Tillie Doyle
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hassle-free way to achieve a juicy and tender steak with a crisp, seared exterior. It is also a healthier option, as it is lower in fat, and requires minimal clean-up due to the lack of splatter or mess. The air fryer's even circulation of hot air ensures consistent cooking and browning, making it perfect for those who want a perfectly cooked steak without the fuss. The key to success is in the preparation and seasoning, with simple ingredients and easy steps that can be customised to your taste.
How to cook a steak in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Porterhouse, sirloin, ribeye, t-bone, top sirloin, filet mignon |
| Steak thickness | 1-inch |
| Steak weight | 1/2 a pound |
| Steak temperature before cooking | Room temperature |
| Basket temperature | 400°F |
| Basket coating | Cooking spray |
| Steak coating | Olive oil, butter, or any other neutral oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, sugar |
| Steak temperature during cooking | 125°F for rare, 130 to 135°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium |
| Cooking time | 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Serving suggestion | Top with garlic herb butter, creamy sauces, or your favourite sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of steak
Thickness: Opt for steaks that are at least one inch thick. Thinner steaks may overcook, while thicker ones may require a longer cooking time.
Marbling: Marbling refers to the fat content within the meat. Steaks with good marbling, like ribeye, tend to stay juicier and more flavourful after air frying. Look for steaks with white flecks of fat distributed throughout the meat.
Tenderness: Different cuts of steak offer varying levels of tenderness. For a melt-in-your-mouth experience, choose a cut known for its tenderness, such as filet mignon. Other tender options include top sirloin and New York strip.
Personal preference: Consider your taste preferences and budget. For example, sirloin is a popular choice due to its balance of flavour and price. If you prefer a well-marbled steak, ribeye or t-bone could be ideal.
Cooking time: Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the cut and thickness of the steak. Adjust your cooking time accordingly to achieve your desired doneness.
By considering these factors, you can select the best cut of steak for your air fryer, ensuring a delicious and juicy result every time. Remember to let your steak come to room temperature before cooking and to pat it dry for an even browning.
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Preparing the steak before cooking
Choose the Right Steak
Select a steak cut that is suitable for air frying. Porterhouse, sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, t-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon are all excellent choices. Aim for a steak that is at least 1-inch thick; thinner steaks may cook too quickly and won't achieve the desired browning.
Allow Steak to Reach Room Temperature
Take the steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This step helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures a moist, tender texture.
Pat the Steak Dry
Use paper towels or a clean cloth to pat the steak dry. Removing any excess moisture will help you achieve a nice, even browning when cooking.
Season the Steak
Drizzle olive oil or another neutral oil on both sides of the steak and rub it in. Then, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, or a steak rub of your choice. You can also add other spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a smoky flavour.
Create a Flavourful Topping (Optional)
While the steak is coming to room temperature, you can prepare a delicious garlic herb butter to top your steak with after cooking. Mix softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This compound butter will melt into the steak, adding a burst of flavour.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for your steak will depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.
Firstly, it is recommended that you allow your steak to come to room temperature before cooking. This should ensure your steak cooks evenly and is less tough. This can be done by taking the steak out of the fridge for 20-30 minutes before cooking.
If you are cooking a 1-inch thick steak, the cooking time will be between 10-12 minutes for a medium-rare steak. If you are cooking a thicker steak, you will need to increase the cooking time accordingly. For a medium steak, the cooking time will be 12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. For a well-done steak, the cooking time will be between 12-15 minutes, again flipping halfway through.
If you are cooking a steak that is less than 1-inch thick, you will need to reduce the cooking time. One source recommends cooking a 1/2-inch thick steak for 6 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through.
The optimal temperature for cooking a steak in an air fryer is 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. It is important to preheat your air fryer for at least 10 minutes or until the basket is hot before adding the steak.
To check if your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, you can use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 125-130 degrees Fahrenheit. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit. For a medium steak, the internal temperature should be 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For a well-done steak, the internal temperature should be 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer. It is also important to not overcrowd the air fryer so that the air can circulate evenly around the steak.
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Resting the steak
The resting period is also a good time to prepare any sides or toppings for your steak. You could make a garlic herb butter by mixing softened butter with garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley. You can then smother this on your steak before serving. Alternatively, you could serve the steak with a creamy sauce like alfredo or cheese sauce, or with a comforting gravy. If you're looking for something lighter, a seasonal green salad or roasted vegetables would also pair well with your steak.
If you're using a meat thermometer, remember that the steak will continue to cook and the temperature will increase by a few degrees as it rests. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the steak from the air fryer about 5°F before it reaches your desired final temperature.
Finally, bringing your steak to room temperature before cooking can also help improve the texture and flavour. This can be done by taking the steak out of the fridge for 20-25 minutes or 30 minutes before cooking. This step helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures a less tough texture.
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Serving suggestions
There are many ways to serve a steak cooked in an air fryer. For a classic steak dinner, serve it with a baked, smashed, or mashed potato and a vegetable, such as roasted green beans or asparagus. You could also serve it with chips, a seasonal green salad, or roasted vegetables.
If you have leftover steak, you can save it for tacos, fajitas, salads, or sandwiches. To store, place the steak and any excess juices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 250°F and heat the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 110°F for the best results. You can also serve leftover steak cold: slice the steak thinly and let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before adding it to a salad or making a steak sandwich.
Don't forget to let your steak rest before serving! This allows the juices to redistribute and the muscle fibres to relax, resulting in a moist and flavoursome steak.
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Frequently asked questions
First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, rub your steak with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning, garlic, or other spices. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, and for a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Your steak should be at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks will cook too quickly and won't have a chance to brown properly.
Some good options include porterhouse, sirloin, New York strip, ribeye, t-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon.
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. For a rare steak, the thickest part of the steak should register 125°F. For medium-rare, look for a temperature of 130°F to 135°F. And for a medium steak, you're aiming for 140°F.
You can serve your steak with baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables like green beans or asparagus. Don't forget to add a pat of garlic butter on top of your steak!
