Air-Frying The Perfect Ny Strip Steak: Timing And Techniques

Cooking NY strip steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. Depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness, the cooking time will vary. Generally, it takes around 10 minutes of active cooking time to prepare an NY strip steak in an air fryer, but this can range from 8 to 13 minutes.

Cooking times for medium-rare, medium and medium-well steaks

For a 1" thick New York strip steak, cook for 10 minutes at 400°F for a medium-rare steak with an internal temperature of 130-135°F. For a medium steak, cook for 11-12 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 140-145°F. A medium-well steak will take 13 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 150°F.

If your steak is thicker or thinner than 1", adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, a thinner steak may only need 4-6 minutes per side, while a thicker steak could take up to 8 minutes per side.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in temperature, so it is always best to check the internal temperature of your steak with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked to your desired doneness.

Some people recommend bringing your steak to room temperature before cooking, which can be done by removing it from the fridge 10-30 minutes beforehand. However, others suggest that this is a myth and that patting the steak dry and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides is sufficient preparation.

How to season the steak

To season your NY strip steak, you should first pat it dry with a paper towel. Then, brush the steak lightly with oil. You can use olive oil or avocado oil. Next, season the steak generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides. You can also add any other seasonings you prefer.

It is important to note that you should allow the steak to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help ensure even cooking. However, one source suggests that it is a myth that the steak needs to come to room temperature, and that 10-15 minutes is sufficient.

Once your steak is seasoned and the air fryer is preheated, you can cook the steak for about 7 minutes on one side, and then flip it and cook for an additional 3-6 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F, which will take about 10 minutes. For a medium steak, aim for 140-145°F, which will take about 11-12 minutes. And for a medium-well steak, aim for an internal temperature of about 150°F, which will take about 13 minutes.

How to prepare the steak before cooking

Preparing your steak before cooking is an important step in the process of making a delicious meal. Here are some key steps to follow:

Firstly, take your steak out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook it. This will allow it to come to room temperature, which is important for even cooking. While this is happening, you can preheat your air fryer to 400-420°F.

Once your steak has reached room temperature, pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help to ensure a good sear and prevent steam from forming during cooking. Then, it's time to season your steak. Brush the steak lightly with oil – avocado or olive oil will work well. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and promote browning. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides, or use your preferred seasonings.

If you like your steak particularly well-done, you may want to consider searing it in a hot pan for a couple of minutes on each side before transferring it to the air fryer. This will help to develop a crust and seal in the juices. However, this step is optional and may add a little extra time to your overall cooking process.

Now that your steak is prepared, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Place the steak directly onto the bottom of the air fryer basket, without the crisper plate. For a 1" thick New York strip steak, cook for around 10 minutes for medium-rare, 11-12 minutes for medium, or 13 minutes for medium-well. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

The best temperature to cook the steak at

The best temperature to cook a New York strip steak in an air fryer is 400°F. You can cook the steak at this temperature for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-6 minutes. This will give you a medium-rare steak with an internal temperature of 135°F. If you prefer your steak to be medium, you can cook it for a further 1-2 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F. For a medium-well steak, cook for an additional 3 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches about 150°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak. The times mentioned above are based on a 1" thick New York strip steak. If your steak is thicker, you may need to increase the cooking time accordingly.

Additionally, it is recommended to pat the steak dry and season it with salt and pepper on both sides before cooking. You can also brush the steak with oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil, to add extra flavour and moisture.

How long to cook the steak for

The cooking time for a New York strip steak in an air fryer depends on the level of doneness you want to achieve. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. If you prefer your steak medium, increase the cooking time to 11-12 minutes, with an internal temperature of 140-145°F. For a medium-well steak, cook for 13 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of about 150°F.

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 420°F. After preheating, place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes for medium-rare or 135°F, or 4-6 minutes for medium-well and an internal temperature of 150°F.

The total cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your steak and the specific model of your air fryer. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your steak and use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Some people recommend allowing the steak to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking, while others suggest removing it from the fridge 10-15 minutes in advance. Regardless, it is important to pat the steak dry and season it generously with salt and pepper on both sides before placing it in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions