Air Fryer Steak Capacity: How Many Can You Cook?

Air fryers are a great way to cook steak, with many people claiming that it's their new favourite way to do so. It's quick, easy, and produces a juicy, tender steak with a delicate texture and a crispy crust. But how many steaks can you cook in an air fryer at once?

Steak type

Ribeye

Ribeye steaks are a popular choice for air fryer cooking due to their marbling and flavour. They have a good amount of fat, which helps to keep them juicy and tender. Ribeye steaks are typically around 1 inch thick and can be cooked to your desired level of doneness in the air fryer.

Sirloin

Sirloin steaks are another great option for air fryer cooking. They are leaner than ribeyes but still have a good amount of flavour. Sirloin steaks are also typically around 1 inch thick and can be cooked to your desired level of doneness. They are a good choice if you are looking for a healthier option without sacrificing taste.

New York Strip

New York strip steaks are a classic choice for steak lovers. They have a good balance of fat and lean meat, making them juicy and tender. New York strips are usually thicker cuts, so you may need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

T-Bone

T-bone steaks are a larger cut that includes a portion of the tenderloin and strip steak. They are a good choice if you want a heartier meal, as they are typically quite thick and can feed multiple people. T-bone steaks can be cooked in the air fryer, but you may need to adjust your cooking time and temperature to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Porterhouse

Porterhouse steaks are similar to T-bone steaks but are even larger, with a bigger portion of the tenderloin. They are a good choice if you are feeding a crowd or want leftovers. Like T-bone steaks, you may need to adjust your cooking time and temperature to ensure they are cooked to your liking.

Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is a tender, lean cut of steak that is perfect for air fryer cooking. It is a smaller, more compact cut, so it is important not to overcook it. Filet mignon is a good choice if you are looking for a more elegant or romantic meal.

Steak thickness

For a 1-inch thick steak, the cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, cook for 5-6 minutes. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, set the timer for 8-9 minutes. A medium steak will take around 10 minutes, while a medium-well steak will need 11 minutes. Well-done steaks require the longest cooking time, typically 12 to 15 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your steak to avoid overcooking. Additionally, using a meat thermometer can help you achieve the desired level of doneness. The internal temperature of a rare steak should be between 125°F and 130°F, while a medium-rare steak should fall between 130°F and 140°F. Medium steaks should reach an internal temperature of 140°F to 150°F, and well-done steaks should be cooked to 160°F.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to bring your steaks to room temperature before placing them in the air fryer. This usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Additionally, patting the steaks dry before seasoning and allowing them to rest for a few minutes after cooking will enhance the flavour and texture.

Air fryer temperature

When cooking steak in an air fryer, it's important to consider the temperature and make adjustments depending on your desired level of doneness. While specific temperatures may vary slightly between different air fryer models, here are some general guidelines to achieve your preferred steak doneness:

For a rare to medium-rare steak, heat your air fryer to 200C for two minutes. Then, place your steaks in the basket and cook for six minutes. For a medium steak, cook for an additional two minutes. If you prefer your steaks well-done, cook for a further two minutes. It's important to flip your steak halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Once the steak is done, let it rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.

Alternatively, you can preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook your steaks for about 10 minutes for medium-rare, 12 minutes for medium, and 14 minutes for medium-well. Again, flipping the steak halfway through is crucial for even cooking. After cooking, let the steak rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

It's worth noting that the thickness of your steak also plays a role in determining the cooking time. Most recipes recommend using steaks that are at least one inch thick. Thinner steaks tend to cook faster and may not achieve the desired browning.

Cooking time

The cooking time for your steak will depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. Steaks cooked in an air fryer typically take between 10 and 15 minutes, but this can vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak.

For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for 10 minutes for a medium-rare steak and 12 minutes for a medium steak. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time.

If your steak is thicker than 1 inch, you will need to increase the cooking time. For example, for a 1.5-inch-thick steak, you may need to cook it for 14-16 minutes for medium-rare and 16-18 minutes for medium.

For thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, for a 0.5-inch-thick steak, you may only need to cook it for 6-8 minutes for medium-rare and 8-10 minutes for medium.

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 is cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Additionally, it is recommended to let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and the muscle fibres to relax, ensuring your steak is moist and flavourful.

Resting time

During the resting time, you can make a sauce or prepare herb butter to take your steak to the next level. If you're using an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of your steak, remember to remove it from the air fryer 5°F before your desired temperature, as the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise as it rests.

For a rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F. For medium-rare, the temperature range is 130°F to 140°F. Medium steaks should fall between 140°F and 150°F, while well-done steaks should reach 160°F.

If you're cooking multiple steaks, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure proper airflow and even cooking. Remember to let your steaks rest for a few minutes after removing them from the fridge before cooking to ensure they cook more evenly and turn out less tough.

Frequently asked questions