Emilie Meyer
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a tender and juicy steak with a perfect crust. The air fryer is an accessible way to cook steak, removing the intimidation factor and making it easier than using a grill. To cook a medium steak, preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 200°C and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak, with thicker steaks requiring more time. To check if your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. For a medium steak, the internal temperature should be between 140°F and 150°F.
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the steak-making process. By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you ensure that your steak develops a nice, golden-brown crust on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. This step should not be skipped, as it ensures even cooking and helps prevent overcooking.
To preheat your air fryer to 400°F, start by setting the temperature to 400°F. Allow the air fryer to heat up for at least 10 minutes before adding your steaks. This timing is essential, as it ensures that the air fryer basket is sufficiently hot. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your steaks by seasoning them and bringing them to room temperature.
It is important to note that the preheating time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. Always refer to your air fryer's instructions for specific guidelines. Additionally, ensure that your steaks are at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly and not allow enough time for browning.
Once your air fryer has preheated to 400°F, you can proceed with adding your seasoned steaks to the air fryer basket and following the remaining cooking instructions for your desired doneness. Remember to use tongs when handling the steaks to avoid any potential burns.
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Choose the right cut of steak
Choosing the right cut of steak is essential for achieving the perfect air-fried steak. While personal preferences may vary, here are some factors to consider when selecting the right cut of steak for your air fryer:
Thickness and Size: Aim for steaks that are around 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly and become chewy, while thicker steaks will require longer cooking times. If your steak is larger or smaller than the typical size (around 8-10 ounces), consider using a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
Preferred Doneness: Different cuts of steak may be more suitable for specific doneness levels. For example, ribeye and New York strip steaks are popular choices for medium-rare to medium doneness. Sirloin steaks, on the other hand, can be great for leaner options and are versatile in terms of doneness.
Cooking Requirements: Some cuts of steak require more attention during cooking. For instance, porterhouse and T-bone steaks may need a bit more care due to their bone-in nature. On the other hand, cuts like sirloin and filet mignon are relatively low-maintenance and are great choices for the air fryer.
Availability and Cost: Consider the availability and cost of different cuts of steak. For example, ribeye and filet mignon are typically more expensive and may not be as readily available as other cuts. New York strip, top sirloin, and porterhouse steaks may offer a balance between quality and affordability.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the right cut of steak depends on your taste preferences. Experiment with different cuts to find your favorite. Ribeye, New York strip, sirloin, T-bone, and filet mignon are all excellent options for the air fryer, each offering unique characteristics in terms of flavor, texture, and marbling.
Remember, when choosing the right cut of steak for your air fryer, consider factors such as thickness, size, your desired doneness, cooking requirements, availability, and your personal preferences. With the right cut and proper cooking techniques, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious, juicy, and perfectly cooked air-fried steak.
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Season the steak
To cook a steak in an air fryer, you'll want to start by seasoning the meat. There are a few different ways to season your steak, depending on your preferences.
One option is to use a store-bought steak rub or a specialty spice mix from your local grocery store or spice shop. These rubs can add a lot of flavor to your steak and are a quick and easy option if you're short on time.
Another option is to make your own rub by combining spices like Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch. If you want a more complex flavor profile, consider marinating your steak in a wet rub or marinade for a juicy flavor punch. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavors and give your steak a gorgeous caramelized crust.
If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own garlic-herb butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and chives, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roll the mixture into a log, refrigerate it, and then slice it onto your steak after it's done cooking.
Regardless of the seasoning method you choose, it's important to pat your steak dry with a paper towel before applying any seasonings. This will help ensure even browning and a beautiful crust.
Now that your steak is seasoned, it's time to move on to the next step: cooking it in your air fryer!
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Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a super quick and easy process. It'll only take about 25 minutes from start to finish, including resting time. The first step is to preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 10 minutes. This is a crucial step, as it ensures the outside of your steak gets nice and brown, similar to searing. If you skip this step, your steak may end up grey and overcooked by the time the outside browns.
Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook your steak for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. This cooking time is for a 1-inch thick steak, which is the ideal thickness to ensure your steak cooks evenly and gets a chance to brown. If your steak is thicker or thinner, you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. A good way to check if your steak is done is to use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. For a medium steak, you're aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F-150°F.
When cooking your steak for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, it's important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave some space between multiple steaks to allow for even airflow and cooking. It's also a good idea to pat your steak dry with a paper towel before cooking to ensure even browning.
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Rest for 5-10 minutes
Now that your steak has been air-fried, it's time to let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute and the muscle fibres to relax, ensuring your steak is consistently moist and flavourful throughout. It also gives the steak time to reach the desired internal temperature. For a medium steak, you're aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F-150°F.
While the steak is resting, you can quickly make a sauce or slice up some vegetables to serve on the side. You can also use this time to prepare your steak seasoning. A simple combination of salt and pepper is always a good option, but you can also experiment with other spices, steak rubs, or marinades to add extra flavour. If you're feeling fancy, you can make a garlic herb butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, fresh parsley, chives, salt, and pepper. Roll it into a log, refrigerate until firm, and then slice it onto your steak just before serving.
If you're unsure whether your steak is done, the best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. For a medium steak, the internal temperature should be around 140°F-150°F. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook and the temperature will increase slightly as it rests, so remove it from the air fryer when it's about 5°F away from your desired temperature.
The resting time is also a great opportunity to let your steak come to room temperature if you haven't already. This helps the steak cook more evenly and results in a less tough texture. Overall, letting your steak rest for 5-10 minutes is key to ensuring it's juicy, tender, and cooked just the way you like it.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat for 10 minutes. Season your steak with salt and pepper, and add a little oil to help it brown. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For thicker steaks, increase the cooking time accordingly.
The best way to check the doneness of your steak is to use a meat thermometer. A medium steak should have an internal temperature of 140°F-150°F. Remove the steak from the air fryer when it reaches 140°F, as the temperature will continue to rise as it rests.
Choose a porterhouse or sirloin steak that is at least 1-inch thick. These cuts require less attention during cooking, making them ideal for the air fryer. Other good options include ribeye, New York strip, T-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon.
