Ella Walter
Air fryers have emerged as a versatile solution for steak enthusiasts worldwide, offering a healthier, more time-efficient, and convenient way to cook steak. With the ability to replicate frying, grilling, or baking with much less oil, air fryers can deliver juicy and tender steak without the mess and hassle of traditional methods. While the cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the steak and the desired doneness level, a 1-inch thick blade steak cooked in an air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipped halfway, should result in a medium-rare to medium steak.
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right cut of steak
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a fantastic option, producing delicious results. It is a convenient, quick, and easy way to cook a juicy and tender steak.
Choosing the Right Cut of Steak
When choosing the right cut of steak for your air fryer, it is important to remember that some cuts are more suited to certain cooking methods than others. For example, the sirloin is divided into top sirloin, which is more tender, and bottom sirloin, which is larger, leaner, and tougher. The top sirloin requires less "babysitting" and is, therefore, a good option for the air fryer.
The flank steak is another cut that is well-suited to the air fryer. This cut is extremely lean and tender as it comes from the loin primal section of the cow, which is connective tissue that is not toughened by exercise. Flank steak is best cooked rare, medium-rare, or medium, as it can get chewy if overcooked.
Cube steak is another convenient and versatile option for the air fryer. This cut usually comes from the top or bottom round of the cow and is very lean, sometimes tough. It is best to marinate this cut before cooking to tenderize the meat. Acidic components such as balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, or Worcestershire sauce can help with this.
Other good options for the air fryer include New York strip, ribeye, T-bone, and filet mignon.
Cooking Your Steak in the Air Fryer
Firstly, remove your steaks from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature. This will help them cook more evenly and reduce toughness.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. You can then season your steaks with oil, salt, and pepper, or a dry rub. It is recommended to pat your steaks dry before seasoning.
Once seasoned, add the steaks to the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between them for airflow, and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The thicker the steak, the longer the cooking time. A meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the steak and determine how well it is cooked.
Finally, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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Prepare the steak
Preparing your blade steak for the air fryer is a crucial step in achieving a delicious, juicy, and tender steak. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your blade steak:
Choose the Right Cut of Steak:
Select a steak with good marbling and fat content, such as a rib eye steak. Other great options include New York strip, T-bone, Porterhouse, and certain sirloins. For the air fryer, choose steaks that are at least 1-inch thick. This thickness ensures optimal results and even cooking.
Allow Steak to Reach Room Temperature:
Take your steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20-25 minutes before cooking. This step helps the steak cook more evenly and results in a more tender texture.
Seasoning:
Before cooking, dry the steak with kitchen paper or a clean cloth. Then, brush or rub both sides of the steak with olive oil, butter, or another neutral oil. This helps with browning and adds flavour. Next, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, garlic salt, or a dry rub for extra flavour.
Meat Thermometer (Optional):
If you want precise control over the doneness of your steak, insert a leave-in meat thermometer into the centre of the steak before placing it in the air fryer. This will help you monitor the internal temperature and cook your steak to your desired level of doneness.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheating your air fryer is crucial to achieving a nice sear on your steak. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about 4-5 minutes. Make sure your air fryer basket is hot before placing the steak inside.
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Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in achieving a well-cooked blade steak with a beautiful sear. It ensures that your steak gets a nice crust and cooks evenly. Depending on the model of your air fryer, preheat it for around 4 to 5 minutes to reach the desired temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. This temperature is ideal for cooking steak as it allows for even browning and cooking.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your blade steak by seasoning it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or garlic salt for extra flavor. If you want a more tender steak, brush the surface with olive oil or another neutral oil before seasoning. This helps the steak brown better and adds to the overall flavor.
The preheating time may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer, so it's important to refer to your air fryer's instructions for the most accurate preheating guidelines. Additionally, if you are cooking more than two steaks, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches is especially important if your air fryer is not already preheated, as the first batch will take longer to cook.
Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can proceed to place your seasoned blade steak in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space between the steaks to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. Now, you're ready to set the timer and let the air fryer work its magic!
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Cooking times and temperatures
For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through, and 12 minutes for a medium steak. If you are cooking more than two steaks, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of your steak. Thicker steaks will require a longer cooking time.
You can check the internal temperature of your steak with a meat thermometer. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 125°F and 130°F. A medium steak will have an internal temperature of 140°F-145°F. Well-done steaks will be cooked to 160°F. It is recommended to remove your steak from the air fryer when it is 5°F below your desired internal temperature, as the steak will continue to cook as it rests.
Let your steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking, loosely tented with foil, before slicing and serving.
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Resting the steak
Let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy steak. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, 5 minutes of resting time should be sufficient. For thicker steaks, adjust the resting time accordingly.
During the resting period, the steak's internal temperature will increase by about five degrees, so it is important to remove it from the air fryer before it reaches your desired doneness. A meat probe or meat thermometer can be used to test the steak's internal temperature and ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness.
After resting, slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve it with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time will depend on the desired doneness and the thickness of the steak. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium.
Choose a steak that is at least 1 inch thick. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and season the steak with salt, pepper, and oil. Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between the meat for the hot air to circulate. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time.
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 125°F and 130°F. For a medium steak, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F-145°F.
Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy steak. Remove the steak from the air fryer and tent it loosely with foil for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Some side dish options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad, baked potato, mushrooms, or pasta.
