Air Fryer Steak Tips: The Perfect Timing Guide

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tender, juicy, and flavorful steak with a crispy crust. The high heat and fan of an air fryer allow for even cooking and a charred exterior without overcooking the inside. The cooking time for steak tips in an air fryer depends on the size of the steak pieces and the desired doneness, but it typically ranges from 4 to 15 minutes. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook steak tips in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking, and serving suggestions.

Steak preparation: trim fat, season, and coat with oil and spices

Preparing your steak before cooking is an important step in the cooking process. Firstly, you should trim any large pieces of fat from the meat. This can be done when cubing the steak into bite-sized pieces.

Next, you should pat the steak dry with paper towels. This is an important step as it helps to ensure that the seasoning sticks to the steak. Seasoning your steak with salt ahead of time is beneficial as it gives the steak time to absorb the salt and become more evenly seasoned throughout. It is recommended to salt your steak in advance – 2 hours for every 1 cm of thickness. You can also add pepper at this stage, or just before cooking. For a classic steak au poivre, sprinkle lots of cracked black pepper and sea salt onto a plate, then press the meat into the seasoning just before cooking.

Some people like to enhance the flavour and tenderise the meat with a marinade. A coating of honey and mustard will reduce down to a sweet glaze, as will a balsamic vinegar marinade. You can also add whole garlic cloves and robust herbs like thyme and rosemary to the hot fat while the steak is cooking, adding a subtle background flavour to the steak without overpowering it. Flavourless oils like sunflower, vegetable or groundnut work best, and once the steak is searing, you can add butter to the pan.

Finally, toss the steak cubes with oil and spices so that they are evenly coated. You can use olive oil, or another oil like canola oil or avocado oil. For spices, you can use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Air fryer settings: preheat, temperature, and cooking time

When cooking steak tips in an air fryer, it's important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size of your steak pieces and your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, cook for 4 minutes, or 7-8 minutes for medium-well. If you prefer your steak to be medium-rare, cooking for 4-5 minutes is a good starting point. However, it's always a good idea to check on your steak tips periodically and remove them from the air fryer when they're cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Before cooking, it's recommended to preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400°F. This will ensure that the basket is hot enough to get a good sear on the steak without overcooking the center.

During cooking, it's best to set your air fryer to a high temperature, typically around 400°F, to achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside. The cooking time will depend on the size of your steak pieces and your desired level of doneness, as mentioned earlier.

It's also important to note that different air fryers have varying basket sizes, so you may need to cook in batches to ensure even cooking. Make sure to leave enough space between each steak piece to allow hot air to circulate, creating a nice crust all around.

Steak doneness: rare, medium-rare, or medium

Steak tips are little steak bites that are well-seasoned and then quickly cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer uses high heat and a fan to circulate the heat, ensuring the outsides are crispy without overcooking the inside. The cooking time for steak tips in an air fryer is usually between 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired doneness.

A rare steak is the least-cooked type of steak. It will be bright red in the centre, almost to the edges, with a lightly to moderately seared exterior. To cook a rare steak, sear it in a hot cast-iron skillet for about three minutes on each side over high heat, or until the internal temperature is at least 125°F (51.6°C). It is worth noting that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has stated that rare steaks are unsafe to eat. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to prevent foodborne illnesses.

A medium-rare steak is one of the most popular levels of doneness. It will have a seared exterior with a reddish-pink centre. To cook a medium-rare steak, sear it in a hot cast-iron skillet for about four minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature is between 130°F and 140°F (54.4°C and 60°C).

A medium steak is a good middle ground, especially for those who are new to eating red meat. It will have a prominently seared exterior with a light pink centre. To cook a medium steak, sear it in a hot cast-iron skillet for about five minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature is at least 140°F (60°C).

Steak sides: vegetables, potatoes, and sauces

Steak is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides, including vegetables, potatoes, and sauces. Here are some ideas for each category to complement your air-fried steak:

Vegetables

Air fryers are perfect for roasting vegetables, adding a charred flavor and a bit of extra sweetness through caramelization. Chef Matthew Kreider recommends broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Before cooking, you can add a honey-balsamic glaze to the sprouts or opt for citrus-roasted broccoli. Other vegetable options include green beans, asparagus, and carrots.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish for steak, and the air fryer can help you achieve crispy potatoes with minimal effort. You can cut red potatoes into bite-sized pieces and season them with garlic herb butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can serve steak with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or French fries.

Sauces

A simple sauce can elevate your steak, and the air fryer allows you to experiment with different flavors. You can make a garlic butter sauce by sautéing minced garlic in butter and pouring it over your steak. Alternatively, you can make a compound butter by combining softened butter with garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. This can be served as a pat on top of the steak or melted over it as it rests.

Remember, when choosing side dishes, consider the level of doneness and richness of your steak. For example, if your steak is cooked medium-rare and is on the richer side, you might opt for lighter side dishes to balance the meal.

Steak leftovers: reheating and storage

Steak lovers, rejoice! You don't have to finish that entire steak in one sitting. Leftover steak can be stored and reheated to perfection, retaining its flavour and juiciness. Here are some tips for reheating and storing your steak leftovers:

Reheating Steak Leftovers:

The key to reheating steak is to maintain its texture and moisture while reviving its flavour. While there are various methods to reheat steak, the air fryer stands out as one of the best options. Here's how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer: Avoid placing your steak in a cold air fryer. Preheating ensures the steak cooks immediately, maintaining its tenderness.
• Avoid high temperatures: Contrary to what you might think, a high temperature is not necessary to warm up your steak quickly.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: Leave enough space for hot air to circulate, ensuring a crispy exterior. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Reheat for a short time: Reheat your steak for just a minute or two in the air fryer. You don't want to overcook it!
• Season to perfection: A light sprinkle of salt, pepper, or your favourite spices can enhance the flavours of your steak.

Other reheating methods include using a stovetop, oven, or microwave. The stovetop method provides a nice sear, while the oven helps keep the meat juicy and tender. If you're in a hurry, the microwave is a quick option, but it may dry out your steak.

Storing Steak Leftovers:

Properly storing your steak leftovers is crucial to maintaining their freshness and quality. Here are some tips:

• Use a vacuum sealer: This method keeps juices locked in and air out, but it can be expensive.
• Wrap individually: If you don't have a vacuum sealer, wrap each steak piece tightly in freezer paper, a thick, coated plastic paper. This helps lock in moisture and keep air away.
• Place in a container or bag: After wrapping, place the steak pieces in a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight container.
• Squeeze out the air: Before sealing the bag, use your hands to squeeze out as much air as possible.
• Store in the fridge: Keep the steak on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent juices from seeping out. Generally, leftover steaks are safe in the fridge for about three days.
• Freeze for longer storage: If you don't plan to eat the steak within a few days, place it in the freezer.

Now you can enjoy your steak leftovers just like they were freshly cooked!

Frequently asked questions