Ella Walter
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can cook steak from frozen, with no need for defrosting, and with minimal prep and cleanup required. The cooking time will depend on the desired doneness of the steak, ranging from 10 to 20 minutes, and the thickness of the steak.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak Thickness | 1-inch |
| Steak Type | Porterhouse, Sirloin, New York Strip, Ribeye, T-bone, Top Sirloin, Filet Mignon |
| Seasoning | Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Worcestershire Sauce |
| Temperature | 370-400°F |
| Cooking Time | 10-20 minutes |
| Resting Time | 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Rare vs. well-done steak
You can cook a delicious steak in an air fryer from frozen. While some people are unsure about cooking from frozen, others are pleasantly surprised by the excellent results. It is a quick and easy way to cook a steak, with no splatter or mess. The key to a good steak is ensuring the right internal temperature, so a meat thermometer is a must.
The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. A rare steak should have an internal temperature of between 125°F and 130°F. For a medium-rare steak, cook a 1-inch-thick steak in a preheated air fryer for 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. For a steak cooked medium to well-done, increase the cooking time to 15-18 minutes on each side, and then let the steak sit in the warm air fryer for 5-10 minutes. A well-done steak should have an internal temperature of 160°F.
If you are cooking from frozen, you do not need to preheat the air fryer, and you can skip the searing process. You will need to increase the amount of seasoning, as the seasonings will not have time to penetrate the meat. You can also cook steak fries or waffle fries at the same time as your steak.
A good tip for cooking steak in an air fryer is to always underestimate the cooking time, as you can always cook it for longer, but you cannot undo an overcooked steak.
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Preheating the air fryer
If you decide to preheat your air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, set the temperature to between 370°F and 400°F (200°C). The higher temperature will help to maximise browning, but you may need to experiment to find the ideal setting for your particular air fryer.
Once you've set the temperature, let the air fryer preheat for around 4 to 5 minutes. This will ensure that the appliance is sufficiently hot before you place the steak inside.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your steak. Remove it from its packaging and, if desired, brush it with oil or cooking spray. This step will help the seasoning stick to the steak better. You can also season the steak at this point, but some sources recommend seasoning after cooking to avoid over-salting.
After the air fryer has preheated, you can place the steak inside and begin cooking according to your desired level of doneness. Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your steak, so it's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Choosing the right steak cut
While cooking steak in an air fryer is a convenient, quick, and easy way to get an expertly cooked steak, not all steaks are created equal. Different cuts offer varying flavors, textures, and levels of tenderness. Here are some tips for choosing the right steak cut for your air fryer:
Temperature and Timing
The air fryer cooks with dry, hot air, so leaner cuts of steak could easily dry out. A piece of beef that is well-marbled with a higher fat content will remain juicy. Smaller, thinner pieces of meat can overcook before they get a nice crust, so opt for a thicker steak, at least 1 inch thick, and preferably around 1 ½ inches. The thicker the steak, the longer the cooking time.
Tenderizing
If you are using a leaner or tougher cut of steak, try marinating it first to prevent it from drying out. Acidic components like balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, or Worcestershire sauce will help tenderize the beef.
Popular Cuts
Some of the best cuts for the air fryer are:
- Ribeye: This cut is known for its plentiful fat, which keeps the steak juicy, tender, and flavorful. Its size and thickness make it ideal for the air fryer.
- New York Strip: This cut also works well in the air fryer.
- Sirloin: This is a great all-around choice due to its balance of flavor and price.
- Filet Mignon: Known for its tenderness and rich flavor, this cut is often considered the best steak for special occasions. The air fryer keeps it juicy while producing a beautiful crust.
- Porterhouse: This is another good option, known for its hearty flavor.
- T-bone: Coming from the same section of the cow as the Porterhouse and sirloin, this cut is also ideal for the air fryer.
- Flank Steak: This cut is extremely lean and tender, and it tastes best when cooked rare, medium-rare, or medium.
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Seasoning and marinating the steak
Seasoning and marinating a frozen steak before air frying can be challenging, as the seasoning tends to slide off and not penetrate the meat. To counter this, you can add a bit of oil or cooking spray to the steak before applying the seasoning, which will help it stick better. It is recommended to use about 50% more herbs, spices, or rubs than you would with a thawed steak. Salt and pepper can be used in the same quantity as they would be used for a thawed steak.
When it comes to seasoning, you have a variety of options. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or you can try a combination of garlic powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Alternatively, you can use garlic herb butter or compound butter, such as garlic butter, to serve on top of the steak. If you're looking for a more complex flavor profile, you can try a marinade. Just be aware that a frozen steak cannot be marinated, so you'll have to apply the marinade after the steak has been cooked.
Before seasoning, it is recommended to slightly thaw the steak in the air fryer for about 4 minutes. This will help the seasoning adhere better. However, some sources suggest that preheating the air fryer before seasoning can help prevent the formation of grey bands just under the crust, which can occur when the outer part of the meat overcooks.
Once your steak is cooked to your desired doneness, transfer it to a cutting board. You can then add butter or other toppings, such as compound butter or garlic butter, if desired. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing. After slicing, sprinkle the steak with coarse sea salt to ensure a hit of salt in every bite.
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Reheating and storing steak
If you have leftover steak, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. To freeze, place the steak in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to six months.
When it comes to reheating your steak, the air fryer is the best option. This method ensures your steak is hot, juicy, and never tough or overdone. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place your steak in the air fryer and cook for three to five minutes, depending on its size and thickness. A very thick steak may take an additional one to two minutes. Check the steak with a meat thermometer to ensure it's warmed thoroughly. Finally, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for five minutes before serving.
Alternatively, you can reheat your steak in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a non-stick pan until hot. If you're in a hurry, you can also eat your steak cold or at room temperature. For a steak sandwich, some like to warm the steak slightly and serve it in a warm bun.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 10 to 20 minutes to cook a frozen steak in an air fryer, depending on the desired level of doneness.
Set your air fryer to 370°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C).
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 120°F to 135°F (49°C to 57°C).
It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to get a good sear on the steak. However, some people skip the preheating step to prevent the formation of grey bands just under the crust due to overcooking.
