Air-Fryer Steak: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender steak with a crispy crust. The process is simple and can be achieved in around 25 minutes, including resting time. The key to a good air-fried steak is ensuring the meat is at room temperature before cooking, patting it dry, and rubbing with oil and seasonings to help it brown. Depending on your desired level of doneness, a 1-inch-thick steak will need to be cooked for 8-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Steak type and thickness

Different types of steak will produce different results in terms of taste, texture, and doneness. Common choices for air fryer steaks include ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, and tri-tip. The size and thickness of the steak will also impact cooking time and doneness. It is generally recommended to use steaks that are at least 1 inch thick to allow for proper browning and cooking. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly and not achieve the desired level of doneness.

When selecting a steak for air frying, consider the following:

• Ribeye: A popular choice for air frying due to its flavour and tenderness. It has good marbling, which adds flavour and juiciness to the steak.
• Sirloin: A leaner option that works well in the air fryer. It is recommended to add a dry rub to enhance flavour and colour.
• New York Strip: A versatile steak that can be cooked to different levels of doneness in the air fryer.
• Tri-Tip: Another good option for air frying, offering a balance of flavour and tenderness.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the type and thickness of the steak. As a general guideline, for a 1-inch thick steak, cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness, flipping the steak halfway through. For thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Additionally, it is recommended to bring the steaks to room temperature about 30 minutes before cooking and to pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help ensure even cooking and browning.

Pre-cooking prep

To prepare your steak for cooking in an air fryer, there are several steps you can take to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is recommended to let your steak reach room temperature before cooking. This can be achieved by removing the steak from the refrigerator around 30 minutes prior to cooking.

The next step is to pat the steak dry with paper towels. This is an important step to ensure the steak browns properly. You can also add a dry rub of seasonings to the steak at this stage. A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika will enhance the flavour and colour of the steak. If you prefer, you can use a store-bought steak seasoning or create your own mix of spices.

Once your steak is dry and seasoned, you can spritz or rub it with a small amount of oil. This will further enhance the browning and help to create a crispy crust. Olive oil is a popular choice due to its mild flavour.

Finally, ensure your air fryer is preheated to the desired temperature before placing the steak inside. This is crucial for achieving the desired cooking time and level of doneness.

Air fryer settings

To cook a perfect steak in an air fryer, there are several settings you need to consider. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This is the ideal temperature for cooking steak, as it will create a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired doneness and the thickness of your steak. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare or 12 minutes for medium, flipping the steak halfway through. If you prefer your steak rare, cook for 5 to 6 minutes, and for well-done, cook for 12 to 15 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your steak while it's cooking. Additionally, if you are cooking multiple steaks, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

To get the most accurate doneness, it is recommended to use a meat probe or meat thermometer. For a medium-rare steak, remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F to 140°F. For medium, aim for 140°F to 150°F.

Before cooking, prepare your steak by patting it dry with paper towels and bringing it to room temperature about 30 minutes beforehand. This will help the steak cook more evenly. You can also rub the steak with a small amount of olive oil and your desired seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or steak seasoning blends.

Once your steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

With these air fryer settings and tips, you'll be able to cook a delicious steak that is seared on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside.

Cooking time

The cooking time for steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. Most recipes recommend using steaks that are at least 1 inch thick, as thinner steaks may cook too fast and not get a chance to brown.

For a 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium-rare, cook the steak in a preheated air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. If you prefer your steak cooked to medium, increase the cooking time to a total of 12 minutes, flipping halfway.

For thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can use a meat probe to test the doneness of your steak and take it out 5 degrees before your desired level of doneness, as the meat temperature will increase as it rests.

• Rare: 125-130°F (5-6 minutes)
• Medium-Rare: 130-140°F (8-9 minutes)
• Medium: 140-150°F (10 minutes)
• Medium-Well: 150-155°F (11 minutes)
• Well-Done: 160°F (12-15 minutes)

It is important to note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of your steak. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model. Additionally, letting your steaks reach room temperature before cooking and patting them dry with paper towels can help ensure the best results.

Post-cooking steps

Once you've cooked your steak in the air fryer, it's important to let it rest. Remove the steak from the air fryer and place it on a plate, loosely tented with foil, so it doesn't continue cooking. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

The resting time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. For thicker steaks or if you prefer your steak more well done, you may need to let it rest for a little longer.

After resting, you can slice the steak and serve it with your choice of sides. Some suggested sides include baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, asparagus, Caesar salad, garlic butter green beans, or sweet potato fries.

It's also important to note that the steak will continue to cook slightly during the resting process, so if you're aiming for a specific internal temperature, remove the steak from the air fryer a few degrees before your desired doneness.

Additionally, if you want to get the perfect doneness, consider using a meat probe or a leave-in meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of around 130°F (54°C).

Finally, don't forget to clean your air fryer after cooking. Most air fryers are easy to clean, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper cleaning and maintenance.

Frequently asked questions