Air-Fryer Beef: Timing For Perfect Results

Cooking beef in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty crust on the outside and a juicy, tender inside. It's also a healthier option than traditional cooking methods, cutting down on both cooking time and fat content.

But how long should you put beef in an air fryer for? Well, it depends on the cut of beef, the thickness, and your desired level of doneness. For a rare or medium-rare steak, you'll want to cook it for around 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a well-done steak, add a couple more minutes.

For a roast beef joint, the cooking time will depend on the size of the joint and how well done you like it. As a rule of thumb, aim for around 13 minutes per pound for rare, 18 minutes per pound for medium, and 23 minutes per pound for well-done.

So, there you have it! Now you know the basics of how long to put beef in an air fryer. Happy cooking!

Rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, and well-done cooking times

The cooking time for a rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, or well-done steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak and the desired internal temperature. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak, as the cooking time may vary between different air fryer models. As a general guide, here are the approximate cooking times for a 1-inch thick steak:

Rare Steak

For a rare steak, cook the steak for 5-6 minutes in the air fryer, aiming for an internal temperature between 125°F and 130°F.

Medium-Rare Steak

For a medium-rare steak, cook the steak for 8-9 minutes, or 10 minutes if using a lower temperature of 350°F. The ideal internal temperature range for a medium-rare steak is 130°F to 140°F.

Medium Steak

A medium steak will take around 10 to 12 minutes to cook. The desired internal temperature for a medium steak is between 140°F and 150°F.

Medium-Well Steak

For a medium-well steak, cook for 11 minutes, or up to 15 minutes for a thicker steak. The internal temperature for a medium-well steak should be between 150°F and 155°F.

Well-Done Steak

A well-done steak will take the longest, around 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness. The internal temperature for a well-done steak should reach 160°F.

It is important to note that these cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the steak. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure your desired level of doneness. Additionally, let the steak rest for about 5 to 10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure accurate temperature readings.

How to get a good sear on the beef

To get a good sear on your beef, follow these steps:

Firstly, it's important to ensure your beef is at room temperature before cooking. Take the beef out of the fridge and leave it for around 30 minutes.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F /200°C for 10 minutes. You can then brush the beef with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, and a herb seasoning mix if you wish.

Now, place a liner in the air fryer basket (optional) and position the beef on top. Roast for 10-15 minutes. This high temperature will create a crust on the exterior, sealing in the juices.

After this, turn the beef over and reduce the temperature to 350°F / 180°C. Cook for a further 30 minutes.

To finish, check the internal temperature of the beef with an instant-read thermometer. The temperature will continue to rise slightly as the beef rests, so factor this in.

• Use a rack to lift the steaks closer to the heating element.
• Get the steak as close as possible to the heating element, leaving an inch of airspace.
• Be aware that there will be lots of smoke, so ensure you have good ventilation.
• If you want to avoid smoke, you can try pre-searing your steak in a pan before placing it in the air fryer.

How to rest the meat

Resting your meat is an important step in the cooking process, as it allows the meat to finish cooking and the juices to reabsorb. This ensures your steak is consistently moist and more flavoursome throughout.

After cooking, remove the steak from the air fryer and place it on a plate or warm platter to rest. Tent the steak loosely with foil to prevent it from continuing to cook. The length of time you should rest your steak depends on its thickness and your desired level of doneness. As a rule of thumb, thicker steaks require longer resting times. For example, a 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium-rare should rest for 5 minutes, while a thicker steak cooked to medium may need to rest for up to 10 minutes.

It's important to note that the steak will continue to cook while resting, so it's best to remove it from the air fryer before it reaches your desired level of doneness. A meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the steak and help determine how long to let it rest. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C), while a medium steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of 130°F (55°C).

Additionally, allowing your steak to reach room temperature before cooking can help reduce the resting time. Taking the chill off the meat by letting it sit for 20-30 minutes before cooking will result in a more even cook and reduce the time needed to rest the steak after cooking.

What cuts of beef to use

When it comes to choosing the right cut of beef to use in your air fryer, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to opt for a good-quality roasting joint with a little marbling of fat. Cheaper cuts that require longer cooking times, such as stewing beef, are less suitable for air frying as the shorter cooking time won't bring out their flavours.

• Prime Beef: Prime beef has the most marbling and is perfect for making roast beef in an air fryer. However, it tends to be more expensive.
• Choice Beef: While choice beef exhibits slightly less marbling than prime cuts, it is still a high-quality option for air frying.
• Topside (Top-Round Roast): This is a good option for a family dinner as it is more affordable while still being tender.
• Rump Roast: Rump roast is another affordable and tender option.
• Sirloin Roast: Sirloin is a leaner cut of beef that works well in an air fryer.
• Boneless Ribeye (Scotch Fillet): Ribeye is a tender and flavourful option, perfect for a special occasion.

Remember, the key is to choose a cut of beef that is tender, fits in your air fryer, and has a good amount of marbling.

How to season the beef

To cook beef in an air fryer, you'll want to start by seasoning the meat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

How to Season Beef for the Air Fryer

Step 1: Choose Your Seasonings

The beauty of seasoning beef is that you can be creative and use a variety of spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. Common choices include salt, pepper, garlic (fresh or powder), paprika, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. You can also use a pre-made Italian seasoning mix or a dry rub.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

Take your beef and pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat better. If your beef is straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before seasoning. This step is important as it allows the meat to cook more evenly and ensures the seasonings have time to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful roast.

Step 3: Apply the Seasonings

Take your chosen spices and rub them generously all over the beef, ensuring that every side is coated. Don't be shy with the amount—you want the seasonings to really infuse the meat with flavor. You can also brush or spray the beef with a little olive oil first, which will help the seasonings stick and promote better browning.

Step 4: Let it Rest

Once seasoned, let the beef rest at room temperature for another 20-30 minutes. This waiting period is crucial, as it allows the flavors to truly absorb into the meat.

Cooking the Beef in the Air Fryer

Now that your beef is seasoned and ready to go, it's time to fire up the air fryer! Here's a simple guide on how to cook your beef in the air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
• While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the air fryer basket by lining it with aluminum foil or using a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the seasoned beef into the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space around it for proper air circulation.
• Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 20 minutes per pound of meat. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, also flipping halfway. Well-done steaks will take closer to 12-15 minutes.
• To check if your beef is cooked to your desired level, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C), and for medium, aim for 145°F (63°C).
• Once the beef is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender roast.

Frequently asked questions