London Broil: Air Fryer Cooking Time Tips

London broil, a popular cut of meat, can be cooked in an air fryer for a quick and delicious meal. The cooking time in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the meat and your desired level of doneness. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of how long to cook a London broil in an air fryer, ensuring you achieve a perfectly cooked and flavorful dish.

Preparation: Season the meat, set the air fryer to 375°F, and preheat for optimal cooking

When preparing a London broil in an air fryer, the key to success lies in precise preparation and timing. Here's a detailed guide to ensure your meat turns out tender and flavorful:

Seasoning the Meat: Begin by selecting a high-quality London broil, preferably a well-marbled cut. Remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. During this time, generously season both sides of the meat with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs for extra flavor. Massaging the seasoning into the meat will enhance its taste and ensure an even cook.

Setting Up the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking London broil as it ensures a good sear and even cooking throughout. While the air fryer preheats, prepare your cooking rack or basket to fit inside the fryer. This step is crucial to allow hot air circulation around the meat, promoting even cooking.

Cooking Time: Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the seasoned London broil onto the rack or basket. Cook the meat for approximately 8-12 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your cut and your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 8-9 minutes, while medium is around 10-11 minutes. Remember, the air fryer's rapid air circulation will cook the meat faster than traditional methods, so keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Resting and Serving: After the desired cooking time, remove the London broil from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender piece of meat. Finally, slice the meat against the grain and serve it with your choice of sides and sauces.

Thick Cut: For a 1-inch thick cut, cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway

When cooking a London broil in an air fryer, the thickness of the meat is a crucial factor to consider. For a thicker cut, such as a 1-inch thick London broil, you'll want to ensure it is cooked thoroughly while maintaining its juicy texture. Here's a detailed guide on how to achieve that perfect result:

Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature. A temperature of 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C) is commonly recommended for cooking London broil. This temperature range helps to cook the meat evenly and quickly. Place the thick cut of London broil in the air fryer basket, ensuring there's enough space for the hot air to circulate.

The cooking time for a 1-inch thick London broil is typically around 12 to 15 minutes. This duration may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the desired doneness. For medium-rare, you'll want to aim for the lower end of the range, while medium will require a few more minutes. It's important to flip the meat halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and cooking. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn the meat over.

During the cooking process, keep an eye on the internal temperature of the meat. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach around 135°F to 140°F (57°C to 60°C). For medium, aim for 140°F to 145°F (60°C to 63°C). Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to get an accurate reading.

Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the London broil from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful cut. Finally, slice the meat against the grain to achieve the most tender texture.

Thin Cut: Thinner cuts (1/2 inch) cook for 8-10 minutes, also flipping

When it comes to cooking a London broil in an air fryer, the thickness of the cut plays a crucial role in determining the cooking time. For a thin cut of London broil, which is typically around 1/2 inch thick, you can expect a cooking time of approximately 8 to 10 minutes. This cooking method is ideal for achieving a tender and juicy steak with a beautiful sear.

The key to success with this cooking technique is to flip the meat halfway through the cooking process. This ensures even cooking and helps create a beautiful, golden-brown crust on both sides. Start by preheating your air fryer to the appropriate temperature, usually around 375°F to 400°F. Place the thin-cut London broil in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is not overcrowded. Cook for the specified time, flipping the steak once to promote even cooking.

During the cooking process, it's important to monitor the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium-rare finish, aim for an internal temperature of around 135°F to 140°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the steak. Once it reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender steak.

After resting, you can slice the London broil against the grain to further enhance its tenderness. This simple yet effective cooking method allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality steak at home, with the convenience of an air fryer. Remember, the key to success is precise timing and flipping the steak to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.

Feel free to adjust the cooking time based on your personal preference for doneness. For medium-well, you might extend the cooking time by a couple of minutes, and for rare, you can reduce it slightly. Always ensure that your air fryer is preheated and that you use a reliable meat thermometer for accurate results. With this method, you'll be able to cook a delicious London broil that rivals any restaurant's offering.

Doneness: Aim for an internal temp of 135°F for rare, 145°F for medium-rare

When cooking a London broil in an air fryer, achieving the perfect doneness is key to a delicious and tender cut of meat. The internal temperature is a critical factor in determining the level of doneness, ensuring that the meat is cooked to your desired preference. For a rare London broil, you should aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). This temperature ensures that the meat remains juicy and slightly pink in the center, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience. It's important to note that the exact temperature may vary slightly depending on your personal preference, but 135°F is a good starting point for a rare cut.

To achieve this rare doneness, you can follow a simple cooking guideline. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the London broil in the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 8-10 minutes. This duration is a general estimate and may vary based on the thickness of your cut. Thicker cuts will require a few extra minutes to reach the desired temperature. After the initial cooking time, it's essential to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it meets your desired doneness.

For a medium-rare London broil, the target internal temperature is slightly higher at 145°F (63°C). This level of doneness provides a more substantial pink center and a slightly firmer texture. To cook to this temperature, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the London broil for about 10-12 minutes, again adjusting the time based on the thickness of the cut. As with the rare doneness, check the temperature regularly to avoid overcooking.

It's worth mentioning that these cooking times are estimates and may require slight adjustments based on your air fryer model and the specific cut of London broil you are using. Always ensure that you let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result. Remember, the internal temperature is the most accurate way to determine doneness, so always use a meat thermometer for the best results.

Resting: Let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes to retain moisture and flavor

When it comes to cooking a London broil in an air fryer, one crucial step that often gets overlooked is resting the meat. This simple yet essential process can significantly impact the final result, ensuring your dish is tender, juicy, and flavorful. Here's why and how to do it right:

Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, ensuring that every bite is moist and succulent. This is especially important for cuts like London broil, which can be tough and lean. By letting the meat rest, you're essentially giving the proteins time to relax and re-form, making the meat more tender and easier to slice. This technique is a fundamental principle in cooking, often referred to as 'resting' or 'letting the meat rest.'

The ideal resting time for a London broil is between 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, cover the cooked meat loosely with foil to keep it warm. This simple step helps to trap the heat, allowing the meat to rest at a safe temperature without losing too much moisture. It's a small action that makes a big difference in the overall quality of your dish.

While the meat rests, you can prepare your desired side dishes or even plate the meat with your favorite sauce. This resting period is not just about the meat; it's a chance to ensure your entire meal is well-rested and ready to be served. It's a simple way to elevate your cooking skills and impress your guests.

Remember, the key to a successful London broil in the air fryer is not just about the cooking time but also the attention given to the resting process. By taking these few extra minutes, you'll be rewarded with a delicious, perfectly cooked meal that will have your family and friends asking for seconds.

Frequently asked questions