Air-Frying T-Bone Steak: Quick And Easy

Cooking a T-bone steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender, and flavourful steak with a crisp outside and a juicy centre. It's healthier than traditional cooking methods and creates a perfectly cooked dish with less work and less clean-up. The air fryer's circulation of hot air sears the outside and evenly cooks the meat, including near the bone.

How to prepare your T-bone steak before air frying

Preparing your T-bone steak before air frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare your T-bone steak for air frying:

Remove the Steak from the Refrigerator

Take the steak out of the fridge and let it rest for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is important as it allows the steak to come to room temperature, which will result in more even cooking.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat it for about 5 minutes. This ensures that your air fryer is ready to go and will help you achieve the desired cooking temperature for your steak.

Season the Steak

Drizzle or brush olive oil over the steak. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and promote even browning. After oiling, season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or your desired steak seasoning blend. You can also try other seasonings like Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or dry mustard to add extra flavour.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring that the steaks do not stack or overlap. This will ensure that the hot air circulates evenly around each steak.

Air Fry the Steak

With the air fryer preheated and the steak prepared, it's time to start cooking. Air fry your T-bone steak at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 8 minutes on each side for a medium-rare to medium steak. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired doneness and the thickness of your steak.

Check the Internal Temperature

To ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and refer to the following temperature guidelines:

• Medium-Rare: 135 degrees Fahrenheit
• Medium: 145 degrees Fahrenheit
• Medium-Well: 155 degrees Fahrenheit
• Well Done: 160 degrees Fahrenheit

Rest the Steak

Once your steak has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 4 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak is juicy and tender.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a perfectly cooked T-bone steak prepared in your air fryer!

The ideal temperature and time to fry a T-bone steak in an air fryer

The ideal temperature to fry a T-bone steak in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). The time depends on the desired level of doneness, with a rare steak taking 8-10 minutes, medium rare taking 10-12 minutes, medium taking 11-13 minutes, medium-well taking 13-15 minutes, and well done taking 14-18 minutes.

Preparation

Before cooking, it is recommended to let the steak come to room temperature, which takes about 15-20 minutes. You can brush the steak with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper on both sides.

Cooking

Place the steak in the air fryer basket without stacking or overlapping. For a 1.5-inch (4 cm) thick steak, cook for 6 minutes on each side for medium rare, flipping it halfway through. For a thicker steak, increase the cooking time by 3-4 minutes.

Resting

After cooking, let the steak rest for 2-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist. You can wrap the steak in foil to help it reach the desired temperature without overcooking and to enhance its juiciness.

Checking Doneness

The best way to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness is to use a meat thermometer. According to the FDA, the proper temperatures for steak doneness are:

• Medium Rare: 135°F (54°C)
• Medium: 145°F (60°C)
• Medium Well: 155°F (65°C)
• Well Done: 160°F (71°C)

How to make garlic butter to go with your steak

Now that you know how to cook your T-bone steak in an air fryer, it's time to make some garlic butter to go with it.

How to Make Garlic Butter

Making garlic butter is a simple process that involves mixing a few ingredients together. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Gather your ingredients:

• Butter (unsalted, softened)
• Garlic (freshly minced or grated)
• Herbs (such as parsley, chives, or Italian seasoning)
• Salt (garlic salt or regular salt)
• Pepper (coarse ground or ground black pepper)
• Optional: Parmesan cheese, paprika, or other seasonings

• Allow the butter to soften at room temperature. This usually takes about an hour.
• If you want to cook the garlic, melt two tablespoons of butter in a pan over low to medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant. Set it aside to cool.
• Place the softened butter in a small bowl or a stand mixer. If you cooked the garlic, add it to the butter along with any melted butter from the pan.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl or mixer: garlic (if you didn't cook it), herbs, salt, and pepper.
• Mix the ingredients until they are well combined and smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Serve the garlic butter immediately, or store it for later use.

Storing Garlic Butter

You can store garlic butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3-6 months. It's a great way to have a tasty compound butter on hand to elevate your steaks, bread, vegetables, and more.

What to serve with your T-bone steak

Now that you've cooked your T-bone steak in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with it. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your juicy steak and elevate your dining experience:

Classic Potato Dishes

• Mashed potatoes are a comfort food that provides a clean base for the intense flavours of the steak.
• Scalloped potatoes: a unique blend of sharp, creamy sauce and slightly crispy potatoes.
• Twice-baked potatoes: customise with bacon, cheese, or sour cream for a hearty and comforting side.
• Sweet potato fries: a healthier and sweeter alternative to regular French fries.
• Loaded baked potatoes: a fun and filling option.

Other Carbohydrates

• Mac and cheese: a super-comforting option, especially if you're feeding a crowd.
• Risotto: try a baked risotto with lemon, peas, and Parmesan for a date night dish that's sure to impress.
• Gnocchi: making homemade gnocchi could be a fun date night activity.
• Dinner rolls: a classic and simple side that pairs well with the meaty taste of T-bone.
• Cornbread: add some Southern flavour to your meal with this sweet and crumbly bread.

Vegetables

• Oven-roasted vegetables: a tasty, savoury, and slightly sweet side that balances the steak's savouriness.
• Sauteed green beans: a crunchy and mildly bitter option that pairs well with the steak.
• Corn on the cob: a classic side that goes nicely with the steak's flavourful, beefy taste.
• Broccolini: a classy, crunchy, and slightly sweet roasted vegetable side.
• Honey-roasted carrots: the sweet and savoury flavours of these carrots complement the rich, buttery taste of the steak.
• Balsamic-glazed zucchini: a healthy, sweet, tangy, and slightly crispy side.
• Grilled romaine Caesar salad: a slight char on the romaine lettuce pairs perfectly with Caesar dressing.
• Spinach salad: a light and healthy option to balance out your meal.
• Grilled peach salad: a summery spin on a classic wedge salad.
• Ratatouille: a colourful and summery stew.
• Air fryer mushrooms and onions: a simple side dish with deep umami flavours.

Salads

• Wedge salad: a classic and refreshing side with iceberg lettuce, blue cheese dressing, and bacon.
• Bacon avocado salad: a combination of creamy avocado and crispy bacon creates a perfect accompaniment to the steak's beefy flavour.
• Chickpea cucumber salad: a crunchy and subtly sweet salad with a subtle, earthy flavour.
• Warm apple and pistachio spinach salad: a sweet and savoury side with a mild, earthy flavour that contrasts well with the steak.
• Red cabbage and fennel coleslaw: a tangy, crisp side with a unique, sweet anise flavour.
• Caesar salad: a traditional and tasty option with a salty, tangy dressing and nutty, savoury croutons and Parmesan.

With so many options to choose from, you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal to impress your family and friends!

How to store leftover T-bone steak

Leftover T-bone steak should be stored in an airtight container or resealable storage bag. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, it's best to freeze it.

To freeze leftover T-bone steak, wrap each steak tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months. Make sure the meat has cooled completely before storing it in the freezer.

Additionally, you can use leftover T-bone steak bones to make beef stock. You can save the bones in a bag in the freezer and then use them to make stock when you have enough.

Frequently asked questions