Tillie Doyle
Air fryer flank steak is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious and juicy steak in under 30 minutes. With a simple marinade or dry rub, you can have a tender and flavourful steak cooked to perfection. The key to a good air fryer flank steak is ensuring the steak is at room temperature before cooking and slicing it thinly against the grain after it has rested.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade | Olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon, garlic, adobo with lime seasoning, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, cumin, chili powder |
| Marinade Time | 20 minutes to overnight |
| Preheat Air Fryer | 400° F for 5 minutes |
| Air Fry Time | 4-7 minutes on each side |
| Air Fry Temperature | 350° F - 400° F |
| Rest Time | 5 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 130° F for medium-rare |
| Slicing | Against the grain |
| Serving Suggestions | Salad, tacos, potatoes, stir-fry, fajitas, wraps |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days |
| Reheating | Air fryer for 1 minute for slices, 4-5 minutes for a whole steak |
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What You'll Learn
Marinade ingredients and preparation
Marination is the first step in preparing your flank steak for the air fryer. It is an important step as it helps to tenderize the meat and infuse flavour. The longer you can leave the steak to marinate, the better—up to 24 hours. However, if you are short on time, a minimum of 20 minutes to 3 hours will still produce a delicious result.
There are many different ingredients you can use to make a marinade. A simple combination of olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon, garlic, adobo with lime seasoning, onion, and basil will add flavour to your steak. You can also add a dry rub to your steak before cooking. A dry rub is a great way to season the steak without having to marinate it. A simple dry rub can be made by combining brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
To marinate your steak, add all the ingredients to a large plastic zipper bag. Seal the bag and mix the ingredients together. Then, add the steak to the bag, seal, and refrigerate. If you have time, you can also "score" the meat by cutting very thin lines into both sides of the steak in a crosshatch pattern to help impart extra flavour. Remember to remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking and let it rest on the counter to come to room temperature.
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Air fryer settings
The ideal air fryer settings for cooking 2 lbs of flank steak depend on the size and thickness of the steak, as well as your desired level of doneness. Most recipes recommend cooking flank steak to medium-rare or medium.
To achieve a medium-rare steak, preheat your air fryer to 400° F (200° C) for 5 minutes. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The steak is done when its internal temperature reaches 130° F (54.4° C).
For a medium steak, increase the cooking time to 15 minutes. The internal temperature should be between 140° and 155° F (60° and 68.3° C).
If you prefer your steak more well-done, simply increase the cooking time accordingly. However, keep in mind that flank steak is best when not overcooked, as it can become dry and chewy.
Additionally, the size of your air fryer may impact the cooking time. Smaller air fryers tend to cook faster than larger ones, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking temperature for flank steak in an air fryer should be set to around 400°F (200°C). Some sources suggest cooking at 350°F (177°C) instead.
The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and how well done you like it. As a rule of thumb, for a 1-inch-thick steak, allow 4–5 minutes on each side for rare, 5–7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, and 7–10 minutes on each side for medium. This means the total cooking time will be between 8 and 20 minutes, depending on your preferences.
If you are cooking a 2-lb flank steak, it is likely that the steak will be quite thick, so you may need to allow for a longer cooking time. However, it is important to note that the exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of your steak.
To check if your steak is done, use a meat thermometer. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 120°F (49°C). For medium-rare, the temperature should be 130°F (54°C), and for medium, it should be 140–145°F (60–63°C).
It is important not to overcook flank steak, as it can become dry and chewy. The best temperature for this cut of steak is medium to medium-rare.
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Resting and slicing
Resting the steak is a crucial step in the cooking process. It is important to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes after removing it from the air fryer. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the steak stays moist and juicy. Cover the steak with foil to keep it warm while it rests.
The resting time is also a good opportunity to determine the grain of the steak. The grain refers to the direction of the muscle fibres in the meat. You can identify it by looking for the long lines that run across the steak.
When it comes to slicing the steak, it is important to cut against the grain. This means cutting in the opposite direction of the muscle fibres. Slicing against the grain ensures that the steak will be tender and not tough or chewy. Use a sharp knife to slice the steak as thinly as possible.
If you are making tacos or wraps, you can slice the steak into strips. For a salad, you may prefer thinner slices that can be easily tossed with the greens and other ingredients.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It is recommended to slice the steak before storing it in the refrigerator, as it will thaw faster when it's time to enjoy the leftovers.
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Storing and reheating leftovers
When storing your leftover flank steak, make sure to wrap it tightly or place it in a sealed container before putting it in the refrigerator. The USDA recommends eating leftover steak within 3 to 4 days. If you're storing reheated steak, consume it within 2 to 3 days.
To preserve the flavour and texture of your flank steak when reheating, it's important to prevent it from drying out. One way to do this is by adding moisture. Brush the steak with a thin layer of oil, butter, or beef broth before reheating. Alternatively, you can place the steak in a deep dish and pour gravy or meat juices over it before covering with plastic wrap and microwaving.
If you're using an oven, preheat it to 250°F (120°C) and place the steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Reheat for 10 to 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare. If you're using a microwave, set it to medium heat and cook the steak in 30-second intervals, flipping the steak in between.
Another option is the sous vide method, which involves placing the steak in a sealable freezer bag with a small pat of salted butter. After removing the air from the bag, let the steak come to room temperature, then place the bag in a water bath at 120°F to 130°F for 5 to 8 minutes. Finish the steak on a grill or stovetop if desired.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 10 minutes to cook 2 lbs of flank steak in an air fryer at 400°F, for a medium-rare finish. Increase the cooking time by a few minutes for a more well-done steak.
Marinating the steak is the first step to tenderizing it and infusing extra flavour. You can marinate the steak for up to 24 hours, but a minimum of 30 minutes to 2 hours is also fine. If marinating for more than 30 minutes, place the steak in the fridge and bring it out 30 minutes before cooking.
It is recommended to cook flank steak in an air fryer at 400°F.
