Cody Casey
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that delivers a juicy, tender, and flavourful steak with a crispy exterior. The cooking time depends on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. For a small, 1-inch steak, cooking times range from 10 to 12 minutes for a medium-rare steak, and 10 to 13 minutes for a medium steak. The steak should be seasoned with salt and pepper, and optionally brushed with oil and other seasonings to enhance browning and flavour. The air fryer should be preheated to 200°C or 400°F, and the steak should be flipped halfway through the cooking process. After cooking, the steak should be allowed to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak thickness | 1 inch |
| Steak weight | 1/2 pound |
| Steak type | Porterhouse or sirloin |
| Oil | Olive oil, butter, or any other neutral oil |
| Seasoning | Kosher salt and black pepper |
| Serving suggestion | Garlic herb butter or compound butter |
| Air fryer temperature | 200°C or 400°F |
| Cooking time | 10-12 minutes |
| Flip time | After 5-6 minutes |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right steak
Thickness:
It is recommended to choose steaks that are at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly and won't get a chance to brown properly. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak, with thicker steaks requiring more time in the air fryer.
Type of Steak:
Different cuts of steak offer varying flavors, textures, and levels of tenderness. Some popular options for air frying include:
- Ribeye: Known for its marbling, which ensures a juicy result. The fat renders during cooking, creating a flavorful exterior.
- Sirloin: A leaner option that delivers great taste and texture. It is a versatile choice that works well with various recipes.
- Filet Mignon: Renowned for its tenderness and rich flavor. The air fryer helps keep this cut juicy while producing a beautiful crust.
- New York Strip, T-bone, Top Sirloin, and Porterhouse are also good options.
Temperature:
Allow your steak to come to room temperature before cooking, ideally for about 30 minutes. This helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures a less tough texture.
Dry Surface:
Pat the steak dry with paper towels before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a better sear.
Seasoning:
Keep it simple with just salt and pepper to amplify the steak's natural flavors, or get creative with various seasonings and marinades. A dry rub can also help enhance the color and flavor of the steak.
Cooking Time:
The cooking time will depend on the desired doneness. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 minutes at 400°F for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium, flipping halfway through. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner steaks.
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Preparing the steak
Before cooking, pat your steak dry with a paper towel. This will help to ensure even browning. You can then season the steak. Brush with olive oil, or another neutral oil such as butter, and season generously with salt and black pepper. You can also add a dry rub of spices to help with the overall colour. Try a mix of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme and parsley.
If you have the time, allow your steak to come to room temperature before cooking. This will ensure your steak is less tough and will help it cook evenly. Take the steak out of the fridge for 20-25 minutes before cooking.
Preheat your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also preheat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
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Air fryer settings
The first step to cooking a small steak in an air fryer is to preheat the air fryer. Different sources recommend preheating to different temperatures, with some suggesting 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and others recommending 400 degrees Fahrenheit without specifying whether this is Celsius or not. The duration of the preheating process also varies, with one source recommending two minutes, and another suggesting that the steak should be left out of the fridge for 20-25 minutes before cooking.
Once the air fryer is preheated, the steak should be seasoned. Most sources recommend seasoning with salt and pepper, but others suggest using olive oil, or a dry rub of spices. One source recommends brushing the steak with oil and seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper, while another suggests using a neutral oil like butter, or olive oil, and seasoning with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic herb butter, or compound butter.
When the steak is seasoned, it can be placed in the air fryer basket, which should be coated with cooking spray to prevent sticking. The steak should be cooked for around 10-12 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the desired level of doneness, with rarer steaks cooking more quickly than well-done steaks. The steak's internal temperature can be checked using a meat thermometer, with rare steaks registering 125-130 degrees Fahrenheit, medium-rare steaks 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit, and medium steaks 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
After cooking, the steak should be removed from the air fryer and allowed to rest for around 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the meat retain its juices and ensures a tender, juicy steak.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for a small steak in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the desired level of doneness, the thickness of the steak, and the model of the air fryer. Here is a detailed guide to help you cook your small steak to perfection:
Thickness and Doneness:
Firstly, it is important to note that the cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your steak. Most recipes suggest using a steak that is about 1 inch thick. For thinner steaks, reduce the cooking time accordingly, as they cook faster and may not get a chance to brown. For thicker steaks, you will need to increase the cooking time. Additionally, the desired level of doneness, from rare to well-done, will determine the cooking time.
Pre-Cooking Steps:
Before cooking, it is recommended to bring your steak to room temperature. Take it out of the fridge 20 to 25 minutes before cooking. This helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures a less tough texture. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel before cooking, as this will ensure even browning. You can also brush the steak with olive oil or another neutral oil, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Now, for the cooking! Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10-12 minutes for a medium to medium-well steak, flipping it halfway through the cooking process. For a 1-inch steak, 10 minutes will give you a medium-rare steak, while 12 minutes will be ideal for a medium steak. If you prefer your steak rare, aim for a lower internal temperature and reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. For a well-done steak, increase the cooking time and aim for a higher internal temperature.
Checking for Doneness:
To check if your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat probe or an instant-read thermometer. For a rare steak, the thickest part of the steak should register an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F to 135°F, and for a medium steak, the temperature should reach 140°F. Remember to remove the steak from the air fryer about 5 degrees before your desired doneness, as the steak will continue to cook and the temperature will rise as it rests.
Resting Time:
Once your steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.
Please note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your steak and adjust the timing as needed.
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Serving suggestions
Allow your steak to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This will give the meat time to reabsorb its juices, ensuring your steak is juicy and tender.
You can serve your steak with a side of baked, smashed, or mashed potatoes, and a vegetable, like roasted green beans or asparagus. You can also serve it with a seasonal green salad or roasted vegetables.
If you're looking for a more indulgent side, try sweet potato fries. Toss them in sweet smoked paprika, Cajun, or BBQ seasoning to add a kick of flavour. You can also cook broccoli and French fries in the air fryer as sides.
Top your steak with garlic butter, herb butter, or compound butter. To make garlic butter, mix together four tablespoons of unsalted butter with one small clove of garlic, one tablespoon of fresh parsley leaves, and one tablespoon of fresh chives. You can also add in some rosemary and thyme. Alternatively, top your steak with your favourite sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The thickest part of the steak should register 125°F for rare, 130 to 135°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium.
Allow the steak to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Allow your steak to come to room temperature before cooking. Take it out of the fridge for 20-25 minutes. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel to ensure even browning.
