Tiffany Haney
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender, and flavourful result. With minimal prep and no marinating time, you can have a perfectly cooked steak in around 20 minutes. This method is also lower in fat than other cooking techniques and, with no splatter or mess, there are fewer dirty dishes to contend with. The air fryer's even circulation of hot air ensures a crispy outside and a juicy inside, with a gorgeous crust that seals in all the flavours.
How to cook a steak in an air fryer oven
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Porterhouse or sirloin, ribeye, t-bone, New York strip, top sirloin, filet mignon |
| Steak thickness | 1 inch |
| Steak weight | 1/2 pound |
| Steak temperature before cooking | Room temperature for at least 20-30 minutes |
| Air fryer temperature | 400°F |
| Air fryer preheat time | 2 minutes |
| Steak seasoning | Salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic herb butter, rosemary, thyme, parsley, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper |
| Steak cooking time | 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway |
| Steak resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Steak doneness | Rare: 125°F-130°F, Medium-rare: 140°F-145°F, Medium: 160°F |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of steak
Thickness: Opt for steaks that are at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks may overcook easily, while thicker ones might require a longer cooking time. A 1-inch thickness is ideal as it allows for even cooking and browning.
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 dispersed throughout the meat.
Cut: There are several cuts of steak that are well-suited for air frying due to their tenderness, flavour, and ease of cooking. Here are some of the best options:
- Porterhouse: This cut comes from the loin primal section of the cow and offers a hearty flavour.
- Sirloin: Choose top sirloin for more tender meat or bottom sirloin for a leaner, larger cut. Sirloin is a great choice for its balance of flavour and price.
- Ribeye: Ribeye steaks have good marbling, which ensures a juicy result. The fat renders during cooking, creating a flavorful exterior.
- New York Strip: A classic choice for steak lovers, offering a balance of flavour and tenderness.
- T-bone: Another option from the loin primal section, offering a similar experience to porterhouse.
- Filet Mignon: Known for its tenderness and rich flavour, filet mignon is often considered a special occasion steak.
Preparation: To prepare your chosen cut of steak, remember to bring it to room temperature before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and a more tender steak. Pat the steak dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or marinades you prefer. For more complex flavours, consider marinating the steak for a few hours or overnight.
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Preparing the steak before cooking
Firstly, bring your steak to room temperature. Take the steak out of the fridge for around 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This step is important because it helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures a less tough texture.
Next, pat the steak dry with a paper towel or a clean cloth. This step ensures that the steak will brown evenly. If you want to add a dry rub, now is the time to do it. A dry rub can enhance the colour of the steak and give it a nice crust. You can purchase a steak rub from your local grocery store or spice shop, or make your own by combining spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a smoky flavour.
Before placing the steak in the air fryer, brush it with oil. You can use olive oil, or a neutral oil like butter, or any other oil of your choice. Oil helps the steak brown better and develops a nice crispy crust.
Finally, season the steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavours and enhance the browning process. If you prefer a more complex flavour profile, you can marinate the steak in your favourite dressing or marinade. This step is entirely customisable and can be adjusted based on your personal preferences.
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Cooking the steak
Firstly, take your steak out of the fridge and let it come up to room temperature for at least 20 minutes before cooking. This will help the steak cook more evenly and ensure it's less tough.
Next, pat your steak dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavours and give the steak a caramelised crust. If you want to add extra flavour, you can marinate the steak in a dry rub, dressing, or marinade before seasoning.
Now you're ready to start cooking! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once hot, place your steak in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes for a 1-inch steak, turning it over halfway through. The cooking time will depend on how you like your steak done and the thickness of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway. If you like your steak rare or well done, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak is juicy and tender. For an extra touch of flavour, serve your steak with a pat of garlic butter on top or your favourite sauce.
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Making a sauce to accompany the steak
Now that you have cooked your steak in an air fryer, you might want to add a sauce to accompany it. Here are some ideas for sauces that you can make in minutes:
Classic Peppercorn Sauce
Add 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar to a large, non-stick frying pan and bring to a simmer. Then, add 150ml of chicken stock and reduce the mixture by half over a high heat. Next, add 2 teaspoons of green peppercorns, crushing a few of them in the pan with a spoon. Season and reduce, then stir in 4 tablespoons of double cream. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri is a South American sauce similar to salsa verde with a little kick. Put 2 garlic cloves, 1 green chilli (deseeded), a small bunch each of coriander and parsley, 1 small sweet onion, and 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar in a small food processor.
