Air Fryer London Broil: Quick & Juicy Steak In 20 Minutes

London broil, a flavorful cut of meat, can be cooked to perfection in an air fryer, offering a quick and convenient method for a delicious meal. This guide will provide a step-by-step process to achieve a mouth-watering result, ensuring your London broil is tender and juicy with a crispy exterior. By following these simple instructions, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

Prepare the Meat: Season the London broil with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices

When preparing a London broil for the air fryer, the initial step is to season the meat generously. This process not only enhances the flavor but also helps to create a delicious crust. Start by trimming any excess fat from the London broil, ensuring a neat presentation. Then, season the meat generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt will help to draw out the moisture, ensuring a juicy and tender cut, while the pepper adds a subtle kick.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding other spices and herbs. Garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of paprika can create a savory and slightly smoky aroma. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also experiment with dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Rub the spices into the meat, ensuring an even coating. Let the seasoned meat sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. This step allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

For a more intense flavor, you can create a dry rub. Mix equal parts salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your choice of spice. Rub this mixture all over the London broil, ensuring every inch is covered. Let it marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator for a more profound taste. This step is crucial for a well-seasoned and flavorful air-fried London broil.

Remember, the key to a successful air-frying session is consistency. Ensure the meat is evenly coated with the seasoning, and consider using a meat tenderizer to further break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender cut. After seasoning, you can choose to let the meat rest for a few minutes before air-frying, or you can proceed immediately. The choice is yours, but allowing it to rest slightly can help distribute the juices more evenly.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking

To begin cooking your London broil in an air fryer, it's crucial to start with a preheated appliance. Preheating the air fryer ensures that the meat cooks evenly and quickly, locking in those delicious juices. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), which is an ideal temperature for cooking thicker cuts of meat like London broil. This temperature allows for a good sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place your London broil inside. Ensure the meat is in a single layer, allowing hot air to circulate freely around it. If your air fryer basket is large enough, you can cook the entire piece of meat at once. If not, consider cooking it in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to dry meat.

After placing the meat in the air fryer, you can add a small amount of oil to the cooking basket. This step is optional but recommended as it helps to promote even browning and prevents the meat from sticking to the basket. Simply spray or brush a light coating of oil over the meat.

Now, it's time to set the cooking time. London broil typically takes about 10-15 minutes per inch of thickness to cook to your desired doneness. For medium-rare, cook for approximately 12-14 minutes, flipping the meat halfway through. Adjust the time based on your air fryer's power and the thickness of your cut.

Remember, cooking times may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of the meat. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness. With this method, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked London broil with a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior.

Cooking Time: Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until desired doneness

To cook a London broil in an air fryer, you'll want to ensure it's done to your liking while maintaining its tenderness and juicy texture. The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your cut and your personal preference for doneness, but a general guideline is to cook it for 8-12 minutes. This time frame allows the meat to cook evenly and achieve a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master this cooking technique:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking London broil as it helps to seal in the juices and create a crispy exterior.
• Prepare the Meat: Take your London broil and pat it dry with paper towels. Moisture can affect the cooking process, so ensuring the meat is dry is crucial. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper, or any other spices or marinades of your choice. This step enhances the flavor and adds a nice crust to the meat.
• Cooking Process: Place the seasoned London broil into the air fryer basket. Cook for the first 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip the meat using tongs or a spatula. This flipping step ensures even cooking and helps create a beautiful sear on both sides. After flipping, continue cooking for another 4-7 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. For medium-rare, cook for 8 minutes in total; for medium, go for 10-12 minutes. Remember, the cooking time might vary slightly based on your air fryer's power and the thickness of the meat.
• Check for Doneness: The key to a perfect London broil is knowing when it's done. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 135°F (57°C). For medium, aim for 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature accurately. Once it reaches your desired doneness, remove the meat from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Rest and Serve: Resting the meat is essential to ensure the juices are redistributed, making it juicier and more tender. After resting, you can slice the London broil against the grain to ensure a tender texture. Serve it as is or with your favorite sides and sauces.

