Air Fryer Steak: The Perfect Timing For Tender Meat

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender steak with a crispy crust. The air fryer method is also less messy than traditional cooking methods and can cut cooking time in half. The length of time you should put a steak in an air fryer for depends on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch-thick steak, it will take around 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium.

How to get the perfect steak every time

Choosing the Right Steak

Selecting the right cut of steak is crucial for achieving the perfect result. Popular options include ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, and T-bone. Choose a steak that is at least 1 inch thick, as thinner steaks may cook too quickly and not allow for proper browning.

Preparing the Steak

Take the steak out of the refrigerator 20 minutes to 30 minutes beforehand and let it come up to room temperature. This step is important for ensuring even cooking. Before cooking, pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which can interfere with browning. You can also rub a little olive oil on both sides of the steak for enhanced flavor and browning.

Seasoning

Keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or go for a dry rub with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or steak seasoning blends. You can also marinate the steak in your favorite liquid marinade for extra flavor, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, let it run at 400 degrees for about 5 minutes before placing the steak inside. Greasing the air fryer basket with a little oil is also recommended.

Cooking the Steak

Place the steak in the preheated air fryer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes for a medium-rare to medium steak, flipping it halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. For thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a rare steak, aim for 5 to 6 minutes, while a well-done steak may take up to 15 minutes.

Resting and Serving

After cooking, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Loosely tent it with foil to keep it warm. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Top with garlic herb butter for an extra decadent touch.

Tips for Success

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Use a meat probe or instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of your steak. Remove the steak from the air fryer when it's about 5 degrees lower than your desired doneness, as the temperature will continue to rise as it rests.
• For the best results, choose an air fryer with at least 1800 watts of power for optimal browning.

The benefits of cooking steak in an air fryer

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason—they're versatile, convenient, and can cook food to perfection. One of the best applications of an air fryer is cooking steak. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer for your next steak dinner:

Perfectly Cooked Steak

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer for steak is the consistent cooking temperature. The small, enclosed space and fan work together to maintain an even temperature, ensuring your steak is cooked just the way you like it. Whether you prefer a rare or well-done steak, an air fryer can deliver perfect results every time. The high heat of an air fryer is also ideal for cooking steak, as it helps retain tenderness.

Quick and Easy

Air fryers significantly cut down on cooking time compared to traditional methods like oven baking or grilling. This means you can have a delicious, juicy steak on your table in a fraction of the time. The convenience of an air fryer also extends beyond cooking time. There's no need to stand by the grill or deal with the mess of grease splatter on your stovetop. Air fryers require minimal hands-on attention, so you can focus on other tasks while your steak cooks to perfection.

Healthy Option

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to traditional cooking methods. They use little to no oil, reducing the fat content of your meal without sacrificing flavor. The air frying method also produces less smoke than stovetop cooking, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.

Customizable

With an air fryer, you have the freedom to choose your favorite cut of steak and customize the seasoning to your taste. Whether you prefer a ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip, you can easily adjust the cooking time to suit the thickness and your desired doneness. You can also experiment with different seasonings and rubs to find your perfect combination.

Versatile

Air fryers are incredibly versatile, allowing you to cook a variety of side dishes to accompany your steak. You can prepare everything from roasted vegetables to crispy french fries, all in the same appliance. This makes meal preparation more efficient and reduces the number of dishes you need to juggle.

In conclusion, cooking steak in an air fryer offers numerous benefits, including convenience, precision, and versatility. It's a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy, flavorful steak that's cooked exactly to your liking. So, if you're looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy a restaurant-quality steak at home, an air fryer may be the perfect solution.

How to cook steak in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Steak of your choice (Ribeye, New York, Tri Tip, Sirloin, or T-bone)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning or steak seasoning
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Method

• Take your steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking.
• Pat the steak dry with paper towels and rub a little olive oil on both sides.
• Season the steak with salt and pepper, or a seasoning of your choice. You can also add a dry rub of garlic powder and paprika.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Place the steak in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes for a medium/medium-rare steak, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. For a thinner steak, check after 4 minutes to ensure it doesn't overcook.
• Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
• For an extra touch of flavour, top the steak with garlic butter.

