Ella Walter
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy and tender steak with a crispy exterior. The air fryer method is perfect for those who want to avoid the hassle of pan-searing or grilling, as it requires minimal preparation and delivers consistent results. By circulating hot air, air fryers create a golden-brown exterior that mimics a hard sear, and the cooking time depends on the desired level of doneness.
In Australia, self-proclaimed foodie Lexi has shared her experience of cooking steak in an air fryer, achieving delicious results. So, how long should you cook a steak in an air fryer?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Porterhouse, sirloin, ribeye, t-bone, top sirloin, filet mignon |
| Steak thickness | 1-inch |
| Steak weight | 1/2 pound |
| Steak temperature | Room temperature |
| Air fryer temperature | 400°F or 200°C |
| Air fryer preheat time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking time | 10-12 minutes |
| Flip time | After 5-6 minutes |
| Rest time | 5-10 minutes |
| Seasoning | Salt, black pepper, garlic herb butter, olive oil, Italian seasoning |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the cooking process. By heating up your air fryer ahead of time, you ensure that your steak develops a nice, golden-brown crust on the outside, similar to the searing effect of a pan. This preheating step also helps prevent overcooking, as it ensures the outside of the steak browns before the inside becomes grey and overdone.
To preheat your air fryer, start by setting it to the desired temperature. For steak, most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to around 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the exact temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model and your preferred level of doneness, so be sure to consult your air fryer's instructions for specific guidelines.
Once you've set the temperature, let the air fryer heat up for at least 10 minutes. This duration ensures that the air fryer basket gets hot enough to create that desirable seared effect on your steak. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your steak by bringing it to room temperature, patting it dry, and seasoning it with salt, pepper, or other spices of your choice.
If you're using an air fryer that has a manual setting, like the Philips XXL air fryer, you may need to manually set the temperature to 200 degrees Celsius or the hottest setting available. Remember, preheating times may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or user manual for specific guidelines.
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Choose the right steak cut
Choosing the right steak cut is essential for a delicious air-fried steak. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your steak:
Thickness:
Aim for steaks that are around 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly and not allow enough time for browning, while thicker steaks will require longer cooking times.
Type of Cut:
Different cuts of steak have different textures, flavours, and fat contents, which will impact the cooking process and the final taste. Here are some popular options:
- Porterhouse: A classic choice for air frying, as it has a good balance of flavour and tenderness.
- Sirloin: A leaner option that works well with a dry rub and produces a nice overall colour.
- New York Strip: A popular cut known for its flavour and tenderness.
- Ribeye: Well-marbled and juicy, ribeye steaks are perfect for those who enjoy a more decadent option.
- T-bone: A T-shaped bone with a strip of meat on one side and a tender fillet on the other.
- Filet Mignon: A tender and lean cut, often considered a premium option.
Personal Preference:
Ultimately, the right steak cut depends on your taste preferences. If you prefer a more marbled and juicy steak, choose a cut with more fat content, like ribeye. If you prefer a leaner option, opt for sirloin or filet mignon.
Cooking Time:
Consider the cooking time you're aiming for. Some cuts, like sirloin, may work better for faster cooking times, while thicker cuts like porterhouse or ribeye might require a bit longer in the air fryer.
Remember, the key to a great air-fried steak is to bring it to room temperature before cooking, season it well, and let it rest after cooking to retain its juices. Enjoy experimenting with different cuts and finding your favourite!
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Seasoning and prep
When it comes to seasoning and prepping your steak for the air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, bring your steak to room temperature before cooking. Take it out of the fridge for around 20 to 25 minutes, which will help the steak cook more evenly and ensure a less tough texture.
Next, pat your steak dry with a paper towel or clean cloth. This step is important for achieving even browning. After drying, brush both sides of the steak with olive oil, or another neutral oil like butter. You only need a thin coat of oil, just enough to help the steak brown.
Now it's time to season. A simple option is to season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning or make a dry rub with spices like smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, or BBQ seasoning. If you want to get fancy, you can make a compound butter with garlic and herbs to serve on top of your steak. To make this, combine softened butter with minced garlic and herbs like parsley, chives, rosemary, and thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roll the mixture into a log shape in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm.
Finally, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and let it heat up for about 10 minutes. You want the basket to get nice and hot so that the outside of your steak gets a good sear.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for steak in an air fryer depend on the level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. It's recommended to use a steak that is at least 1-inch thick, as thinner steaks may cook too fast without browning.
For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) and flip halfway for medium-rare. For a medium steak, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes, still flipping halfway. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner steaks.
For a steak cooked to rare, the internal temperature should be between 125°F and 130°F. For medium-rare, the temperature should be between 130°F and 140°F. A well-done steak should have an internal temperature of 160°F. It's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak, removing it from the heat about 5°F before reaching the target temperature, as the steak will continue to cook as it rests.
Before cooking, it's important to preheat the air fryer for at least 10 minutes to ensure even browning. Additionally, allowing the steak to come to room temperature before cooking, by leaving it out of the fridge for 20-25 minutes, can help it cook more evenly.
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Resting and serving
Resting:
Allowing your steak to rest after cooking is crucial. Transfer the steak to a plate or serving platter and loosely tent it with foil. This step helps the steak retain its juices and ensures it stays moist and tender. The resting time will depend on the thickness of your steak. For a 1-inch-thick steak, 5 minutes of resting time is usually sufficient. Thicker steaks may need a little longer, up to 10 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature of the steak will continue to rise, so it's important to take it out of the air fryer 5°F before it reaches your desired doneness.
Serving:
Once the steak has rested, it's time to serve it. For a simple yet delicious serving suggestion, top your steak with a pat of garlic butter. You can make this by mixing softened butter with garlic, herbs, and spices. Chives, parsley, rosemary, and thyme all work well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place a slice of this garlic herb butter on top of your steak just before serving. This will add a burst of flavour and moisture to your steak. Alternatively, you can simply season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
Customisation:
The beauty of cooking steak in an air fryer is that it's easy to customise to your preferred doneness. Whether you like your steak rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done, adjusting the cooking time will help you achieve your desired result. Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it's cooked just the way you like it.
Sides and Accompaniments:
To round out your meal, serve your air-fried steak with a side of baked, smashed, or mashed potatoes, and a vegetable like roasted green beans or asparagus. If you're looking for something lighter, a seasonal green salad or roasted vegetables are also great options. Don't forget to include your favourite sauce!
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Frequently asked questions
For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The temperature of the air fryer should be set to 400°F or 200°C.
Allow your steak to come to room temperature before cooking. Take it out of the fridge for 20-25 minutes. This will also ensure your steak is less tough.
Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. Tent it with foil to prevent it from continuing to cook.
