Emilie Meyer
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that delivers a juicy and tender steak with a crisp, golden-brown exterior. The air fryer's hot air circulation quickly browns the steak's exterior, mimicking a hard sear without the mess of pan-searing. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the steak and the desired doneness level, with thicker steaks requiring longer cooking times. To ensure an even cook, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer and bring the steak to room temperature before cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak Type | Porterhouse or sirloin |
| Steak Thickness | At least 1 inch |
| Steak Weight | Around 1/2 a pound |
| Steak Temperature | 140°F-145°F for medium steak |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 400°F |
| Air Fryer Watts | At least 1800 |
| Preheat Time | 2 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 6-12 minutes |
| Resting Time | 10 minutes |
| Seasoning | Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, olive oil |
| Spacing | Avoid overcrowding |
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What You'll Learn
Steak preparation and seasoning
Choosing the Right Steak:
Select a steak cut that is suitable for air frying. Recommended options include ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, T-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon. Choose a steak with a thickness of around 1 inch for even cooking in the air fryer.
Bringing the Steak to Room Temperature:
Take the steak out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This step helps the steak cook more evenly, preventing an overcooked exterior while achieving the desired doneness in the center.
Drying the Steak:
Use paper towels to pat the steak dry on all surfaces. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a good sear and developing a nice crust.
Seasoning the Steak:
There are different approaches to seasoning, depending on your preferences and the size of your steak:
- Basic Seasoning: Generously sprinkle both sides of the steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder or dried herbs, but use them sparingly to avoid burning.
- Overnight Dry Brine: For larger cuts of steak, try this method for deeper seasoning. Liberally salt the steak and let it sit uncovered in the fridge for 24 hours before cooking. This technique dries out the exterior, helping to create a better crust, and allows the salt to penetrate the meat, enhancing its flavor and juiciness.
- Oil and Butter: Drizzle a little olive oil or neutral oil on the steak and rub it in with your hands. This step helps with even cooking and can add a bit of extra flavor. You can also add a pat of garlic herb butter or compound butter on top of the cooked steak for added richness and flavor.
Preheating the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F and heat it for at least 10 minutes before adding the steaks. Preheating is crucial for achieving a nicely browned exterior similar to searing.
Now that your steak is prepared and seasoned, you're ready to cook it in the air fryer! Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Air fryer settings and preheating
Preheating your air fryer is a good idea if you want to achieve a crispy and crunchy texture, such as when cooking steaks. While some sources suggest preheating for 3 to 4 minutes at 400° Fahrenheit (204° Celsius) for steaks, others recommend a preheating time of 10 minutes at the same temperature. This is because the preheating time can affect the final result, as it ensures that the outside of the steaks gets nice and brown, similar to searing.
To preheat your air fryer, simply set the temperature to the desired cooking temperature, which is usually indicated in the recipe. Most air fryers have a preheat button that you can press, and they will alert you when they have reached the desired temperature. If your air fryer does not have a preheat button, you can manually preheat it by setting the temperature and turning it on, waiting for the preheat light to go off, or for 2 to 5 minutes.
It is important to note that not all air fryers need preheating. For example, if the food will be cooking for a long period of time, such as when roasting a chicken or baking a potato, you can skip the preheating step. Additionally, if you are making something delicate, like shrimp or vegetables, you may not want the high heat of a preheated air fryer.
To ensure optimal results, it is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for specific preheating instructions and guidelines.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for your steak in an air fryer will depend on your desired level of doneness. It is recommended to 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.
For a 1-inch steak, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, turning halfway, for a medium-rare steak. If you prefer your steak to be medium, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway. If you want a well-done steak, cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. The temperature for a well-done steak should be 160°F.
The cooking time will also depend on the thickness of your steak. If your steak is thinner or thicker than 1 inch, adjust the cooking time accordingly. As a general rule, thicker steaks will require a longer cooking time. For example, a 1-inch steak that is cooked to medium-rare should be cooked for 10 minutes, while a thicker steak may require additional time to reach the same level of doneness.
It is important to note that the cooking time may also vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer. Therefore, it is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to bring your steak to room temperature before cooking. This can be done by removing the steak from the fridge for 20-25 minutes before cooking. Additionally, pat your steak dry with a paper towel before cooking to ensure even browning.
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Steak doneness and testing
Steak Doneness:
- Thickness Matters: The thickness of your steak impacts the cooking time and doneness. Thicker steaks, preferably 1-inch thick or thicker, are ideal for the air fryer. Thinner steaks cook faster and may not develop a nice sear.
- Temperature Control: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is suitable for cooking steaks to medium doneness. Adjust the temperature up or down for rarer or more well-done steaks.
- Timing Guidelines: As a rule of thumb, cook 1-inch thick steaks for 10 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. For medium doneness, cook for 12 minutes, and for rarer steaks, adjust the timing accordingly.
Steak Testing:
- Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness is to use a meat thermometer. An instant-read or wireless thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak will give an accurate temperature reading.
- Temperature Guidelines: For rare steaks, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F. Medium-rare steaks should register 130°F to 135°F, and medium steaks should be 140°F.
- Rest and Re-check: After removing the steak from the air fryer, let it rest for a few minutes. If the steak hasn't reached your desired doneness, you can always put it back in the air fryer and cook it a little longer.
Remember, these guidelines may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and personal preferences for steak doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked just the way you like it!
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Resting and serving
Resting your steak is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to redistribute and the muscle fibres to relax, resulting in a moist and flavoursome steak. Depending on the thickness of your steak, the resting time will vary. For a 1-inch steak, 5 minutes of resting time is usually sufficient. For thicker steaks, allow a little more time, up to 10 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature of the steak will continue to rise, so it's important to take this into account when deciding on your desired level of doneness.
To rest your steak, simply remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate, loosely tented with foil to prevent further cooking. If you've cooked multiple steaks, you can keep them warm by loosely tenting them together.
When it comes to serving, there are a few simple tips to take your steak to the next level. Firstly, always season with a pinch of salt and pepper before serving. This adds flavour and texture to the steak. Secondly, consider topping your steak with a pat of herb or garlic butter. To make this, simply combine softened butter with your choice of herbs, such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, or parsley. This will melt over the steak, adding a rich and indulgent touch. Finally, don't forget to let your steak rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This will ensure the juices stay within the steak and don't end up on your plate.
Your steak is now ready to be enjoyed! For a complete meal, serve it with a side of your choice. Chips, a seasonal green salad, or roasted vegetables are all excellent options.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the level of doneness you want to achieve. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium, flipping halfway through.
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. The thickest part of the steak should register 125°F for rare, 130 to 135°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 145°F for well-done.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 10 minutes before adding the steaks. This ensures that the outside of the steaks gets browned nicely.
It is recommended to let your steaks come to room temperature before cooking, as this helps them cook more evenly. After cooking, let your steaks rest for a few minutes so that the juices can redistribute and the muscle fibers can relax, resulting in a more moist and flavorful steak.
