Air Fryer Porterhouse Steak: The Perfect Quick Dinner

how to cook a porterhouse steak in the air fryer

Cooking a porterhouse steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, tender, and juicy steak. It is a simple recipe, so you can get delicious, dependable results even if you aren't an experienced cook. The air fryer is also a hands-off way of cooking, and you don't have to worry about the weather. This guide will show you how to cook a porterhouse steak in an air fryer, with tips on seasoning, temperature, and cooking time.

Characteristics Values
Steak Type Porterhouse
Steak Cut Filet Mignon, Ribeyes, Strip Steaks, Top Sirloin, T-Bone
Steak Quality Good quality, from a butcher or supermarket
Steak Temperature Bring to room temperature before cooking
Steak Seasoning Salt, pepper, steak seasoning, olive oil, butter
Steak Temperature (Internal) 135°F-140°F for medium rare
Steak Temperature (Air Fryer) 400°F
Steak Cooking Time 6 minutes on each side, then 4-6 minutes on the other side, or until the desired internal temperature is reached
Steak Resting Time 5-10 minutes after cooking
Steak Sides Baked potato, French fries, coleslaw, pasta salad, sweet potato, corn on the cob

cycookery

Choosing the right cut of meat

Firstly, it is important to understand the different types of cuts available. The most premium cuts of meat come from the back of the cow, such as the ribeye, strip, tenderloin, and T-bone. These cuts are less worked, resulting in more tender meat. The tenderloin, specifically, is a premium cut with a very tender texture due to its limited use, and it is priced accordingly. When selecting a tenderloin, look for a fresh, bright-red colour with reasonable marbling.

The porterhouse steak is a larger cut, typically weighing 1 1/2 to 2 pounds and serving up to four people. It is known for its tenderness and robust flavour. Other cuts that are considered tender include the filet mignon, ribeye, strip steak, T-bone, Denver steak, and flat iron. These cuts have a good ratio of fat and meat, which is ideal for the grill or air fryer.

When selecting a steak, it is advisable to choose a thicker cut, as it will yield better results than a thinner one. Thicker steaks, such as the ribeye, porterhouse, or NY strip, will provide a juicier and more flavourful outcome. Additionally, bone-in meat tends to take longer to cook than boneless cuts. If you prefer a leaner option, consider the top sirloin, which has enough fat marbling to stay juicy when cooked to medium-rare.

Lastly, it is worth noting that cheaper cuts of meat may not be ideal for the air fryer as they can turn out tough. These cuts are better suited for slow cooking methods. When in doubt, purchasing your meat from a reputable butcher or supermarket can ensure you get a good-quality cut of meat.

cycookery

Preparing the steak

Firstly, bring your steak to room temperature. Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it rest on the counter for around 15 to 45 minutes. This step is important because it ensures even cooking and helps the steak cook faster. It also allows the steak to absorb seasonings better and loosens the meat fibres, resulting in a more tender cut.

Next, pat the steak dry using a paper towel. This step ensures that the steak is not too moist before seasoning and helps the oil and seasonings adhere better to the surface. After patting it dry, rub both sides of the steak generously with olive oil or melted butter. This step not only helps prevent sticking but also enhances the natural flavours of the meat.

Now it's time to season the steak. Be generous with your seasonings, as this will infuse flavour into the steak. Start with salt, which not only enhances flavour but also aids in tenderising the meat. Then, add ground black pepper, which offers complex flavours and boosts the natural taste of the steak. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes or cayenne powder for a spicy kick. Additionally, feel free to experiment with other seasonings like steak seasoning, which will give your steak a more robust flavour. You can also try fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley, coriander, paprika, onion powder, or oregano.

