Air Fryer Flank Steak: The Perfect Timing

Flank steak is a lean cut with less fat, so it's important not to overcook it as it can become chewy. The air fryer is a great option for cooking flank steak as it's easy to clean, healthy, and cooks the meat to perfection. The key to a tender and juicy steak is to marinate it first, which can be done in as little as 30 minutes but can be left for up to 24 hours for maximum flavour. When it comes to cooking, the air fryer needs to be preheated to around 400°F, and the steak should be cooked for around 5-7 minutes on each side for a medium-rare finish.

Marinating the steak

Marinating your flank steak is an important step in the cooking process, as it helps to tenderize the meat and infuse extra flavour. The longer you can leave the steak to marinate, the better—while some recipes recommend a minimum marination time of 20 to 30 minutes, others suggest marinating for as long as 24 hours for maximum tenderness and flavour. If you're short on time, however, you can still produce a delicious steak with as little as an hour of marination.

To marinate your flank steak, start by placing the steak in a plastic bag and pouring the marinade over it. Seal the bag tightly, removing any excess air, and massage the marinade into the meat to ensure that it is fully coated. If you have the time, you can marinate your steak at room temperature, but if you're marinating for longer than 30 minutes, it's best to place the steak in the refrigerator and then bring it back out 30 minutes before cooking. During the marination process, remember to flip the steak halfway through and turn the bag occasionally to ensure that the meat is marinating evenly on all sides.

When you're ready to start cooking, remove the steak from the marinade and place it in the air fryer basket. It's important to discard the leftover marinade at this stage. While you can certainly use a store-bought marinade, making your own is a great way to customize the flavours to your taste preferences. A simple marinade can be made with just a few basic ingredients, such as garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Pre-heating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process, as it ensures your steak cooks evenly and retains moisture. The ideal temperature for cooking steak in an air fryer is around 400°F (200°C). Depending on your air fryer, you should preheat it for at least 3 to 5 minutes.

If you are using an oven-style air fryer, preheating is necessary. However, if you have a basket-style air fryer, you may not need to preheat it. It is also important to ensure your steak is at room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. This helps the steak cook evenly.

To preheat your air fryer effectively, set it to the desired temperature, usually around 400°F, and let it run for a few minutes until it reaches that temperature. You can then place your steak in the air fryer basket and cook according to your desired level of doneness.

For a rare steak, cook for 5 minutes per side, and for medium-rare, cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side. If you prefer your steak well done, you will need to cook it for longer. Flipping your steak halfway through the cooking process ensures even cooking.

Remember, the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your steak and the model of your air fryer, so keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for flank steak in an air fryer depend on your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, set the temperature to between 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5 minutes on each side. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 6 minutes on each side. For a medium steak, cook for 7 minutes on each side at 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some recipes recommend cooking the steak at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 minutes in total, flipping the steak halfway through. This will produce a medium-rare steak. If you want your steak to be more well-done, you can cook it for longer. The thickness of your steak will also affect the cooking time. For example, one source recommends cooking a 3/4-inch thick steak at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for around 13 minutes for a medium-rare finish.

It is important not to overcook flank steak, as it can become tough. To prevent this, some sources recommend cooking the steak to 5 degrees below your desired level of doneness and allowing it to rest covered for at least 5 minutes. The temperature will rise by 5-7 degrees Fahrenheit while resting.

You can also use a reverse sear method, where you cook the steak in a low oven until it is 10 degrees below your desired final temperature, and then finish it with a quick hard sear in a pan. This method helps to dry the surface of the steak, making it easier to achieve a nice crust.

Resting the steak

The ideal resting time for flank steak is generally around 5 minutes. However, if you prefer a longer resting time, you can let it rest for up to 10 minutes. During the resting period, it is best to wrap the steak in foil to help retain heat and moisture.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces to accompany your meal. For example, you can use the leftover marinade to make a delicious sauce. Simply boil it, add beef broth, and then simmer until it thickens. Stir in some butter, and you'll have a tasty sauce to spoon over your steak slices.

Finally, after resting, it is essential to slice the flank steak correctly. Always cut the steak thinly against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. This technique improves the texture and makes the steak easier to chew, providing a more enjoyable dining experience.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Storing your leftover flank steak in the fridge is a great way to keep it fresh and edible for up to four days. If you're not planning on eating it within that time frame, freezing is an option that will prolong its life by up to three months. To prepare the steak for freezing, it is recommended that you slice it beforehand so that it thaws faster when you're ready to eat it again.

When it comes to reheating, it's best to avoid this process altogether as it can dry out your juicy steak. Instead, it is recommended to eat the steak cold, which can still be delicious. If you must reheat your steak, use the air fryer for the best results. For sliced steak, reheat for one minute, and for a whole flank steak, reheat for four to five minutes.

You can get creative with your leftovers by serving the cold steak with a side of potatoes, on top of a salad, or in wraps, fajitas, stir-fries, or tacos.

Some additional tips for storing and reheating leftovers include:

• Always store leftovers in an airtight container or well-sealed plastic bag to maintain freshness and prevent odours from escaping or entering.
• Label and date your leftovers so you know how long they've been stored and when to consume them by.
• When reheating, ensure the steak is heated thoroughly to prevent foodborne illnesses.
• If you're reheating a large amount of steak, consider slicing it into smaller portions before reheating to ensure even heating.
• If you're reheating in an air fryer, consider adding a small amount of butter or oil to the steak to help retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.

By following these guidelines, you can safely and deliciously enjoy your leftover air-fried flank steak.

Frequently asked questions