Tips

• For a well-done steak, cook for 12 to 15 minutes.
• If you want to be precise about the doneness of your steak, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, the temperature should be 130°F, and for a medium steak, it should be 140°F.
• Make sure your air fryer is fully preheated before adding the steak, and don't overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking.
• For the best results, use steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too fast and won't have time to brown properly.

The best cut of steak to cook in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient, quick, and easy way to cook steak. They can deliver a juicy, tender, and flavoursome steak with a crispy crust. While some people may be sceptical about using an air fryer for steak, it can produce delicious results.

When cooking steak in an air fryer, it is important to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature and ensure the desired level of doneness. The temperature for a rare steak is 125 F, medium-rare is 130-140 F, medium is 140-150 F, medium-well is 150-155 F, and well-done is 160 F.

The best cuts of steak to cook in an air fryer include:

Cube Steak

This is a lean and sometimes tough cut that usually comes from the top or bottom round of the cow. It is a convenient and versatile option for the air fryer. Cube steak is best cooked to medium-rare in the air fryer, as it can become dry if overcooked. Marinating the steak beforehand is recommended, as the acidic components will help to tenderise the meat. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder can also be used.

Flank Steak

Flank steak comes from the abdominal muscle below the cow's chest and has a tender texture and approachable taste. It is best enjoyed rare, medium-rare, or medium, as it can become chewy if overcooked. It is important to let the meat come to room temperature before cooking, as this will help to tenderise the meat. A spice rub can be applied before placing the steak in the preheated air fryer at 400 F. After cooking, the flank steak should be covered in tin foil and allowed to rest for a few minutes.

Filet Mignon

This cut comes from the loin primal section of the cow and is known for being extremely lean and tender. It is a bit pricier than other options but is well worth it. The soft texture and mild flavour of filet mignon make it versatile and allow for a variety of rubs, marinades, butters, and sauces to be used. The air fryer should be preheated to 380 F and oiled before cooking the steak for around 10 to 12 minutes.

Ribeye

Ribeye is a popular and delicious cut of steak that comes from the long muscle called longissimus dorsi. It is tender, well-marbled, and has a smooth texture. Ribeye can be cooked quickly in the air fryer, making it an excellent choice for this cooking method. It is best to cook ribeye without the bone, as it can be more difficult, but a boneless ribeye will still produce tasty results. Simple seasonings are recommended, and the steak should be cooked to the desired doneness at 400 F. After cooking, add a touch of butter and let the steak rest for a few minutes.

Porterhouse

The Porterhouse is a large and impressive cut of steak that comes from the short loin portion of the cow. It consists of the top loin, or New York strip, and the tenderloin, separated by the T-bone. The top loin contains more marbled fat, giving it a robust flavour, while the tenderloin is leaner and more tender. This cut of steak is best cooked at 400 F with a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and olive oil to let the meat's flavours shine.

Sirloin

Sirloin is a great option for air frying, especially when the meat has been thawed. It has a hearty flavour and comes from the subprimal posterior to the short loin. Sirloin is divided into top sirloin, which is more tender, and bottom sirloin, which is leaner and tougher. The air fryer should be set to 400 F and oiled before adding the marinated or seasoned steaks. Cook to your desired level of doneness, flipping the steak halfway through.

Strip Steak

Strip steak, also known as shell steak or Kansas strip, is a top-notch cut of meat that comes from the top loin of the cow. It has a beautiful texture and a rich, beefy flavour, with fat marbling that makes it tender and flavourful. A simple seasoning of butter, garlic, and herbs is often all that is needed. Preheat the air fryer to 400 F and cook the room-temperature steak for about 14 minutes for a medium-rare steak.

How long to cook steak in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook steak in an air fryer depends on the cut of steak, the thickness of the steak, and the desired level of doneness.

Preparation

Before cooking, it is recommended that you bring your steak to room temperature by removing it from the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes. You should also pat the steak dry with a paper towel and rub or brush both sides with olive oil.

Cooking Time

For a 1-inch-thick steak, cooked to medium-rare, you should cook the steak in a preheated air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping it halfway through. If you prefer your steak medium, you should cook it for a couple of minutes longer—likely between 10 and 15 minutes, depending on how well done you like your steak.

For thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can use a meat probe or an instant-read thermometer to check if your steak is done to your liking. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 130°F (54°C).

Resting

Once your steak is cooked, it is important to let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

Frequently asked questions