Air-Fryer Beef Strips: Cooking Time Perfection

Cooking beef strips in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, tender, and juicy meal. The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of beef dishes, from steak bites to New York strip steaks and Mongolian beef. The cooking time for beef strips in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges from 7 to 20 minutes.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for beef strips in an air fryer depend on the level of doneness you want to achieve.

For medium doneness, cook the steak bites for about 7 minutes in total: air fry for about 4 minutes, shake the basket, and then cook for another 3 minutes. This will give you steak bites with a little pink inside. If you want your steak bites to be more on the medium-rare side, reduce the cooking time.

For medium-rare, cook the steak for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre of the steak should read 130°F (54°C). Tent with foil for about 10 minutes before serving warm.

For medium-well done, cook for a couple of minutes longer than the time suggested for medium doneness.

For well-done steak bites, cook for about 15 minutes in total: cook for 8 minutes on one side, turn, and then cook for another 7 minutes. The meat thermometer should read 160°F.

It is important to preheat the air fryer, as this ensures the food cooks evenly and gets crispy and/or caramelized. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 4 to 5 minutes. If your air fryer does not reach 400°F, you can cook at 400°F for closer to 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes.

Oil and seasoning

Oil

Avocado oil and olive oil are excellent choices for cooking beef strips in an air fryer. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, preventing residue buildup and ensuring your air fryer remains clean. It also helps keep the beef strips lubricated during cooking, resulting in a delectable crisp texture.

If using avocado oil, it is recommended to spray or brush it onto the beef strips lightly. This ensures an even coating without oversaturating the meat. Alternatively, if you prefer olive oil, you can heat it in a skillet on the stove and spritz the beef strips generously while they cook in the air fryer.

Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, the possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the flavors to your taste preferences. Here are some seasoning options to consider:

• Salt and Pepper: A classic combination of kosher salt and black pepper can be used generously on both sides of the beef strips.
• Garlic and Onion: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder create a savory and slightly smoky flavor profile.
• Spicy Blend: For a kick of heat, incorporate chili powder along with garlic and cumin for a Tex-Mex-inspired dish.
• Steak Seasoning: Montreal Steak Seasoning is a popular choice for beef strips, offering a well-rounded blend of spices.
• Liquid Aminos or Soy Sauce: Adding a touch of liquid aminos, soy sauce, or coconut aminos enhances that signature steakhouse flavor.

Additionally, you can marinate the beef strips before cooking. While this step is optional, it can add depth of flavor to your dish. Simply cover the beef strips with your chosen marinade and refrigerate for anywhere between one hour and 24 hours before cooking.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to ensure that all the herbs and spices are at room temperature before adding them to the air fryer. This helps maintain consistent cooking temperatures and prevents any interference with the cooking process.

Resting the meat

For a New York strip steak, cooked for around 15 minutes, you should let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will ensure the steak is tender and moist. The same goes for steak bites, which should be allowed to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure the steak bites are juicy and tender.

If you are cooking a well-done steak, which requires a longer cooking time of around 15 minutes, it is important to let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to settle and redistribute, resulting in a moist and juicy steak.

It is also important to note that the steak should be allowed to come to room temperature before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and help the steak cook to your desired doneness. By allowing the steak to rest both before and after cooking, you will ensure a juicy and flavorful steak that is cooked to perfection.

Marination

To marinate the beef, start by placing the beef strips in a large bowl. You can use any type of beef cut, such as sirloin, strip steak, or stew meat, depending on your preference. Prepare a marinade with ingredients such as avocado oil, olive oil, liquid aminos, soy sauce, coconut aminos, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. You can also use a store-bought marinade or make your own homemade sauce.

Cover the beef strips completely with the marinade, ensuring that all pieces are coated evenly. Once marinated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. The beef strips can be marinated for as little as 30 minutes or up to 24 hours, depending on how much time you have and how intense you want the flavours to be.

After marination, remove the beef strips from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 10-30 minutes before cooking. This step is optional, as some people prefer to cook the steak straight from the refrigerator. However, bringing the meat to room temperature can help ensure even cooking.

Doneness

The doneness of your beef strips will depend on how long you cook them for and at what temperature. For a medium-rare steak, you should air fry for around 10 minutes, turning halfway through. The internal temperature should be 130°F (54°C). For a medium steak, you should air fry for 11-12 minutes, with an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C). For a medium-well steak, cook for 13 minutes, with an internal temperature of 150°F (66°C). If you like your steak well done, air fry for 15 minutes, turning the steak after 8 minutes. The internal temperature should be 160°F (71°C).

If you are cooking steak bites, you can air fry for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket at least once, for a medium level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak bite, reduce the cooking time, and for a medium-well bite, increase the cooking time.

It is important to preheat your air fryer before adding the steak. This will ensure that the food cooks evenly and gets crispy. Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for 4-5 minutes. You can also cook at a higher temperature of 420°F (215°C) for a shorter time of around 10 minutes in total.

To check the doneness of your steak, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. You can also check by sight, depending on your preference.

Frequently asked questions