Marianne Martinez
Chicken fried steak is a Southern classic that gets its name from the way the steak is cooked—using the same process as fried chicken. It is typically made with a tenderized cut of beef, such as cube steak, which is coated in a breading of eggs and a seasoned flour mixture. When cooked in an air fryer, chicken fried steak can achieve a crispy, fried texture without using as much oil as traditional frying methods. The cooking time for chicken fried steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak and the model of the air fryer, but it typically ranges from 8 to 15 minutes at temperatures between 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of steak | Cube steak |
| Steak cut | Top sirloin or top round |
| Steak preparation | Tenderized and flattened |
| Steak coating | Flour, spices, egg, and buffalo sauce |
| Oil type | Avocado oil or olive oil spray |
| Oil quantity | Generous amount |
| Air fryer temperature | 400°F |
| Cooking time | 8–15 minutes |
| Steak colour | Crispy and golden brown |
| Steak internal temperature | 145–150°F |
| Steak resting time | 3–10 minutes |
| Steak serving suggestion | White or pepper gravy |
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What You'll Learn
How to get the breading to stick
To ensure the breading sticks to your chicken fried steak, it is important to let the meat rest after breading and before placing it in the air fryer. This is a crucial step, as it allows the breading to adhere properly to the steak. The recommended resting time is about 8 to 10 minutes. During this time, the breading will absorb some of the moisture from the meat, creating a stronger bond between the steak and the breading.
Another tip to ensure the breading sticks is to use the "dry hand, wet hand" method when dredging the steak. This method involves using one hand for the dry ingredients, such as the flour mixture, and the other hand for the wet ingredients, such as the egg wash. This technique prevents your hands from becoming sticky and makes it easier to coat the steak evenly.
Additionally, it is important to tap the steak gently to remove any excess flour before placing it in the air fryer. This step helps to reduce the amount of loose flour that can fly off during cooking, which can cause the breading to appear messy or uneven.
If you are still experiencing issues with the breading falling off, you may need to let the steaks sit for a longer period after breading them. Experiment with resting times of up to 15 minutes to find the optimal duration for your particular setup.
Finally, make sure you are using the correct type of breading and preparing it properly. The breading for chicken fried steak is typically made from a combination of eggs and a seasoned flour mixture. The egg acts as a binder, helping the flour mixture adhere to the steak. Be sure to whisk the eggs thoroughly before coating the steak, and fully coat the steak in the egg mixture before dredging it in the flour.
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Preheating the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the cooking process. It ensures your steaks cook evenly and that the crust gets crunchy. Preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes, but ideally 5-10 minutes, to ensure the appliance reaches a high heat that will cook your food quickly. Set the temperature to 400°F.
Spray the air fryer basket with a generous amount of cooking spray or oil. This will help to ensure your steaks don't stick to the basket and will also help to create a crunchy outer coating. You can use an oil mister or a non-stick spray, or a cooking spray such as olive oil or avocado oil.
If you are reheating leftover chicken-fried steak, or cooking frozen chicken-fried steaks, you should still preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes, but at a lower temperature of 360°F.
Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook your steaks. Place the steaks in a single layer in the basket and spray them generously with cooking spray or oil.
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What cut of meat to use
Chicken fried steak is typically made with a tenderized cut of beef known as cube steak. Cube steak is usually top sirloin or top round that has been flattened and tenderized, leaving indentations in the meat. This cut of meat is ideal for quick-cooking methods like air frying because it is thinner than other cuts of steak.
Cube steak is readily available at most local grocery stores and is reasonably priced. It is typically sold already flattened and tenderized, but you can also buy top sirloin, cut it into pieces, and tenderize it yourself using a meat tenderizer or mallet.
If you want to use chicken instead of beef, you can use chicken breasts. To prepare the chicken, butterfly the breasts, use plastic wrap, and a mallet to make them into thin cutlets, and then follow the same recipe as for the beef.
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How long to cook for
When cooking chicken fried steak in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer to 400°F for at least 5–10 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and whether it is fresh or frozen. Frozen chicken fried steaks are precooked, so they will take less time to cook than fresh steaks.
For fresh chicken fried steak, the cooking time will be around 10–15 minutes at 400°F. Halfway through the cooking time, the steak should be flipped and sprayed with additional oil. The steak is done when the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145–150°F. It is recommended to let the steak rest for at least 3–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
For frozen chicken fried steak, preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Place the frozen steaks in the basket and air fry at 360°F for 4–5 minutes or until heated through.
It is worth noting that some air fryers cook faster than others, so it is important to keep an eye on the steaks during cooking to prevent overcooking. Additionally, letting the breaded steak sit for 8–10 minutes before air frying can help prevent the breading from falling off.
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What to serve with chicken fried steak
Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern dish that is often served with a white, peppery gravy. It is usually paired with a variety of side dishes to create a rich and flavorful meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken fried steak:
Potatoes
Potatoes are a versatile option that can be mashed, roasted, baked, or fried. Red, Russet, or sweet potatoes are all great choices, and you can even try making hash browns or hash brown casserole.
Vegetables
A variety of vegetables can be served as a side, including collard greens, green beans, broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, and tomatoes. You could also try something different like Honey Thyme Roasted Rainbow Carrots or Warm Brussel Sprout Salad with Bacon.
Salads
A simple green salad or a Waldorf salad made with crisp apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts can provide a light and refreshing contrast to the fried steak.
Bread
Garlic toast, dinner rolls, biscuits, and cornbread are all excellent choices to soak up that delicious gravy. For a real treat, try Sweet Cornbread Muffins with whipped honey butter.
Mac and Cheese
This comforting dish pairs well with the steak, especially if you're looking for something indulgent and satisfying.
Gravy
While gravy is typically served on top of the chicken fried steak, you can also offer extra gravy on the side. Make a creamy white gravy or try something different like brown gravy.
Other Sides
Other side dish options include baked beans, creamed corn, hush puppies, corn on the cob, coleslaw, and bacon-wrapped asparagus. For a real Southern treat, try making some Red Skin Mashed Potatoes loaded with butter, sour cream, and garlic.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the thickness of the steak but it should take anywhere from 8 to 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The steak is done when the internal temperature reaches over 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit and the batter is crispy and golden brown.
Chicken fried steak is typically served with gravy and sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or corn.
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