Béarnaise Sauce
For a thick, creamy, mayonnaise-like sauce, you can opt for a tarragon-tinged béarnaise. Put 2 egg yolks in a mini food processor and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne, then add 1 teaspoon of tarragon vinegar. Finely chop a small bunch of fresh tarragon stalks and leaves separately. Melt 125g of butter in a pan, add the chopped tarragon stalks, and bring it to a simmer. Turn the processor on and slowly add the hot melted butter while it is running. Once all the butter has been added and the mixture is smooth and thick, pour it into a bowl and stir through the tarragon leaves. Season and serve with steak.
Blue Cheese Sauce
Melt 25g of butter in a pan over medium heat, then stir in 1 tablespoon of flour and let it cook for 1 minute. Slowly add 150ml of milk, stirring continuously, until the sauce is smooth and all the milk has been added. Bring to a simmer and add 50g of chopped blue cheese, such as stilton. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly, then season to taste and serve.
Horseradish Cream Sauce
Mix sour cream with prepared horseradish, white vinegar, a little stone-ground mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic.
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Storing and reheating leftovers
Storing and reheating steak leftovers in an air fryer is a simple process that can elevate your culinary experience. Here are some detailed steps to ensure your leftovers taste as delicious as the first serving:
Storing Leftovers:
It is recommended to store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the steak fresh and prevent it from drying out or spoiling. Leftover steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Reheating in an Air Fryer:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it prepares the cooking environment, allowing the steak to heat evenly and retain moisture. Some sources suggest preheating to a higher temperature of 380°F/190°C, especially if your steak is thicker and you want to ensure a quick and even reheat.
- Prepare the Leftover Steak: Take the leftover steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This helps ensure more even reheating, preventing the outer layer from overcooking before the inside warms up. It is recommended to let the steak sit for around 20-30 minutes to reach room temperature.
- Pat Dry and Reseason (Optional): Use a paper towel to gently pat the steak dry and remove any excess moisture, as this can hinder the crisping process. You can also consider reseasoning the steak to enhance its flavors. A light sprinkle of salt and pepper, and your favorite steak seasoning, can refresh the taste.
- Place in Air Fryer Basket: Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring that it is in a single layer and not overcrowded. This allows proper air circulation, which is critical to achieving a crispy exterior.
- Set Temperature and Time: Set the air fryer to a temperature of 350°F (175°C) for thinner steaks, or 380°F/190°C for thicker cuts. The precise time will depend on the thickness of your steak. For thinner steaks, 2-3 minutes per side should be sufficient. Thicker cuts may take 3-5 minutes, or even a couple of minutes more, depending on their size.
- Check Doneness: After the allotted time, check if the steak is done to your desired level. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached the desired internal temperature. For thicker cuts, an internal temperature of 110°F/43°C in the center of the thickest part is recommended.
- Rest and Serve: Once the steak is reheated to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender bite.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your leftover steak with a perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth interior. The air fryer's circulating hot air technology ensures even heating, preventing the steak from overcooking or drying out. So, you can indulge in that steakhouse experience right in the comfort of your home!
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Frequently asked questions
First, preheat your air fryer oven to 400°F. Next, pat your steak dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper. You can also add a dry rub or a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavors. Then, add the steak to the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Finally, let the steak rest for 10 minutes before serving.
The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness level. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner steaks.
The best way to check if your steak is done is to use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 125°F and 130°F. For a medium steak, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F-145°F.
You can use any cut of steak that you like in the air fryer oven. Some popular options include ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, and filet mignon. Choose a steak that is at least 1-inch thick to ensure it has time to brown properly.
Yes, you can cook more than one steak at a time if you have room in your air fryer oven. Just be sure to leave some space between the steaks to allow for proper airflow and even cooking. You may need to cook the steaks in batches.
