Tiffany Haney
Skirt steak is a delicious, juicy, and tender cut of meat that can be cooked in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. It is a great option for those who want to avoid the mess and heat of grilling or pan-searing. With a simple marinade and a few seasonings, you can have a mouth-watering steak ready in no time. The air fryer is also a convenient way to reheat leftover steak, making it a versatile appliance for steak lovers. In this guide, we will explore the best methods and ingredients to cook skirt steak in an air fryer, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 5-12 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-425°F (177-220°C) |
| Rest time | 1-10 minutes |
| Steak type | Skirt steak |
| Steak thickness | Thin to medium |
| Marinade | Avocado oil, lime juice, zest, cilantro, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, steak seasoning |
| Steak size | 1-1.5 pounds, cut into 3-4 smaller pieces |
| Steak coating | Oil, salt, pepper, spices |
| Crispy crust | Preheat air fryer, cut steak into equal sizes |
| Doneness | 130-135°F for medium-rare |
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Pre-heat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that the basket gets hot and helps to form a crispy crust and appetizing caramelized edges on your steak. Depending on your desired level of doneness, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 425°F (177°C to 220°C) for at least 5 minutes. If your air fryer produces too much smoke, you may want to cook at 400°F.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your steak. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This is an important step to ensure that your steak cooks evenly and forms a nice crust. You can also season your steak with salt, pepper, and spices of your choice. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, and steak seasoning blends such as Longhorn Steakhouse signature seasoning or Vegeta seasoning with no MSG.
Once the air fryer has preheated, it's time to add the steak. Place 2 to 3 steaks in the basket or tray, making sure not to overcrowd it. Allow each piece of steak to have some space so that the hot air can fully circulate. Now, you're ready to start cooking your skirt steak!
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Marinade the skirt steak
Marinating skirt steak is a great way to add flavour and make the meat more tender. A good marinade helps break down the fibres in the meat, and for skirt steak, it's especially important because it can be a tougher cut of beef.
To make a marinade, you can use a variety of spices, herbs, and oils. For example, combine chopped cilantro, avocado oil, and the zest and juice of one lime. You can also add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. If you want to add a kick of heat, include some red pepper flakes or chilli powder. Other popular store-bought steak seasonings include Longhorn Steakhouse signature seasoning or Vegeta seasoning with no MSG.
Once you've made your marinade, put the skirt steak in a bowl and coat it evenly. Cover the bowl and let the steak marinate for about 15 minutes. If you have time, you can even leave it in the refrigerator to marinate for a few hours or overnight, which will result in even more tender meat.
After the skirt steak has finished marinating, you can pat it dry with a paper towel and then it's ready for the air fryer!
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Cook the steak
Cooking skirt steak in an air fryer is a quick and simple way to prepare a juicy steak. It is also a great option when grilling isn't possible.
Firstly, cut the steak into equal sizes to ensure even cooking. If you want to mimic the crispy-edged outside of the steak you get from grilling, you can pan-sear the steak before cooking it in the air fryer. To do this, heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat with a bit of oil or ghee. Once hot, sear both sides of the seasoned steak until charred and browned. If you choose to pan-sear the skirt steak, you will need to reduce the cooking time in the air fryer by 1-2 minutes.
Next, pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Rub enough oil over the steak to slightly coat it. You can also add your chosen seasonings at this stage.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C for at least 5 minutes. This will ensure that the basket gets hot. Place the steak in the air fryer basket/tray. Cook on air fry mode for 5-7 minutes on the first side, depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. For a thin steak, 5 minutes will be enough. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 6-7 minutes. If you want a rare steak, you will need an internal temperature of 120-130°F. For a medium steak, cook for 8-10 minutes. If you want a well-done steak, you will need an internal temperature of 135°F or above.
Rotate the trays or flip the steak in the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to assess the doneness of the steak. Once cooked to your desired temperature, remove the steak from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover with aluminium foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to serve.
Always allow the meat to rest before slicing, especially a tender cut like skirt steak. This will ensure that the steak stays juicy.
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Rest the steak
Resting the steak is an important step in the cooking process. This is because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that they are locked in and keeping the steak moist and tender. Resting the steak also gives the steak time to cool down slightly, making it easier to handle and ensuring that it is not too hot when served.
After cooking the steak in the air fryer, remove it from the basket and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover the steak loosely with aluminium foil. This will help to keep the steak warm while it rests.
The length of time you should rest the steak for depends on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. For a thinner steak, cooked to a level of medium-rare, allow the steak to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. For a thicker steak, cooked to medium, let the steak rest for 3 minutes in the air fryer basket before removing it, and then rest for a further 5 minutes before serving. If you are cooking your steak to a level of medium-well, you should rest the steak for 7-10 minutes.
While the steak is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to serve with it. For example, you could serve the steak with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro, or with a corn relish.
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Serve
Once your skirt steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover the steak with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This step is important, as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender steak.
You can serve air fryer skirt steak in a variety of ways. For a simple option, slice the steak and serve it with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro. You can also use the steak as a protein source for salads or tacos, or slice it and serve it as a topping for avocado toast. If you're feeling creative, try making steak bites by wrapping small pieces of the steak in bacon.
If you're looking for a more substantial meal, skirt steak goes well with mashed cauliflower. For a complete meal, serve your steak with a side of corn relish and your favorite side dishes.
If you have any leftover skirt steak, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheating steak will never be as good as freshly cooked, but you can reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute increments or in a hot skillet.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time depends on the thickness of the steak and how well you want it cooked. A thin skirt steak will cook in about 5 minutes, while a thicker steak will be medium-rare in 6-7 minutes. For a medium steak, cook for 8-10 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If your air fryer doesn't go that high, set it to 350°F (177°C).
Pat the steak dry with a paper towel, then rub it with oil, and season with salt, pepper, and spices of your choice. You can also marinate the steak in a mixture of chopped cilantro, avocado oil, lime juice, and spices for about 15 minutes before cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, the internal temperature should be 140-150°F (60-66°C).
