Emilie Meyer
Carne asada is a traditional Mexican dish that is typically served on a tortilla with fresh salsa as a taco. It is usually made with skirt steak or flank steak, marinated in a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, chiles, garlic, cilantro, salt, cumin, oregano, paprika, and pepper. The steak is then placed in the air fryer for around 6 to 12 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The result is a juicy and tender steak with a crispy exterior, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinating time | 30 minutes to 24 hours |
| Steak type | Skirt steak or flank steak |
| Temperature | 350°F |
| Cooking time | 6-12 minutes |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Recommended cooking time and temperature
The recommended cooking time and temperature for carne asada in an air fryer will depend on the size and type of your air fryer, the thickness of your steak, and your desired level of doneness. It's important to note that carne asada is typically made with skirt steak or flank steak, which are leaner cuts of meat that can dry out and become chewy if overcooked. Therefore, it is critical not to cook the steak past medium.
Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. One source suggests cooking the steak for 10 minutes at this temperature, while another suggests cooking it for 6 minutes. However, it's important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for a total of 6 minutes (3 minutes on each side). For medium, increase the cooking time to a total of 8 minutes (4 minutes on each side). For medium-well, cook for a total of 10 minutes (5 minutes on each side). If you prefer your steak well-done, cook for a total of 12 minutes (6 minutes on each side).
It is recommended to flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. After cooking, let the steak rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents them from being wasted on the cutting board.
It's worth noting that the marinating time for your carne asada will also impact the final cooking time and temperature. It is recommended to marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes to help tenderize the meat, but some sources suggest marinating for at least 4 hours or even overnight for the best results. The longer the steak is marinated, the more tender it will become.
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Marinating the steak
Firstly, gather your ingredients. A traditional carne asada marinade typically includes olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, chiles, garlic, cilantro, salt, cumin, oregano, paprika, and pepper. You can also add orange juice to your marinade, which will add a hint of citrus sweetness to the meat. If you want to keep it simple, you can just use oil, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
Next, prepare the marinade by combining your chosen ingredients in a blender and mixing until you get a smooth sauce. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. If you want a spicier marinade, for example, you can add more chiles or pepper.
Now it's time to prepare the steak. Cut your skirt steak or flank steak into pieces and place them into a zip-top bag or a bowl. If using a bowl, make sure it is large enough to hold the steak and the marinade. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring that all the pieces are well-coated.
Once the steak is coated in the marinade, it's time to let it soak. You can let the steak marinate for as little as 30 minutes or as long as 24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer you let it soak, the more tender and flavourful the steak will become. If you have the time, it is recommended to marinate the steak overnight for the best results.
Finally, when you are ready to cook the steak, remove it from the marinade and let it come to room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly in the air fryer.
By following these steps, you will have a well-marinated steak that is ready to be cooked to perfection in your air fryer!
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Reheating carne asada
Air fryers are a great way to reheat leftover carne asada, ensuring it stays juicy and tender. Before you start, make sure you have all your supplies ready: leftover carne asada, an air fryer, and some aluminum foil. You might also want to prepare some extra seasonings or sauces to enhance the flavor.
When reheating carne asada, it's important to note that thinner cuts of beef, such as skirt steak or flank steak, may dry out in the air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to reheat the carne asada in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the meat tender.
If you choose to reheat your carne asada in the air fryer, set the temperature to 350°F and cook for about 3 to 7 minutes. If your carne asada is particularly thick, you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Halfway through, carefully open the foil and flip the meat to ensure even heating. After the time is up, check the internal temperature of the meat; it should be at least 140°F for it to be perfectly reheated.
For best results, eat any leftover carne asada within 3 to 4 days.
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Carne asada fries
Carne asada is traditionally cooked over a flame or in a cast-iron skillet, but it can also be cooked in an air fryer. To make carne asada fries, you'll need to cook the carne asada and the fries separately in the air fryer, and then assemble them together with your desired toppings.
Marinating the Carne Asada
Carne asada uses a marinade, which can be made by combining ingredients such as minced garlic, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Place your flank or skirt steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours, or even up to 24 hours if you have the time.
Cooking the Carne Asada
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 3-5 minutes. Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the cook time for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. The internal temperature for a medium-rare steak should be about 135 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius). Once cooked, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes to ensure the juices redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.
Cooking the Fries
After removing the steak from the air fryer, wipe out the small amount of grease and add your fries to the air fryer. Cook the fries until crispy and golden, which should take around 18 minutes for a batch of frozen fries. You can season the fries if desired.
Assembling the Carne Asada Fries
Add cheese to the top of the cooked fries. While authentic carne asada fries use cotija cheese, you can use any freshly shredded cheese. Top the cheese and fries with the carne asada and cook for approximately 30-60 seconds, just enough to warm up the steak without drying it out. Carne asada fries can be topped with a mixture of guacamole and sour cream, or any other toppings of your choice.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer carne asada is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. It is a great source of protein and is low in fat, making it a healthy option for a quick weeknight meal. Here are some serving suggestions:
Tacos, Burritos, and Nachos
Carne asada is a perfect filling for tacos, burritos, and nachos. Simply slice the steak thinly against the grain and serve it in warm soft corn or flour tortillas. Top with fresh ingredients such as chopped onions, cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. You can also add salsa, guacamole, and sour cream to taste. For a heartier meal, use the carne asada to beef up your nachos.
Salads and Stir-Fries
The juicy meat of air fryer carne asada can be enjoyed on its own or as a delicious addition to salads and stir-fries. The steak pairs well with grilled vegetables, cilantro-lime rice, and Mexican corn salad. For a low-carb option, try a keto big mac salad or a beef stroganoff.
Fries
Carne asada fries are a tasty option. Cook your favourite French fries until crispy and golden, then top with carne asada and cheese. Authentic carne asada fries use cotija cheese, but you can use any freshly shredded cheese of your choice. Don't forget to add your favourite toppings, such as guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
Traditional Mexican Dishes
Carne asada is a traditional Mexican dish, so it pairs well with other Mexican dishes and sides. Try it with burrito bowls, chili con carne, or even as a topping for keto beef tacos. For a true Mexican feast, serve it with sides like grilled tortillas, Mexican corn salad, or cilantro-lime rice.
Leftovers
If you have any leftover carne asada, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Gently reheat it in the air fryer or a skillet to maintain its texture and flavour. Leftovers can be used in various dishes, such as tacos, salads, or even added to a bowl of hearty chili.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the level of doneness you want to achieve. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Increase the time to 4 minutes on each side for medium, and 5-6 minutes on each side for well-done.
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Marinate the carne asada for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours, or even overnight.
The best cuts of meat for carne asada are flank steak and skirt steak. These cuts are lean and tenderize well.
Carne asada is traditionally served on a tortilla with fresh salsa as a taco. You can also use it in burrito bowls, nachos, or chili.
