Air-Frying Steak: Optimal Timing For Delicious Results

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender, and flavourful steak with a crispy crust. The air fryer is faster than the oven or grill, giving you more time to prepare side dishes. It also cuts down on cooking time and fat content without sacrificing flavour.

The length of time you should leave a steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. As a general rule, thinner steaks cook faster and thicker steaks require more cooking time. For a 1-inch steak, rare steaks should be cooked for 5-6 minutes, medium-rare for 8-10 minutes, medium for 10-12 minutes, medium-well for 11 minutes, and well-done for 12-15 minutes.

Steak type and thickness

For a perfect air fryer steak, it is recommended to use a steak that is at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too fast and not get a chance to brown properly. The best cuts of steak for the air fryer include ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, T-bone, top sirloin, filet mignon, and porterhouse. These cuts require minimal babysitting, which is ideal for air frying.

The cooking time will depend on the desired doneness of your steak. For a rare steak, cook for 5-6 minutes. Medium-rare steaks should be cooked for 8-10 minutes, while medium steaks will take 10-12 minutes. Well-done steaks will need at least 12 minutes, and up to 15 minutes, in the air fryer.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and the model of your air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak to ensure it is cooked to your desired doneness.

How long to cook for different steak doneness levels

The cooking time for a steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. It's recommended to use steaks that are at least 1 inch thick, as thinner steaks may cook too fast and not get a chance to brown. The thicker the steak, the longer the cooking time. For a 1-inch steak, the cooking time is around 10-12 minutes, and you should adjust the time accordingly for thicker or thinner steaks.

• Rare: Internal temperature between 125°F and 130°F (cook for 5-6 minutes)
• Medium-rare: Internal temperature between 130°F and 140°F (cook for 8-10 minutes)
• Medium: Internal temperature between 140°F and 150°F (cook for 10-12 minutes)
• Medium-well: Internal temperature between 150°F and 155°F (cook for 11-12 minutes)
• Well-done: Internal temperature of 160°F (cook for 12-16 minutes)

It's important to note that the cooking times may vary slightly depending on the model of the air fryer and the thickness of the steak. To ensure the desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The steak should be removed from the air fryer 5-6 degrees before the desired internal temperature is reached, as the steak will continue to cook for a few minutes after it is removed from the heat.

How to season the steak

Now that you know how long to keep your steak in the air fryer, it's time to learn how to season it to perfection. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Choose Your Steak: Select a steak that suits your taste and preference. Common options include ribeye, New York strip, sirloin, or tri-tip. Ensure that your steak is at least 1 inch thick for the best results.
• Prepare the Steak: Take the steak out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. This step is crucial for even cooking.
• Pat the Steak Dry: Before adding any seasonings, use paper towels to pat the steak dry. This step ensures that you achieve a perfect sear and crust on the steak.
• Brush with Oil: Drizzle or brush a small amount of olive oil on both sides of the steak. This step helps the steak develop a nice crust and enhances browning.
• Season Generously: This is where you can get creative! For a classic approach, season the steak with salt and pepper to taste. You can also experiment with other seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, or your favourite steak seasoning blend. Feel free to mix and match to find your perfect combination.
• Massage the Seasonings: After sprinkling the seasonings, use your hands to gently massage them into the steak. Ensure that both sides of the steak are evenly coated with the seasonings.
• Let it Rest: Before placing the steak in the air fryer, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the seasonings to permeate the meat and enhances the flavour.
• Air Fry to Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Once it's heated, place the steak in the air fryer and cook according to your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a medium steak, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes.
• Rest and Serve: Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate for at least 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Finally, serve the steak with your choice of sides and enjoy!

Remember, the key to a delicious steak is taking the time to choose the right cut, allowing it to come to room temperature, and seasoning it generously. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasoning combinations to find your perfect flavour profile. Happy cooking!

How to prepare the air fryer

Preparing your air fryer before cooking steak is an important step to ensure your steak is cooked to perfection. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, you will need to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. For cooking steak, it is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. This is a crucial step as it ensures your steak cooks evenly and efficiently.

Step 2: Prepare the Steaks

Take your steaks out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature. This step is important as it helps the steaks cook more evenly. When they are at room temperature, pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Moisture on the surface of the steaks can prevent browning and affect the overall colour of the meat.

Step 3: Season the Steaks

To enhance the flavour of your steaks and help with browning, you can rub a small amount of oil on each side. You can use olive oil or another neutral oil such as avocado oil. Once the oil is applied, season the steaks generously with salt and pepper or a seasoning of your choice. You can also add a dry rub to your steaks, especially if you are using a leaner cut such as sirloin. A simple dry rub can be made with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Before placing the steaks in the air fryer, ensure that the air fryer basket is prepared. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will affect the airflow and even cooking of the steaks. Leave enough space between the steaks to allow for proper air circulation. If you are cooking multiple steaks, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 5: Cook the Steaks

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the steaks in the basket and set the timer according to your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping the steak at the halfway point. For a medium steak, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes, flipping after 6 minutes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if your steaks are thicker or thinner than 1 inch.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

After cooking, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Tent the steaks loosely with foil to prevent them from continuing to cook. You can also top the steaks with garlic butter for added flavour and juiciness.

How to serve the steak

How to Serve the Perfect Steak Dinner

Choosing the Right Cut

Choosing a cut of steak can be intimidating, as there are many options. Tender cuts like fillet steak differ from rump or sirloin, which have a chewier texture but more depth of flavour. If you're looking to impress, ask your butcher for a chateaubriand, a long fillet of beef cut from the back of the cow that usually serves two or three guests. For a cheaper option, consider skirt, bavette, or flank cuts, which should be flash-fried and served as rare as possible to avoid toughness.

Finding the Best Meat

When choosing your cut, opt for meat that is moist rather than dry or slimy. Look for firm, fine-grained meat with a light marbling of fat, which ensures the steak stays juicy once cooked. Any fat on the edges should be creamy-coloured, and properly hung beef should be deep burgundy rather than bright red. If you're selecting a pre-cut steak, make sure it is neatly trimmed without any fragments of shattered bone.

Cooking to Perfection

The perfect steak is impeccably seared on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. While grilling is a great option, it may not always be feasible due to weather conditions or the desire to avoid filling the house with smoke. Cooking steak in an air fryer is a convenient alternative that creates extra flavour and a delicate texture. It also takes the guesswork out of cooking time, reducing the risk of overcooking or undercooking.

Selecting Sides and Sauces

A pile of thin chips and a jug of sauce are classic accompaniments to steak, but you can get creative with your side dishes. Consider vegetables like green beans, roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. If you're looking for something heartier, try mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or goat cheese-stuffed rolls. For a special occasion, impress your date with homemade potato gnocchi or baked risotto. Don't forget to explore different sauces to elevate your steak, such as pepper sauce, Béarnaise sauce, or a blend of watercress, chilli, and hazelnuts.

Pairing with Drinks

Steak pairs exceptionally well with red wine, and a good Malbec can transport you to a ranch in Argentina. Other suitable options include Syrah, Pinotage, and Cabernet Sauvignon. If you prefer beer, there are two schools of thought: a palate-cleansing lager or IPA to cut through the richness, or porters and stouts to complement the slightly sweet charred flavour of the steak.

Frequently asked questions