Marianne Martinez
Cooking an 8 oz sirloin steak in an air fryer is a convenient and easy way to enjoy a steak that is tender and juicy. The air fryer's high-temperature air circulation cooks the steak evenly without the need for deep frying, resulting in a reduced-fat meal with minimal preparation and cleanup. To ensure a perfect steak, it is essential to consider the steak's thickness, the air fryer's temperature, and the desired doneness. By following these factors and allowing the steak to reach room temperature before cooking, you can achieve a delicious 8 oz sirloin steak cooked to your preferred taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak Type | Sirloin |
| Steak Weight | 8 oz |
| Steak Thickness | 1-1.5 inches |
| Marinade | Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika |
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Timing | 7-15 minutes |
| Resting Time | 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Allow the steak to reach room temperature before cooking
Allowing your steak to reach room temperature before cooking is a debated topic. Some sources claim that it is unnecessary to let the steak sit at room temperature if you have dry-brined it in the fridge. Instead, you can pat the steak dry with paper towels before searing it. This helps to evaporate the surface moisture, resulting in more efficient browning.
However, other sources recommend letting the steak rest at room temperature for a more even cook. By bringing the steak closer to its final serving temperature, you prevent the meat directly below the surface from overcooking and turning grey. Ideally, the steak should be left out for 20 to 30 minutes to reach a temperature of 20 to 25°F (11 to 14°C) warmer. This also improves browning, as the pan's heat is not wasted on removing the chill from the steak's surface.
If you choose to bring your steak to room temperature, it is important to note that this process can take longer than expected. In one test, two 1-inch-thick rib-eye steaks were left to rest for an hour but only reached 52°F, and 62°F after two hours. To increase the warming rate, you can place the steak on a highly conductive metal like aluminum.
For an 8-ounce sirloin steak in an air fryer, consider taking it out of the fridge about 15 to 30 minutes before cooking. This will ensure the steak is not fridge-cold when it enters the air fryer, helping to prevent overcooking the exterior while keeping the interior warm.
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Use olive oil and season generously
Olive oil is not necessary when cooking steak in an air fryer, but it can add flavor, help form a crust, and ensure that seasonings stick to the meat. If you decide to use olive oil, brush or spray a thin layer of it over your steaks before seasoning.
When seasoning your 8 oz sirloin steak, be generous with the salt and pepper. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of pepper per pound of beef. You can also add Italian seasoning or other spices and herbs like garlic powder and paprika. For even more flavor, use 1 tablespoon of Montreal steak seasoning per pound of beef instead of salt and pepper. If you have the time, consider marinating your steak overnight for an enhanced taste.
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Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your steak cooks evenly and efficiently. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. This is a good baseline, but remember that all air fryers are different and may cook at different rates.
Before preheating, ensure your steak is at room temperature. This is recommended even when using an air fryer, as it helps the steak cook evenly. Depending on the thickness of your steak, it can take 15 minutes to over an hour to reach room temperature. Thicker cuts of meat will take longer.
While your steak is coming to room temperature, you can prepare your air fryer. First, ensure your air fryer is big enough to hold your steak. You should only cook one or two steaks at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer. They should not be overcrowded. If you are cooking more than two steaks, you will need to cook them in batches.
Once your steak is at room temperature, pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat. Then, brush or spray the steak with olive oil, and rub in salt and pepper or your chosen seasoning.
Now you are ready to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F and the timer for 3 minutes. If your air fryer does not have a timer, use a separate timer so you don't forget to turn it off. Once preheated, you can place your seasoned steak in the basket and begin cooking.
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Cook for 6-15 minutes, depending on desired doneness
The cooking time for your 8 oz sirloin steak in the air fryer will depend on how well you want it done. For a rare steak, cook for 6 minutes. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, air fry for about 7 to 8 minutes. For a medium steak, increase the cooking time to 8 to 9 minutes. If you like your steak medium-well, cook for 11 minutes. Finally, for a well-done steak, air fry for 12 to 14 minutes.
Note that these timings are for a 1-inch-thick steak. If your steak is thicker or thinner, you will need to adjust the cooking time. For example, if your steak is 1.5 inches thick, it will take about 2 minutes longer to cook than a 1-inch steak.
It's also important to remember that all air fryers are different and may cook at different rates, so keep an eye on your steak and use a kitchen thermometer to check that it has reached your desired level of doneness. The steak's temperature will also increase by about 5 degrees while it rests, so take it out of the air fryer just before it reaches the desired temperature.
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Rest the steak for 5-10 minutes
Resting your steak is an important step in the cooking process. Once you have cooked your 8 oz sirloin steak in the air fryer, it is recommended that you let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak is juicy and tender.
During the resting period, the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise. For example, a medium-rare steak should be removed from the air fryer at 125°F, and it will rise to 130°F after resting. This is important to keep in mind when checking the doneness of your steak with a meat probe.
To rest the steak, transfer it to a plate or cutting board and loosely cover it with foil. This will prevent the steak from continuing to cook while still allowing it to breathe.
While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or garnishes. For example, a pat of garlic herb butter or a compound butter can be a delicious addition to your steak. You can also prepare a vegetable side, such as roasted green beans or asparagus.
After resting, your steak is now ready to be sliced and served! Enjoy your perfectly cooked 8 oz sirloin steak, made with the help of your air fryer.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by letting the steak come to room temperature on the counter for 15 minutes to an hour before cooking. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel, then brush on olive oil and rub in salt and pepper on one side. Flip the steak over and repeat. Place the steak in the centre of the air fryer basket and cook for 6-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 125°F-135°F. This will rise to 130°F-140°F after resting.
Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking.
Try roasted vegetables, such as butternut squash, green beans, broccolini or asparagus. Potatoes are also a good option—you can cook them in the air fryer before or after the steak.
Yes, you can cook a frozen steak in the air fryer, but make sure to fully defrost it in the refrigerator first. This can take a day or longer for a thicker cut of steak.
