Tiffany Haney
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a tender, juicy, and flavourful steak with a crispy exterior. The length of time it takes to cook a steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak, the desired level of doneness, and the air fryer model. A 1-inch thick steak cooked to medium-rare will take 10 to 12 minutes in an air fryer, while a thicker steak may take up to 15 minutes. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer, cook the steak at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Preheat Time | 10 minutes |
| Resting Time | 10 minutes |
| Thickness | 1-inch |
| Cooking Time | 10-12 minutes |
| Flipping | Halfway through |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures the appliance reaches the desired temperature before the food is added, creating an even cook.
To preheat your air fryer to 400°F, start by checking your steak's thickness. Steaks that are thinner than 1 inch tend to cook too fast and may not brown properly. If your steak is thinner than this, consider adjusting the timing or temperature settings.
Next, ensure your steak is at room temperature before cooking. This is a crucial step to achieving an even cook. By allowing the steak to sit out for 30 minutes, you prevent the edges from cooking faster than the center, which helps avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
Now, you can preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This temperature is ideal for cooking steaks, as it will create a seared exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The preheating time will vary depending on your air fryer model, so refer to your appliance's instructions for guidance.
Once preheated, you can proceed to the next steps of preparing your steak, such as seasoning and cooking it to your desired level of doneness. Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak and ensure it's cooked to your preference.
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Cook steak for 10-12 minutes
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a fast and easy way to get a juicy and tender steak with a crispy exterior. The length of time you need to cook a steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.
For a steak that is 1-inch thick, cook for 10-12 minutes for a medium level of doneness. If you prefer your steak cooked medium-rare, 10 minutes should be sufficient. For a steak that is thicker than 1-inch, you will need to add an additional 1-3 minutes. If your steak is thinner than 1-inch, check on it after 4 minutes to ensure it does not overcook.
Before cooking, prepare your steak by brushing it with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper, or a seasoning of your choice. You can also marinate the steak overnight for maximum flavor. It is important to let the steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat for at least 5-10 minutes.
When cooking, flip the steak halfway through to ensure it cooks evenly and has a golden-brown color on all sides. After cooking, let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak more tender and juicy.
To finish, prepare some herb butter by mashing together butter, garlic, and herbs such as parsley, chives, and rosemary. Slice the steak against the grain and top with the herb butter before serving. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer steak!
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Flip halfway through
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a time-efficient method that gives you a perfectly cooked steak with a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. While the air fryer's powerful hot air circulation means you don't technically need to flip the steak, flipping it halfway through has its benefits.
Flipping the steak ensures that all sides develop a golden brown colour, giving your steak that perfect sear. It also helps the steak cook more evenly, as flipping it places a different part of the steak closer to the heating element. This is especially important if you're cooking thicker steaks, which may need an additional 1 to 3 minutes of cooking time.
To achieve the perfect flip, first, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 10 minutes before adding the steaks. Then, prepare the steaks by brushing them with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper or your choice of steak seasoning. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket and cook, flipping once halfway through the cooking time. For a medium-rare steak, cook for a total of 10 to 12 minutes, flipping at the 5-minute mark. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping at the 6-minute mark.
Remember, the cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. The best way to determine if your steak is done is by using a meat thermometer. For a rare steak, the thickest part should register 125°F, 130 to 135°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium.
After removing the steak from the air fryer, let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This critical step allows the meat fibres to relax and the juices to redistribute, making your steak more succulent and tender.
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Let steak rest for 10 minutes
Allowing your steak to rest for 10 minutes after cooking is a critical step in the cooking process. This resting period gives the meat fibres time to relax and the juices to redistribute throughout the steak. This makes the steak more succulent and tender, ensuring that it is juicy and not dry.
During the resting period, the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise, so it is important to remove it from the heat source a few degrees before it reaches your desired temperature. This is especially important if you are aiming for a rare steak, as the temperature will rise to medium-rare without a resting period.
The resting period also gives you time to prepare any sides or toppings, such as herb butter, which can really elevate your dish. It is important to let the steak rest for the full 10 minutes before slicing into it, as cutting into the steak too early will cause it to lose its juices.
Additionally, bringing your steak to room temperature before cooking helps ensure that it cooks evenly. This can be achieved by letting the steak sit out for 30 minutes before cooking, allowing it to come to room temperature slowly and naturally.
Finally, preheating your air fryer is crucial to achieving a good sear on the outside of the steak. This can be done by setting the air fryer to 400°F for 10 minutes before adding the steak.
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Make garlic-herb butter
To make garlic-herb butter to go with your air-fried steak, you'll need to combine a few simple ingredients and set aside some time for the flavours to meld. Here's a step-by-step guide:
First, remove your butter from the refrigerator and allow it to soften. While you're waiting, gather your herbs and spices. You can use whichever herbs you like or have on hand—some suggestions include parsley, chives, thyme, tarragon, rosemary, and cilantro. You'll also need garlic, of course, and you might like to add lemon juice, shallots, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper.
Once your butter has softened, add it to a small bowl with your chosen herbs and spices. Mash everything together with a fork until well combined. If you're using lemon juice, add a squeeze and mix well. Taste and adjust your seasoning as needed.
Next, transfer your garlic-herb butter to a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a log. Wrap it tightly and place it in the refrigerator to chill and set. This will take around 30 minutes.
When your steak is cooked to your liking and has been removed from the air fryer, top it with a pat of your homemade garlic-herb butter. The butter will melt over the steak, adding a punch of flavour.
Your garlic-herb butter will keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
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Frequently asked questions
For a medium-rare finish, you should cook your steak in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature of the steak should be 130 to 135°F.
For a medium finish, you should cook your steak in the air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature of the steak should be 140°F.
You should rest your steak for at least 5 to 10 minutes after cooking it in the air fryer. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak more tender and juicy.
