Air Fryer Sirloin Steak: The Perfect Timing

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a convenient and easy way to enjoy a juicy and tender steak without the mess of an open pan or the need to heat up the oven. In this article, we will explore the steps to cooking a sirloin tip steak in an air fryer, including pre-preparation, cooking time, and serving suggestions. We will also discuss the benefits of using an air fryer for steak and provide tips for achieving the perfect doneness every time. So, how long should you cook a sirloin tip steak in an air fryer? Let's find out!

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of cooking sirloin tip steak. By preheating the air fryer to 400°F, you create the ideal environment for cooking the steak to your desired level of doneness. Here's a detailed guide on preheating and some additional tips for the best results:

Preheating your air fryer ensures that your steak starts cooking at the right temperature as soon as it hits the basket. This step is crucial for achieving even cooking and your desired doneness. Set your air fryer to 400°F, which is considered a high heat setting, and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This preheating time allows the air fryer to reach the desired temperature and ensures that your steak will cook efficiently and effectively.

Benefits of Preheating

Preheating offers several advantages for cooking your sirloin tip steak. Firstly, it helps prevent overcooking or undercooking by providing a consistent cooking environment from the moment you place the steak in the air fryer. Secondly, it contributes to more even cooking, reducing the likelihood of hot spots or uneven heat distribution. Finally, preheating can improve the overall cooking experience by reducing the total cooking time, as your steak starts receiving the intended heat from the very beginning.

Additional Tips

• Allow your steak to reach room temperature before cooking. Remove it from the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking, as this helps the steak cook more evenly.
• Pat the steak dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. This step helps remove excess moisture, promoting better browning and a crispier exterior.
• Season generously with salt and pepper, or a dry rub of your choice, to enhance the flavor and create a delicious crust.

Remember, preheating your air fryer to 400°F is a crucial step in achieving the best results for your sirloin tip steak. By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to cooking juicy and tender steaks cooked to perfection!

Season the steak with salt and pepper

Seasoning your steak with salt and pepper is a crucial step in the cooking process, enhancing the flavour and texture of the meat. Here is a detailed guide to seasoning your sirloin tip steak before air frying:

Firstly, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for around 15 to 30 minutes. This step is important as it helps the steak cook more evenly, preventing the edges from overcooking. It is best practice to pat the steak dry with a paper towel before seasoning to remove any excess moisture.

Now it's time to season! Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper on both sides of the steak. Be sure to cover every surface of the meat with seasoning. You can also add other spices or herbs to the mix, such as garlic powder or paprika, to create a dry rub for extra flavour. The salt will not only enhance the flavour but also help tenderize the meat by drawing out moisture.

If you have time, you can let the steak sit with the seasoning for another 30 minutes to an hour. This extra step allows the salt to work its magic, infusing the meat with flavour and improving its texture. It's like a little massage for your steak!

Once you're happy with the seasoning, it's time to move on to the next step of cooking your sirloin tip steak in the air fryer. Remember, seasoning is key to a delicious steak, so don't be shy with the salt and pepper!

Cook for 10-15 minutes

Cooking sirloin tip steak in an air fryer is a convenient and easy way to enjoy steak without the hassle of grilling or using an oven. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, cooking for 10-15 minutes in the air fryer will result in a medium to medium-rare steak.

To ensure the best results, it is recommended to let your steak reach room temperature before cooking. This can be achieved by removing the steak from the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes ahead of time. During this time, you can preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or a high heat setting.

Before placing the steak in the air fryer, pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important because it helps the steak brown properly. You can then season the steak with salt and pepper, or a dry rub of your choice, on both sides.

Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer, making sure there is enough airflow around it for optimal browning. Set the timer for 10-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a thicker steak, you may need to increase the cooking time, while for a thinner steak, you may need to reduce it. It is always a good idea to use a meat probe or a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. You can then slice the steak against the grain and serve it with your choice of sides, such as baked potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad.

Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes

Allowing your steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after air frying is a crucial step in the cooking process. During this time, the juices inside the steak will redistribute and "relax", ensuring a moist and tender steak. This resting period also allows the steak's temperature to rise by 5-10 degrees, so it is important to remove the steak from the air fryer a few degrees before it reaches your desired level of doneness. For example, if you want a medium-rare steak, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F, as it will continue to cook and increase in temperature by about 5-10 degrees as it rests.

The resting time will also depend on the thickness of your steak. Thicker steaks, such as those that are 1-1¼” inch thick, will require a longer resting time, while thinner steaks will need less time to rest. It's important to note that the steak's temperature will continue to rise during the resting period, so thicker steaks may take a bit longer to reach your desired level of doneness.

While your steak is resting, you can prepare a delicious garlic herb butter to top it off. Simply mash together butter, garlic, and your choice of herbs such as parsley, chives, and rosemary. This will add a burst of flavor to your juicy air-fried steak.

Additionally, the resting period allows you to prepare any side dishes that you plan to serve with your steak. Some great options include Twice Baked Potatoes, a Classic Caesar Salad, or Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes. You can also serve the steak cold on a delicious Steak Salad.

Remember, the key to a perfect air-fried sirloin steak is not only in the cooking but also in the resting period that follows. By allowing your steak to rest for 5-10 minutes, you'll be rewarded with a juicy, tender, and flavorful steak that's cooked to perfection.

Top with garlic herb butter

Topping your sirloin steak with garlic herb butter is the perfect way to add a decadent, flavorful touch to your meal. The garlic herb butter can be easily made by mashing together butter with parsley, chives, garlic, and crushed red pepper to taste. You can also purchase herb garlic butter from the grocery store if you're short on time.

The garlic herb butter will complement your juicy, tender sirloin steak cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Before cooking, remember to let your steak reach room temperature, which typically takes around 30 minutes. This step ensures your steak cooks evenly, with a nice sear on the outside and a juicy, tender texture on the inside.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3-5 minutes. Brush your steak with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasonings. Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded, and cook for about 10-14 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, and for a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you prefer your steak medium-well, increase the cooking time to 14 minutes.

Once your steak is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a cutting board or plate and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a flavorful and juicy steak. Finally, top your steak with the garlic herb butter and enjoy!

Your sirloin steak cooked in the air fryer and topped with garlic herb butter is sure to be a delicious and memorable meal.

Frequently asked questions