Tiffany Haney
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender, and flavorful steak with a crispy exterior. It is a simple process that requires minimal preparation and cooking time, making it a convenient option for a high-protein weeknight dinner. The air fryer's consistency in cooking the steak helps achieve the desired doneness, whether it's rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done. With simple ingredients and easy customization, anyone can create a delicious steak in their air fryer.
How to cook a steak in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Porterhouse or sirloin |
| Steak thickness | 1 inch |
| Steak weight | 1/2 pound |
| Steak temperature before cooking | Room temperature |
| Steak seasoning | Olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic herb butter, steak rub, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper |
| Air fryer temperature | 400°F |
| Air fryer preheat time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking time | 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right steak cut
Choosing the right cut of steak is crucial for achieving the perfect air-fried steak. While you can use any steak cut you like, some cuts are better suited for air frying than others. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right steak cut:
Thickness: It is recommended to choose steaks that are at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly and won't get a chance to brown properly. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thicker steaks will require a longer cooking time.
Doneness: Different steak cuts are better suited for different doneness levels. For example, flank steak is best enjoyed rare, medium-rare, or medium, as it can become chewy when overcooked. On the other hand, cube steak, a lean and sometimes tough cut, is ideal for air frying to medium-rare.
Fat Content: The fat content of the steak can also impact the cooking process and final texture. Leaner cuts, like sirloin, benefit from a dry rub to enhance browning and overall color. Fattier cuts, like ribeye, are known for their hearty flavor and may render down nicely in the air fryer.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, choosing the right steak cut comes down to personal preference. Popular options for air frying include ribeye, New York strip, top sirloin, T-bone, porterhouse, and filet mignon. Select a cut that suits your taste and doneness preference.
It's worth noting that air frying is a versatile cooking method that can accommodate most steak cuts. By using a meat thermometer, you can easily monitor the doneness of your steak and adjust the cooking time accordingly. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different cuts and find the ones that suit your taste and cooking style.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
The first step to cooking steak in an air fryer is to preheat the appliance. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for at least 2 minutes.
The cooking time depends on the level of doneness you want to achieve. For a 1-inch-thick steak, set the timer for 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. If you prefer your steak well-done, cook for an additional 2 minutes.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak. Thicker steaks will take longer to cook, while thinner steaks may cook too quickly and not develop a nice sear. As a general rule, adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner cuts.
To check the doneness of your steak, use a meat probe or an instant-read thermometer. The thickest part of the steak should reach an internal temperature of 125°F for rare, 130°F to 135°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium. If your steak is not at the desired temperature, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.
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Steak seasoning
Seasoning a steak is a crucial step in the cooking process. It not only adds flavour but can also help with the overall colour and crust formation of the steak. Here is a guide to seasoning your steak for the air fryer:
Choosing Your Seasoning:
You can opt for a simple seasoning blend or a more complex dry rub. A basic seasoning mix includes salt and black pepper, which are kitchen staples. Sprinkle or grind these generously over your steak. You can also add Italian seasoning to this mix for an herby flavour.
For a dry rub, combine salt and pepper with other spices like garlic powder and paprika. This is especially recommended for leaner steaks as it adds flavour and improves the colour. You can also experiment with other spices like cumin, red pepper flakes, or dried herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Herb Butter:
Herb butter is a luxurious addition to your steak and can take it to the next level. To make it, mix softened butter with a combination of herbs like parsley, chives, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. You can also add Worcestershire sauce to this mix. Roll the mixture into a log shape in plastic wrap and refrigerate until hardened.
Marinades:
If you're looking for a more intense flavour, consider marinating your steak. You can use a liquid marinade or a paste made from herbs, spices, and oil. Massage the marinade into the steak and let it sit for at least an hour or up to 8 hours. This technique is perfect for adding moisture and flavour to your steak.
Timing of Seasoning:
It is recommended to bring your steak to room temperature before seasoning and cooking. This ensures even cooking. Pat the steak dry, then brush or rub both sides with olive oil, and sprinkle with your chosen seasoning.
Remember, the air fryer is a great way to cook steak, and with the right seasoning, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home!
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Resting the steak
Take the steak out of the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. It is important to cover the steak loosely with aluminium foil to keep it warm. The foil will also ensure that the steak does not continue cooking. During this resting period, the juices will redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite tender and juicy.
The resting time will depend on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cooked to a temperature of 135°F (57°C), a resting time of about 5 to 10 minutes is recommended. If you prefer your steak well done, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or higher, you may need to rest the steak for a little longer, around 10 to 15 minutes.
While resting, the steak's muscle fibres will relax, resulting in a more tender texture. Allowing the steak to rest for 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature before cooking can also enhance its flavour and texture.
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Steak doneness
For a rare steak, cook a 1-inch thick steak in a preheated air fryer for 8 to 11 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 125°F.
If you prefer your steak medium-rare, cook the steak for 10 to 13 minutes, again flipping it halfway. The internal temperature for a medium-rare steak should be between 130°F and 135°F.
A medium steak will take between 12 and 14 minutes to cook. The internal temperature should be around 140°F.
For a well-done steak, cook for at least 14 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your steak. As a general rule, thicker steaks will take longer to cook, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. It is recommended to use a meat probe or a meat thermometer to monitor the doneness of your steak and remove it from the air fryer 5 degrees before your desired doneness, as the steak will continue to cook and the internal temperature will rise as it rests.
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Frequently asked questions
To cook a steak in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Then, rub the steak with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, or a dry rub. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and 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.
Some good options for air fryer steaks include porterhouse, sirloin, New York strip, ribeye, t-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon. Choose a steak that is around 1-inch thick.
You can use a meat probe or a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 125°F, for medium-rare, 130°F-135°F, and for medium, 140°F.
