Tiffany Haney
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that delivers a juicy, tender, and flavorful steak with a perfect crust. The air fryer is a convenient alternative to grilling, pan-searing, or using a smoker box, as it requires minimal prep, no marinating time, and makes minimal mess. The air fryer is also versatile, allowing you to cook your steak to your desired level of doneness, from rare to well-done, with a simple adjustment of cooking time.
How to cook a steak in the air fryer 360
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Porterhouse or sirloin steak |
| Steak thickness | 1-inch |
| Steak weight | 1/2 pound |
| Oil | Olive oil |
| Other options | Butter or any other neutral oil |
| Seasoning | Kosher salt and black pepper |
| Other seasoning options | Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper |
| Other seasoning options | Dry steak rub, steak marinade, sugar, garlic butter |
| Air fryer temperature | 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius |
| Cooking time | 10-12 minutes |
| Flip time | After 5 or 6 minutes |
| Resting time | 5 or 10 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | Baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, asparagus, chips, salad, roasted vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right steak
First, look for steaks that are tender and have a good amount of marbling. Marbling refers to the small white flecks of fat within the meat, which help keep the steak juicy and flavourful during cooking. Some of the best options for steaks with good marbling include ribeye, New York strip, and filet mignon. Ribeye, in particular, is a popular choice due to its rich flavour and tenderness, which are enhanced when cooked in an air fryer.
If you prefer a leaner option, consider sirloin steak. Sirloin delivers a great taste and texture at a more affordable price point, making it a versatile choice for any night of the week. You can marinate the sirloin in your choice of seasonings; a simple mix of garlic, salt, and soy sauce works well. For cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for sirloin.
Another factor to consider when choosing your steak is the thickness. It is recommended to select steaks that are at least one inch thick to ensure they have enough time to cook properly and achieve a nice sear. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly and can be difficult to get that desirable brown crust.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different cuts of steak and find the ones that suit your taste and preferences. Other options that can yield great results when properly marinated and cooked at the right temperature include flank or skirt steak.
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Preparing the steak
Next, ensure your steak is at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks will cook too fast and won't brown properly. If your steak is larger or smaller than 8-10 ounces, use a meat thermometer to determine its doneness.
Before seasoning, pat your steak dry with a paper towel. This will ensure even browning. Then, rub the steak with olive oil or another neutral oil on each side. You can also add a dry rub to enhance the colour. For seasoning, sprinkle salt and black pepper on each side of the steak. You can also add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a smoky flavour.
For an extra flavour punch, marinate the steak in dressing or marinade. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavours and create a caramelized crust.
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Preheating the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking a steak, as it ensures even cooking and helps to create the perfect crust. Here is a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer to cook a delicious steak:
Firstly, ensure your steak is at room temperature before preheating your air fryer. Take the steak out of the fridge and let it sit for around 20-30 minutes. This step is important as it helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures a less tough texture.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Most recipes recommend this temperature for cooking steak in an air fryer. However, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly depending on your air fryer model and desired steak doneness.
The preheating time will vary depending on your air fryer, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended preheating time and temperature settings. Some air fryers may take longer to preheat than others, so it's important to be patient and ensure the air fryer reaches the desired temperature.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your steak by patting it dry with a paper towel. This step helps to ensure even browning. You can also season the steak with salt, pepper, and any desired spices or herbs. Some popular choices include Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper.
Once your air fryer reaches the desired temperature, you can proceed to the next step of cooking your steak. Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is some space around it for proper airflow. Now, you're ready to cook your steak to your desired doneness, whether it's medium-rare, medium, or well-done.
Remember, preheating your air fryer is crucial to achieving the best results when cooking steak. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to cooking a delicious, perfectly cooked steak in your air fryer.
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Cooking the steak
Firstly, take your steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking. This will ensure your steak is less tough and help it cook evenly.
Next, pat your steak dry with a paper towel and rub it with olive oil or another neutral oil on each side. This will ensure even browning.
Then, season your steak. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a smoky flavour. You can also add a dry rub, or a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavours and give it a caramelised crust.
Now you're ready to cook the steak. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 200°C. Place the steak in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium. If you like your steak well-done, you may need to cook it for up to 15 minutes.
To check if your steak is done, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 125°F and 130°F. A medium-rare steak should be 135°F, a medium steak 145°F, and a well-done steak 160°F. Remove the steak from the air fryer about 5°F before it reaches your desired temperature, as the steak will continue to cook as it rests.
Finally, let your steak rest on a plate, loosely tented with foil, for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Serving the steak
Once you've cooked your steak in the air fryer, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure that the steak remains juicy and that it cooks evenly. The ideal resting time is around 5-10 minutes, and you should loosely tent the steak with foil to prevent it from continuing to cook.
After resting, you can slice the steak and serve it with your chosen sides. Some popular side dishes include baked, smashed, or mashed potatoes, and vegetables such as roasted green beans or asparagus. You can also serve the steak with a sauce, such as herb garlic butter, alfredo sauce, cheese sauce, or gravy. If you're looking for a lower-calorie option, a seasonal green salad or roasted vegetables are great choices.
For an extra touch of flavour, you can add a dry rub or a marinade to your steak before cooking. A simple combination of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning works well, or you can get creative with spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper. If you're a fan of garlic, a compound garlic herb butter served on top of the steak can be a delicious addition.
Finally, don't forget to adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness. A meat thermometer can be extremely helpful in achieving the perfect temperature for your steak. For a rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F-130°F, while a medium steak should be around 140°F-145°F. Well-done steaks will be at an internal temperature of 160°F.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 10-12 minutes to cook a 1-inch-thick steak to a medium or medium-rare level. The time varies depending on the level of doneness desired and the thickness of the steak.
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F, and for a medium steak, aim for 145°F.
First, pat your steak dry with a paper towel. Then, rub both sides of the steak with olive oil or another neutral oil. Season the steak with salt and pepper, and any desired spices or steak rub.
You can use various cuts of steak, such as porterhouse, sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, or T-bone. Choose a steak that is around 1-inch thick and 1/2 pound in weight for the best results.
Preheat your Air Fryer 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
