Cody Casey
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy and tender steak with a crispy exterior. It is also a lot less messy than pan-searing and can produce a better result than cooking steak in the oven. This guide will take you through the steps to cook an 8 oz steak in an air fryer, from preheating the air fryer to seasoning and cooking the steak, and finally, serving it with delicious garlic butter.
Cooking an 8 oz steak in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Porterhouse or sirloin |
| Steak thickness | 1 inch |
| Steak weight | 8 oz |
| Steak temperature | 125°F-145°F for rare to medium |
| Air fryer temperature | 400°F |
| Air fryer preheat time | 10 minutes |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, olive oil |
| Cooking time | 10-12 minutes |
| Flip time | After 5-6 minutes |
| Rest time | 5-10 minutes |
| Serving suggestion | Garlic herb butter |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F
Preheating your air fryer is a good idea if you want your food to have a crispy and crunchy texture. It is especially useful if you are cooking something that needs a good sear, like steak. Preheating will also speed up the cooking time, as your food will start cooking immediately, rather than waiting for the air fryer to heat up during the cooking process.
To preheat your air fryer to 400°F, start by consulting your air fryer's instruction manual. All makes and models are different, so it is important to check if your air fryer has specific instructions for preheating. If there is no preheat button, you can manually preheat your air fryer by setting the temperature to 400°F and letting it heat up for 3 to 5 minutes. Smaller air fryers will preheat faster than larger ones, so a small air fryer may only need 2 to 3 minutes, while a larger one may need up to 4 or 5 minutes.
It is important to note that preheating is not always necessary. Some recipes and foods may not require it, and it can even be detrimental for certain dishes. For example, if you are cooking something very delicate, like shrimp, or something that will be cooking for a long time, like a whole chicken, you may not want to preheat your air fryer.
However, if you are cooking an 8 oz steak, preheating your air fryer to 400°F is a good idea to ensure a nice sear and even cooking.
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Season the steak with salt, pepper, and oil
Seasoning your steak is a crucial step in the cooking process. It ensures your steak is flavourful and seasoned to your preference.
Firstly, you should pat your steak dry with a paper towel. This is an important step to ensure even browning of your steak. Once your steak is dry, you can begin to season.
Sprinkle both sides of your steak with salt and pepper. You can use kosher salt or regular table salt, depending on your preference. Be sure to coat the steak evenly, ensuring the seasoning is rubbed into the meat. You can also add other seasonings, such as Italian seasoning or Montreal steak seasoning, to enhance the flavour.
Finally, add oil to your steak. You can use olive oil or another neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil. Rub the oil onto both sides of the steak. This will help the steak brown better and create a crispy exterior.
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Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway
Once you've preheated your air fryer to 400°F, seasoned your steak, and popped it in the basket, it's time to start cooking. For a medium-rare steak, you'll want to air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping your steak halfway through. This cooking time is for a 1-inch-thick steak, so if your steak is thicker or thinner, you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
When cooking your steak, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer. Therefore, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your steak to ensure it doesn't overcook. An easy way to check if your steak is done to your liking is to use a meat thermometer. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 125°F and 130°F. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F. A temperature of 140°F will give you a medium steak, while a well-done steak will be 160°F.
If you don't have a meat thermometer, that's okay! You can also check the doneness of your steak by cutting into it. Just be aware that this method will cause some of the juices to escape, which may dry out your steak. A good rule of thumb is to cook your steak for 5 minutes less than you think it needs, as it will continue to cook a little even after being removed from the air fryer.
Now that you know the basics of cooking a steak in an air fryer, it's time to get cooking! Remember to preheat your air fryer, season your steak generously, and cook it according to your desired doneness. Enjoy your perfectly cooked steak!
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Rest for 10 minutes, covered with foil
After cooking your steak in the air fryer, it's important to let it rest for 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak is juicy and tender. It also gives it time to cool down slightly, making it easier and safer to eat.
Covering the steak with foil while it rests helps to keep it warm without overcooking it. The foil should be tented over the steak, not wrapped tightly around it, as you don't want the steak to continue cooking.
The resting time is also a good opportunity to prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your steak. Simple vegetable side dishes like salads, potatoes, asparagus, green beans, and French fries go well with steak.
Finally, after the steak has rested, you can slice it and serve it. For an extra touch of flavor, try serving it with garlic butter or herb butter.
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Check the temperature with a meat probe
Checking the internal temperature of your steak with a meat probe is a great way to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
The temperature you should aim for depends on how well done you like your steak. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 125°F and 130°F. A medium-rare steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F. If you prefer your steak medium, aim for 140°F, and for a well-done steak, you should be looking at 145°F.
It's important to note that the steak will continue to cook after you remove it from the air fryer, so it's recommended to take it out when it's about 5°F cooler than your desired temperature.
If your steak is not at the desired temperature, you can continue cooking it in two-minute increments and checking the temperature with the meat probe each time until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.
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Frequently asked questions
For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, the temperature should be 130°F to 135°F. For a medium steak, the temperature should be 140°F to 145°F.
Remove your steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and let it come to room temperature. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasonings.
Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. You can also top it with garlic herb butter for extra flavor.
