinkle or rub the seasonings onto both sides of the steak. You can also add a little oil to the steak, which will help with browning.

If you want to get creative, you can make a marinade or dry rub with a combination of spices, herbs, and a pinch of sugar for a caramelized crust. You could also add a creamy sauce, such as alfredo or cheese sauce.

Once the steak is seasoned to your liking, it's ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

What to serve with air fryer steak

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

Salads

A fresh salad can be a great accompaniment to your steak. Try a simple arugula salad, or something more substantial like a Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad or a Salad with Burrata.

Vegetables

Sautéed mushrooms, roasted asparagus, or grilled Brussels sprouts are all delicious vegetable options to serve with your steak. If you're looking for something a little more unusual, how about trying grilled zucchini or oven-roasted broccoli?

Potatoes

Steak and potatoes are a classic combination. Why not try instant pot mashed potatoes, hasselback potatoes, or sweet potato wedges? Or, for a real treat, cook up some air fryer French fries!

Risotto

For a creamy and indulgent side dish, try serving your steak with a risotto. Mushroom, beet, or barley risottos would all pair well with the steak.

Other Starchy Sides

If you're not in the mood for potatoes, there are plenty of other starchy sides that would go well with steak. How about baked, smashed, or mashed sweet potatoes, or even some crispy air fryer onion rings?

Remember, when it comes to side dishes, it's important to consider the flavors and textures that will complement your steak. So feel free to get creative and experiment with different options to find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions