Cody Casey
Cube steak is a cheap and tasty meal that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. It's a great option for a quick and easy dinner, and you can use less oil than you would with other cooking methods. The key to a good cube steak is tenderising the meat and cooking it until it's slightly pink in the middle. You can also marinate the steak for extra flavour. To serve, cube steak goes well with a starchy side like potatoes or rice, and a fresh vegetable like green beans or broccoli.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Cube steak |
| Steak quantity | One steak per person |
| Steak seasoning | Montreal steak seasoning, salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dill seed, etc. |
| Steak preparation | Tenderize, pound, marinate, dredge in flour, dip in egg mixture, coat with breadcrumbs |
| Steak temperature | 380-400°F |
| Steak cooking time | 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Steak doneness | Medium rare to well done, internal temperature of 145-155°F |
| Steak resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Steak sides | Gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, mac n' cheese, rice, broccoli, asparagus, potato wedges, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating the steak
Cube steak is a tougher cut of meat, so marinating it beforehand can help to break down the meat and make it more tender. You can marinate the steak for as little as 30 minutes, but for the best results, it's recommended to leave it for up to 2 hours.
There are many different marinade options to choose from, but a quick 5-ingredient marinade can be just as effective as a longer list of ingredients. A simple option is to use a dry brine of kosher salt, sprinkling about 1/2 teaspoon per steak the night before. This will draw out the moisture and help the meat absorb the seasoning.
If you want to add more flavour, you can use a wet marinade. A basic mixture includes dredging the steak in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. You can also add seasonings to the flour, such as garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dill seed, and salt. Alternatively, you can use a pre-made seasoning blend like Montreal Steak Seasoning.
If you want to add extra moisture to your steak, you can use a meat tenderizer mallet to pound the steak before adding the marinade. This will also help the steak cook faster and make it thinner, so be careful not to overcook it.
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Preparing the air fryer
Firstly, decide whether you will be marinating your cube steak. Marinating the meat for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours can help tenderise and flavour the steak. If you choose to marinate, you can skip this step and come back to prepare your air fryer when the steak is almost done marinating. It is important to note that some marinades may act as a tenderiser, so check your recipe and adjust accordingly.
Next, you will want to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to around 380°F to 400°F and preheat for about 5 minutes. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, simply turn it on and let it heat up for the same duration.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your cube steak. If you did not marinate the steak, you might want to use a meat tenderiser mallet to soften the meat and make it more uniform in thickness. Cover the steak with plastic wrap and gently pound it to your desired thickness. This step is optional but can help ensure your steak cooks evenly and quickly.
Now, you can season your steak. A simple option is to use a premade steak seasoning blend, such as Montreal Steak Seasoning, which typically includes garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dill seed, and salt. You can also make your own blend or simply use salt and pepper. If you marinated your steak, pat it dry before seasoning to help the spices stick better.
After seasoning, you may want to dredge your steak in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for a crispy coating. If you do this, let the steak sit for 20-30 minutes to warm up and ensure the coating sticks. You can also spray the steak with cooking spray or brush it with oil to help the coating stick and add extra crispness.
Finally, prepare your air fryer basket or tray. If desired, line it with foil, and then spray it with cooking spray or brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Make sure your air fryer is preheated, and you are ready to go!
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Cooking the steak
Cube steak is a great option for a quick, easy, and inexpensive meal. The cut of meat is usually top sirloin or top round, and it's tenderized by pounding with a meat mallet.
To cook a cube steak in an air fryer, you'll want to start by preparing the meat. You can season it with salt and pepper, or a spice mixture like Montreal Steak Seasoning, which typically includes garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dill seed, and salt. You may also want to tenderize the meat with a mallet, especially if you prefer your steak on the rarer side, as this cut can be a little tough.
Next, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the steak by dipping it in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Make sure the steak is coated on both sides during each step. You can also add extra spices to the flour for more flavor.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the steaks in a single layer in the basket, being careful not to crowd the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the steaks in batches. Spray the steaks with cooking spray or oil, and then air fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145-155°F.
Finally, let the steaks rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the meat moist and tender. You can serve your cube steak with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a vegetable of your choice. Don't forget to add your favorite gravy or sauce for an extra flavor boost!
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Making a sauce or gravy
Cube steak is a tougher cut of meat, so it is recommended to marinate it for at least an hour to help break down the meat and make it more tender. You can also pound the meat with a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten it to an even thickness of about 1/3 inch.
If you want to make a sauce or gravy for your cube steak, you can do so while the steak is cooking in the air fryer. First, melt some butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Once melted, whisk in some flour and cook until the mixture is smooth and slightly bubbling, whisking continuously.
Slowly add milk, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking continuously. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes or until it thickens to your desired consistency. You can add more milk if you prefer a thinner gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
You can also make a tomato-based pasta sauce in your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 360-375°F (180°C or 400°F in the oven). Toss 5.5 oz of cherry or grape tomatoes with 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of mixed dried Italian herbs, salt and pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Scatter the mixture into an 8-inch cake pan and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the tomatoes are browning, reduced, and slightly jammy.
Remove the pan from the air fryer and add 1/4 cup of grated cheese and 3 tablespoons of double (heavy) cream. Mix through and add more salt and pepper if desired. Put the pan back into the air fryer for another 30 seconds to melt the cheese and help the sauce form. You can also add extra cheese on top and put it back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes to make a crispy, cheesy topping.
Additionally, you can experiment with adding other ingredients to your tomato sauce, such as sundried tomatoes, olives, capers, basil leaves, honey, balsamic vinegar, butter, or a splash of white wine.
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Choosing side dishes
Cube steak is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded and delicious meal. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your air-fried cube steak:
Starchy Side Dishes: Potato is a popular choice, and for good reason. Consider serving air fryer potato wedges, baked potatoes, or new potatoes. Mashed potatoes are another excellent option, especially when paired with gravy. If you're looking for something different, try rice or mac n' cheese.
Vegetables: Green vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans go well with steak. You can also try air-fried versions of these veggies for a healthier option. Other vegetables that can be served as sides include corn, served as a side dish or corn casserole, or mushrooms.
Bread: Cornbread is a great option to pair with cube steak. You can also serve it with buttermilk biscuits or a simple side salad.
Gravy: Many cube steak recipes include a gravy made from the pan drippings. This can be served as a side dish or drizzled over the steak and sides.
Other Sides: If you're looking for something a little different, you can try steak fajitas or pepper steak. Cube steak can also be used to make a hearty steak bowl with veggies like pickled radish, cucumber, lettuce, and buttered corn, served over rice with a drizzle of sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
First, marinate the cube steak for at least 30 minutes to a few hours. Then, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for 5 minutes. Place the steaks in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Finally, let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cube steak is a tougher cut of meat, so to tenderize it, you can marinate it for at least an hour or use a meat tenderizing mallet on it.
Some side dishes that go well with cube steak are mashed potatoes, green beans, mac n' cheese, and a salad.