By following this cooking time and technique, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious London broil with a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. Adjust the cooking time as needed to suit your taste preferences, and don't be afraid to experiment with different marinades and spices to make it your own!

Rest and Slice: Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain

After you've cooked your London broil to perfection in the air fryer, it's crucial to follow a few simple steps to ensure a tender and flavorful result. One of the most important techniques is allowing the meat to rest. This process is often overlooked but is essential for achieving the best texture and taste.

When you take the London broil out of the air fryer, it's still cooking internally due to the residual heat. By letting it rest for about 5 minutes, you give the juices time to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. This simple step helps to ensure that your final cut is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. During this resting period, the proteins in the meat relax, making it easier to slice and resulting in a more even texture.

Slicing against the grain is a technique that significantly improves the tenderness of your London broil. The grain refers to the direction in which the muscle fibers run in the meat. By slicing against the grain, you're essentially cutting across these fibers, which makes the meat more tender and less tough. This technique is especially important for cuts like London broil, which can sometimes be on the tougher side.

To slice against the grain, first, let the meat rest for the recommended 5 minutes. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the meat across the grain into thin slices. The key is to be consistent and patient, as this technique requires a bit of practice. Each slice should be cut at a slight angle, ensuring that you're indeed cutting against the grain. This process might take a little longer, but the result will be well worth it—a delicious, tender London broil that melts in your mouth.

By following these simple steps, you'll elevate your London broil game and impress your family and friends with a mouth-watering, perfectly cooked meal. Remember, the rest and slice technique is a game-changer for any meat lover, ensuring a consistently delicious outcome every time.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve with your favorite sides and sauces for a delicious meal

Once your London broil is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it's time to elevate your meal and showcase your culinary skills. Here's how to serve and enjoy this delicious cut of meat:

Sides and Accompaniments: London broil pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, allowing you to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts. The natural sweetness of the meat will complement the earthy flavors of these veggies. Alternatively, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast. For a heartier option, mashed potatoes or creamy polenta can absorb the delicious juices from the meat, creating a mouthwatering combination. Don't forget to include some garlic-infused roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries for an extra crispy and flavorful side.

Sauces and Dips: The key to enhancing the flavor of your London broil is in the sauces. A simple yet effective choice is a garlic herb butter, which can be melted over the meat, adding a rich, savory element. For a more adventurous option, try a peppercorn sauce or a tangy chimichurri. These sauces can be made ahead of time and reheated to serve alongside the meat. If you're feeling creative, set up a DIY sauce bar with various options. Offer a selection of hot sauces, such as sriracha or hot sauce, for those who like a spicy kick. You could also provide a cooling yogurt dip or a creamy herb sauce for a more balanced flavor profile.

Garnishes and Presentation: Presentation is key to making your meal visually appealing. Consider garnishing the London broil with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, which will not only add a pop of color but also infuse the meat with additional flavor. A simple drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt and pepper can go a long way in enhancing the natural taste of the meat. For a more elegant touch, arrange the meat on a platter with a colorful array of vegetables and sauces. You can also serve the meat with a side of grilled or roasted vegetables, creating a beautiful and tasty centerpiece for your table.

Serving Suggestions: When serving, ensure the meat is at room temperature to promote even cooking. Slice the London broil against the grain for maximum tenderness. This technique shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat incredibly soft and juicy. Accompany the meat with a selection of sauces and sides, allowing guests to customize their plates. For a more casual gathering, consider serving the meat on individual plates with a side of roasted veggies and a small bowl of sauce. For a more formal setting, present the meat on a large platter, surrounded by an assortment of colorful sides and sauces.

By offering a variety of sides, sauces, and garnishes, you can create a memorable dining experience. The key is to provide options that complement the London broil, allowing the natural flavors of the meat to shine while also satisfying a range of tastes and preferences. Enjoy the process of crafting a delicious meal and sharing it with your loved ones!

Frequently asked questions