Tillie Doyle
Cooking a strip steak in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hassle-free way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender steak without the mess of grilling. The air fryer is a simple way to cook a steak to your desired level of doneness, whether that be rare, medium-rare, or well-done. All you need is a steak with some fat, olive oil or butter, and salt and pepper to season. You can also add extra seasonings, dry rubs, or marinades for an extra flavour punch. The air fryer cooks the steak in minimal time, keeping all the juices inside, and is lower in fat than other cooking methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | New York strip steak |
| Steak thickness | 1" |
| Steak temperature before cooking | Room temperature |
| Steak preparation | Pat dry with paper towels, brush with oil, season with salt and pepper |
| Air fryer temperature | 400°F (200°C) or 420°F |
| Air fryer preparation | Preheat |
| Cooking time | 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Internal temperature | 130-150°F |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Sides | Simple vegetables, potatoes, salads, French fries |
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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, while thicker ones may require a longer cooking time.
Marbling: Marbling refers to the fat content within the meat. Steaks with good marbling, such as 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, go for filet mignon, a rich and tender cut. If you prefer a balance of flavour and price, sirloin is a great choice.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best cut of steak depends on your personal preference. If you're a fan of marbled steaks, choose ribeye or New York strip. For a leaner option, consider sirloin or cube steak. Keep in mind that leaner cuts may require marinating to enhance tenderness.
Cooking Time: Consider the cooking time you're aiming for. Some cuts, like the New York strip, ribeye, and sirloin, are known for their relatively short cooking times in the air fryer. If you're short on time, these cuts might be ideal.
Doneness: How you like your steak done will also influence your choice of cut. For example, flank steak is best enjoyed rare, medium-rare, or medium, as it can become chewy when overcooked. On the other hand, cuts like ribeye and New York strip offer more flexibility in doneness levels.
By considering factors such as thickness, marbling, tenderness, personal preference, cooking time, and doneness, you can select the right cut of steak for your air fryer and take your steak experience to the next level.
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Preparing the steak
Next, pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. This is an important step as it helps the steak cook evenly and ensures that the seasoning sticks to the meat. Once the steak is dry, brush both sides with oil. Olive oil is a popular choice, but avocado oil can also be used.
After the steak has been oiled, it's time to season. The most basic seasoning is just salt and pepper, but you can also add other spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a smoky flavor. If you want to keep things simple, you can use a store-bought steak rub or a dry rub. You could also try a compound butter like chive garlic butter, or a steak marinade for an extra flavor punch.
Finally, place the steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between them to allow for even cooking. For best results, cook one or two steaks at a time to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
The first step is to allow the steaks to come to room temperature. This is an important step as it helps the steak cook more evenly. Most recipes suggest doing this for 30 minutes, but some suggest 10-15 minutes is sufficient.
Next, pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. Then, brush or rub the steaks with oil. Olive oil is a popular choice, but avocado oil will also work. After this, season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. Some recipes suggest adding additional seasonings for extra flavour.
Now, preheat the air fryer. Most sources recommend preheating to 400°F (200°C), but one source suggests 420°F.
Place the steaks in the air fryer, leaving a gap of around ¼ to ½ inch between them to allow for airflow. Depending on the thickness of the steaks, cook for 10-12 minutes for a medium-rare steak, flipping halfway through. For a thicker steak, you may need to cook for up to 13 minutes. If your air fryer does not reach 400°F, you can cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-6 minutes.
To check if your steak is cooked to your preference, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, the temperature should be 130-135°F. For a medium steak, the temperature should be 140-145°F. For a medium-well steak, the temperature should be about 150°F.
When the steak is cooked to your preference, remove the basket from the air fryer and let the steaks rest in their juices for 5-10 minutes before cutting.
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Resting the steak
The internal temperature of the steak will continue to rise while it rests, so it is important to remove it from the air fryer before it reaches your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). For a medium steak, remove it at 140-145°F (60-63°C), and for a medium-well steak, remove it at around 150°F (66°C).
If you are using a compound butter, such as chive garlic butter, spread it on top of the steak while it is still warm. The butter will melt into the steak, adding extra flavour and moisture. You can also finish your steak with a pat of butter or a creamy sauce, such as alfredo or cheese sauce, for an extra indulgent touch.
Remember, the thickness of your steak will impact the resting time, so adjust accordingly. Thicker steaks may need a few extra minutes to rest, while thinner steaks may only need 5 minutes.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer strip steak is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some ideas to elevate your steak dinner:
- Simple vegetable side dishes: Think asparagus, broccoli, green beans, corn, potatoes, and of course, French fries. These sides provide a balanced and nutritious accompaniment to the steak.
- Salads: A fresh and crisp salad can be the perfect complement to the hearty steak. Opt for a simple butter lettuce salad or get creative with your favourite greens and toppings.
- Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, especially when elevated with Boursin, are a delicious and comforting side dish. For a more indulgent option, consider cheese sauce or gravy.
- Compound butter: Elevate your steak with a compound butter, such as chive butter or chive garlic butter. Spread it on top of the warm steak for an extra burst of flavour.
- Steak sauce: For those who enjoy a good dipping sauce, consider a creamy steak sauce like béarnaise or a peppercorn sauce. These sauces add moisture and flavour to each bite.
- Meat thermometer: While not a side dish, a meat thermometer is a valuable tool to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. It also helps you avoid overcooking the steak, keeping it juicy and tender.
- Steak toppings: If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some toppings to your steak. Crispy fried onions, sautéed mushrooms, or crumbled blue cheese can take your steak to the next level.
- Steak marinade: Marinating your steak before cooking can infuse it with flavour. Try a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs, or experiment with different dressings and spices.
- Steak rubs: A dry rub can also enhance the flavour of your steak. Try a classic like Montreal steak seasoning or experiment with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a smoky kick.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time depends on the level of doneness you prefer. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes. For a medium steak, cook for 11-12 minutes. For a medium-well steak, cook for 13 minutes.
First, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit for 10-30 minutes to bring it to room temperature. Pat the steak dry and brush both sides with oil. Season the steak with salt and pepper, or a seasoning of your choice. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. After cooking, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Some side dishes that go well with air-fried strip steak include mashed potatoes, salads, asparagus, broccoli, corn, green beans, and potatoes.