Once your steak is seasoned, it's a good idea to let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld before placing it in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 to 10 minutes. The longer preheating time will ensure the basket is extra hot, giving your steak a nice sear and colour.

cycookery

Cooking the steak

First, take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it rest on the counter for about 15 to 45 minutes before you air fry. This will help the steak cook more quickly and evenly, and it will also help the steak retain its moisture. It is also important to preheat your air fryer to 400ºF for 5–10 minutes. This will ensure that the steak is cooked evenly and gets a nice sear.

Next, pat the steak dry on both sides with a paper towel. Then, rub olive oil or melted butter all over the steak. This will help the steak brown and prevent it from sticking to the air fryer. After this, season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add steak seasoning or fresh herbs and garlic for extra flavor.

Now, you are ready to place the steak in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the steak in batches. Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F for 6 minutes on one side. If your steak is thicker than 1 inch, add about 1 minute to the cooking time for each additional 1/2 inch of thickness.

Once the time is up, flip the steak over and add your herb butter or garlic herb butter to the second side. Continue to cook until your desired level of doneness is reached. The cooking time will depend on how thick your steak is and how well done you like it. For a rare or medium-rare steak, you will need to cook it for a shorter amount of time. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it is cooked to your liking.

Finally, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy, tender steak.

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken: Safe?

You may want to see also

cycookery

Using a meat thermometer

Firstly, you should test the accuracy of your thermometer. You can do this by crushing some ice and putting it in water (it should read 32°F) and then boiling the water (this should read 212°F near sea level and less the higher you are).

When cooking your steak, you should insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. If your thermometer is instant-read, you can stick it into the meat past the centre of the thickest part and then slowly draw it out, noting the lowest temperature as you do so. That is the internal temperature of your steak. If you are using an oven-proof thermometer, insert it at the beginning of the cooking time and leave it in.

For a steak, the temperature you are aiming for depends on how you like your steak cooked. For example, 137°F will give you a perfect medium-rare steak after 10 minutes of rest. You should take your steak off the heat about 10 degrees before your desired temperature to allow the juices to redistribute and prevent overcooking.

You can also buy a meat thermometer that connects to your phone, allowing you to set the desired temperature and doneness. The thermometer will then notify you when to pull the meat from the heat source, how long to let it rest, and so on.

cycookery

Resting and serving the steak

Resting the steak is an important step in the cooking process. It is recommended that you let the steak rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to be locked in, ensuring that the meat is tender and juicy. If you slice into the steak too soon, the juices will run out, and the meat will be dry. The temperature of the steak will also rise as it rests, so keep this in mind when determining the desired doneness.

While the steak is resting, it is important to keep it covered. You can use a tent of foil or tin foil to lock in the moisture and heat. This will ensure the steak remains warm and juicy.

When it comes to serving the steak, you have a few options. You can simply slice the steak and serve it with a side of your choice. Some suggested sides include a baked potato, French fries, coleslaw, or pasta salad, or a vegetable of your choice. You can also get creative with your toppings and sauces. A compound butter with your favorite spices or a touch of steak sauce can add extra flavor. If you want to get fancy, you can serve the steak with a side of herb butter, such as garlic herb butter, or a mushroom bordelaise sauce.

It is important to note that the resting and serving process is crucial to ensuring your steak is cooked to perfection. A meat thermometer can be a helpful tool to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness. By following these steps and using your preferred seasonings and sides, you can create a delicious and juicy porterhouse steak in your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions

First, preheat your air fryer to 400ºF for 5 minutes. Then, brush your steak with olive oil or butter and season with salt and pepper. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes. Flip the steak, add herb butter, and cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

The cooking time for a porterhouse steak in an air fryer depends on the size of the steak and how well-done you want it. A 1-inch thick steak should be cooked for about 10 minutes in total, flipping it halfway through. Add about 1 minute for each additional 1/2 inch of thickness.

Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF for 5 minutes before adding the steak. The steak should reach an internal temperature of 135°F–140°F for medium-rare.

The best way to know when your steak is done is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the steak should reach an internal temperature of 135°F–140°F before resting.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment