Air Fryer Broil Steak: How Long Does It Take?

Broiling a steak in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to achieve a perfect sear and mouthwatering flavour. In this guide, we will take you through the steps to achieve steak perfection using your air fryer.

Before you start broiling your steak, it is important to select the right cut. Look for a well-marbled steak, such as ribeye or New York strip, as the marbling will add flavour and tenderness to the meat. Aim for a steak that is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for optimal results.

To ensure your steak is cooked to perfection, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should reach 130-140°F, for a medium steak, it should be 140-150°F, and for a well-done steak, it should be 160°F.

Choosing the right cut of steak

Thickness

It is recommended to choose steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks tend to cook too quickly in the air fryer, resulting in an uneven browning. Steaks that are around 1 inch thick are ideal as they allow for even cooking and browning.

Type of Steak

When it comes to the type of steak, you have multiple options that work well in an air fryer. These include sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, porterhouse, T-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon. These cuts tend to have a good amount of marbling, which helps keep the steak juicy and flavourful.

Room Temperature

For the best results, it is recommended to let your steaks come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures more even cooking. Taking the steaks out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking is ideal.

Dry Steaks

Before cooking, it is important to pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture, ensuring that the steaks brown properly instead of steaming in their juices.

Seasoning

A little oil rubbed on the steaks can help enhance browning. Additionally, adding a dry rub or seasoning blend to the steaks can improve the overall colour and flavour. Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika can be used, or you can opt for a steak rub or marinade.

Spacing in the Air Fryer

When cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. The steaks should have enough airflow around them to ensure even cooking and browning. If needed, cook the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature will depend on your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a medium steak, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner steaks.

By considering these factors and following the cooking instructions, you can achieve a perfectly cooked air-fried steak that is seared on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Preparing the steak

Before you start cooking, it's important to choose the right cut of steak. Look for a well-marbled steak, such as ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip. The marbling will add flavour and tenderness to the meat. Your steak should be around 1-inch thick for the best results; thinner steaks will cook too fast and won't get a chance to brown.

Take your steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the steak cook more evenly. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, then season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add your favourite steak seasoning or rub for extra flavour.

Now it's time to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. While you're waiting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to go with your steak.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the steak. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes for a medium-rare steak, flipping it halfway through. For a medium steak, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and the model of your air fryer, so it's best to use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

When your steak is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavourful steak. After resting, slice the steak against the grain and serve with your chosen sides.

Tips for the perfect steak

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket – make sure there's enough airflow for optimal browning.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of your steak. For medium-rare, it should reach 130-140°F; for medium, it should be 140-150°F.
• Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to customise the flavour of your steak.
• For a smoky flavour, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or use a smoky steak rub.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking the perfect steak. It ensures your steak cooks evenly and efficiently. Here is a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer for the best results:

Firstly, remove your steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes. This is a crucial step as it allows your steak to cook more evenly. It also gives you time to prepare your air fryer and any side dishes. While your steak is reaching room temperature, you can pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step ensures you achieve a perfect sear and crust on your steak.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This is the optimal temperature for cooking steak, as it will give you a great sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your meal. You can also use this time to season your steak. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper will do, but if you want to get creative, you can add a dry rub or your favourite steak seasoning. You can also add a drizzle of oil to help the seasoning stick and enhance the browning of your steak.

Once your air fryer is preheated, carefully place your seasoned steak into the air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space around the steak for optimal airflow. You don't want to overcrowd the basket as this can affect the cooking process.

Now that your air fryer is preheated and your steak is prepared and seasoned, you are ready to start cooking! Depending on your desired level of doneness, you can refer to the cooking times provided in the full recipe. Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the perfect temperature.

By following these steps for preheating your air fryer, you'll be well on your way to cooking a restaurant-worthy steak that's juicy and tender on the inside, with a delicious crust on the outside.

Cooking the steak

Now that you have gathered your ingredients and prepared your air fryer, it is time to cook the steak. Here is a detailed guide on how to cook the perfect steak using your air fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature for cooking steak and will ensure a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature.

Prepare the Steak:

While the air fryer is preheating, take your steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This step is important as it helps the steak cook more evenly. Aim for a steak that is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, as thinner steaks may cook too fast and not get a chance to brown properly.

Once the steak is at room temperature, use paper towels to pat it dry and remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial, as moisture can affect the browning process. You can also trim any excess fat from the steak to prevent flare-ups during cooking.

Season the Steak:

Generously season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add your favorite steak seasoning or rub to enhance the flavor. A dry rub can be especially helpful if you are using a leaner cut of steak, as it adds color and flavor. Additionally, you can drizzle or brush a little oil on the steak to help with browning and ensure a nice crust.

Place the Steak in the Air Fryer:

Carefully place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as proper airflow is essential for optimal cooking. If you are cooking multiple steaks, leave enough space between them for even cooking.

Cook the Steak:

The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. As a guide, cook a 1-inch thick steak for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping it halfway through the cooking process. For a medium doneness, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

However, the best way to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Here are the internal temperatures to aim for:

• Rare: 125-130°F
• Medium-Rare: 130-140°F
• Medium: 140-150°F
• Medium-Well: 150-155°F
• Well-Done: 160°F

Rest the Steak:

Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak. Cover the steak loosely with foil to prevent it from continuing to cook.

Slice and Serve:

After the steak has rested, slice it against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy the perfectly cooked steak with a juicy interior and a delicious crust!

Resting the steak

During the resting period, the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise. For instance, if you are aiming for a medium-rare steak, the ideal internal temperature is 130-140°F. By removing the steak from the air fryer a few degrees before this target temperature is reached, the steak will reach the desired temperature during the resting period. This is a key step in achieving your desired level of doneness.

Additionally, resting the steak gives the juices time to settle, preventing them from flowing out of the steak when it is cut. This ensures that your steak remains juicy and moist.

To keep the steak warm during the resting period, loosely tent it with foil. This will also prevent the steak from continuing to cook too much after being removed from the air fryer.

Finally, the resting period gives you time to prepare any final touches for your dish. You can use this time to make a delicious herb butter to take your steak to the next level. Simply mash together some butter, shallot, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and your choice of herbs. Once the steak has rested, top it with the herb butter and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions