Marianne Martinez
Flank steak is a delicious and juicy meal that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. The air fryer is perfect for cooking steaks as it cooks the meat quickly and evenly, searing the outside and keeping the inside juicy. The key to a tender and tasty steak is in the preparation and marinade, which can be left for as little as 20 minutes or as long as 24 hours. The steak is then cooked for around 10 minutes for medium-rare and 15 minutes for a medium steak.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade | A marinade is recommended for flank steak cooked in an air fryer. Maringating times vary from 20 minutes to 24 hours. |
| Sear | Some recipes recommend searing the steak in a pan before placing it in the air fryer. |
| Temperature | Recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). |
| Cooking time | Cooking times vary depending on the desired level of doneness. For rare steak, cook for 5 minutes on each side. For medium-rare, cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or 10 minutes in total without flipping. For medium steak, cook for 7 minutes on each side or 15 minutes in total. |
| Resting | Allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. |
| Slicing | Slice the steak thinly against the grain. |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating the steak
Marinating your flank steak is an important step in the cooking process. It helps to tenderize the meat and infuse extra flavour. The longer you can leave the steak to marinate, the better—up to 24 hours if you have the time. However, if you're short on time, you can still get delicious results with as little as 20 minutes of marinating. It's best to marinate your steak in a plastic bag, ensuring that the whole steak is covered. Turn the bag occasionally to ensure that the marinade is evenly coating all sides of the steak. If you're marinating for 30 minutes or less, you can leave the steak at room temperature. For longer marination times, place the bag in the refrigerator and then bring it out 30 minutes before cooking so that the steak can return to room temperature.
There are many different recipes for flank steak marinades, but most include olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add extra ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, or your favourite steak seasoning. If you want to add extra flavour, you can score" the meat by cutting very thin lines into both sides of the steak in a crosshatch pattern. This will help the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively.
Once your steak has finished marinating, remove it from the bag and place it in the air fryer basket. Be sure to discard the leftover marinade. Don't forget to preheat your air fryer to 400°F before adding the steak!
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Pre-heating the air fryer
Pre-heating your air fryer is a crucial step in preparing the cooking environment, allowing your flank steak to heat evenly and retain moisture. The time it takes to pre-heat an air fryer is typically between 2 and 5 minutes. However, it is important to always refer to your air fryer's manual to ensure that it can handle pre-heating. Some air fryers require pre-heating, while others do not, and oven-style air fryers generally require pre-heating, unlike basket-style air fryers.
Pre-heating your air fryer is particularly beneficial if you want your flank steak to have an extra crispy exterior. The hot air starts moving before you begin cooking, ensuring that your steak is evenly cooked and toasty. Pre-heating is also a good idea if you are short on time, as it can help speed up the cooking process by a few minutes.
If you are cooking thinly cut meats, such as shaved steak, pre-heating your air fryer is recommended. However, for thicker cuts of meat, it is generally advised to place the meat in the air fryer before turning it on. This is because the outside of the meat may burn before the inside is cooked.
When reheating leftover steak in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to allow the steak to reach room temperature first. This helps to prevent the steak from drying out and overcooking. Additionally, it is important to note that rare or medium-rare steak is best for reheating in an air fryer, as the steak will typically be heated up by one level during the reheating process.
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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, 5 minutes per side in the air fryer should be enough. Increase the time to 6 minutes per side for a medium-rare finish, and 7 minutes for a medium steak.
However, the exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak. For a 1-inch-thick steak, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes for a medium-rare finish. You can adjust the cooking time by 2-3 minutes depending on the size of your steak. For a thinner steak, 8 minutes should be enough for a medium-rare finish, while a thicker steak may take up to 12 minutes.
If you prefer your steak well-done, you will need to cook it for longer. One source recommends cooking flank steak for 15 minutes for a medium finish, and about 10 minutes for medium-rare. Another source recommends cooking flank steak to 130°F for medium-rare, and 140-145°F for medium.
It is important to note that flank steak can become tough if overcooked, so it is best to cook it no more than medium. To ensure your steak is not overcooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature.
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Resting the steak
For a flank steak cooked in an air fryer, it is recommended to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. During this time, the temperature of the steak will rise by about 5-7 degrees Fahrenheit (2-3 degrees Celsius). If you prefer your steak well-done, you can cook it for a little longer after checking the temperature with a meat thermometer.
While the steak is resting, you can top it with a teaspoon of garlic butter to intensify the flavors as the juices redistribute. You can also use this time to prepare any side dishes or salads that you plan to serve with the steak.
Once the steak has rested, you can slice it thinly against the grain and serve it as is or in tacos, burritos, nachos, or salads. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. It is recommended to eat leftovers cold, as reheating the steak can dry it out.
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Slicing the steak
When slicing the steak, it is important to cut it thinly and against the grain. This will ensure that the steak is tender and easy to chew. The direction of the grain will depend on the cut of the steak, but it is usually easy to see. If you are unsure, you can ask your butcher or look for a guide online.
It is also important to use a sharp knife when slicing the steak. This will help you get a clean cut and avoid tearing the meat. Hold the steak with one hand and slice it with the other, using long, smooth strokes.
Finally, it is a good idea to slice the steak into even pieces. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and looks appetizing. Depending on the dish you are serving, you may want to slice the steak into strips or chunks. For example, if you are serving the steak in tacos, you would want to slice it into thin strips. If you are serving it with a salad, you might prefer to slice it into larger pieces.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the level of doneness you want to achieve. For rare, cook for 5 minutes on each side. For medium-rare, cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. For medium, cook for 7 minutes on each side.
Marinating the steak for at least 20 minutes or up to 24 hours can help tenderize the meat and impart extra flavour. You can also “score" the meat by cutting thin lines in a crosshatch pattern on both sides. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F before placing the steak inside.
Allow the steak to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing against the grain. This helps retain the juices, resulting in tender bites. You can serve the steak as-is or incorporate it into dishes like tacos, burritos, nachos, or salads.
