Cody Casey
Cooking a T-bone steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy and tender steak with a beautifully seared crust. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. This makes it a healthier alternative to deep frying. To cook a T-bone steak in an air fryer, it is recommended to first bring the steak to room temperature and then season it with salt, pepper, and olive oil. The air fryer should be preheated to around 400°F (200°C) and the steak should be cooked for 12-15 minutes for a medium-rare steak, flipping it halfway through. Thicker steaks will take longer to cook, and thinner steaks can be cooked in as little as 4 minutes.
How to cook a T-bone steak in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak thickness | Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker steaks will take longer to cook and may dry out. |
| Steak temperature | Allow the steak to reach room temperature before cooking. |
| Steak seasoning | Brush the steak with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Alternatively, use a blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. |
| Air fryer temperature | Preheat the air fryer to 390°F to 400°F (200°C). |
| Air fryer cooking time | For a medium-rare steak, cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a steak that is more well-done, increase the cooking time. |
| Steak resting | Allow the steak to rest for 2-5 minutes before serving. |
| Steak doneness | Use a meat thermometer to check the steak's internal temperature. |
| Steak storage | Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right steak
Thickness:
Start with a steak that is at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks cook too quickly and may not get a chance to brown properly. Thicker steaks will also work, but you will need to increase the cooking time accordingly. Avoid cuts thicker than 2 inches, as they may dry out during the extended cooking time.
Temperature:
Allow your steak to reach room temperature before cooking. Take the steak out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
Type of Steak:
The best types of steak for the air fryer are tender cuts with good marbling, such as ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon. Ribeye is a popular choice due to its rich flavor and tenderness, which are enhanced by the air fryer. Sirloin is a leaner, more affordable option that still delivers great taste and texture. Filet mignon is known for its exceptional tenderness and rich flavor, making it perfect for special occasions. Other cuts like flank or skirt steak can also work well in the air fryer when properly marinated and cooked at the right temperature.
Preparation:
Before cooking, pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove moisture and help achieve a nice sear. You can then season the steak with salt and pepper to amplify its natural flavors, or get creative with steak rubs, marinades, or spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. A little olive oil or vegetable oil, brushed or sprayed on both sides, will also help with browning and ensure the steak doesn't stick to the air fryer.
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Preparing the steak
Select a high-quality T-bone steak with marbling, or intramuscular fat, which will give your steak a rich flavour and make it tender. Aim for a steak that is at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick to ensure even cooking and a juicy interior.
Before seasoning, let the steak reach room temperature by resting it on the counter or a cutting board for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the steak to cook more evenly.
Pat the steak dry with a paper towel and brush it with olive oil on both sides. This will help the seasonings adhere. Sprinkle on salt and pepper as desired, or for a more complex flavour, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl and sprinkle the mixture evenly on both sides of the steak.
For an extra kick of flavour, you can make a garlic herb compound butter in advance to top the steak with. Simply mix butter with garlic and a pinch of salt, or try your own combination of herbs and spices.
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Cooking the steak
First, select a high-quality T-bone steak with marbling, or intramuscular fat, as this will give your steak a rich flavour and tenderness. Aim for a steak that is at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick to ensure even cooking and a juicy interior.
Before cooking, allow your steak to come to room temperature. This helps the steak cook more evenly. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
Next, brush the steak with olive oil on both sides to help the seasonings adhere. You can also rub the steak with vegetable oil. For seasoning, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and/or Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly on both sides of the steak.
Now, preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). Place a piece of parchment paper or a perforated air fryer liner at the bottom of the basket to catch any drippings and make cleanup easier.
Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes for a medium-rare steak, flipping it halfway through. Thinner steaks can reach medium-rare within 4 to 8 minutes, while thicker steaks will take longer. Adjust the time based on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of your steak.
Check the temperature of your steak with a meat thermometer, starting at the 4-minute mark. Once the steak reaches the desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest under a cover of aluminium foil for 2 to 5 minutes before cutting.
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Resting the steak
After cooking your steak in the air fryer, remove it from the basket and transfer it to a plate or cutting board. It is recommended to let the steak rest, uncovered, for at least 5 minutes. During this time, the temperature of the steak will continue to rise, so it is important to account for this when determining your desired level of doneness. For instance, if you are aiming for a medium-rare steak, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F, as it will continue to cook and reach the target temperature of 135°F during the resting period.
If you are cooking a thicker steak, you may need to let it rest for a bit longer, up to 15 minutes. This will give the juices more time to redistribute and ensure that your steak is evenly cooked throughout.
While the steak is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your meal. Some side dish options include asparagus, cauliflower mash, or garlic ranch potatoes. For an extra touch of flavor, you can also make a compound butter, such as garlic herb butter, to top your steak before serving.
Once the resting period is complete, you can cut into your steak and enjoy the perfect, juicy T-bone cooked in the convenience of your air fryer.
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Storing leftovers
Firstly, it is important to let the steak rest after cooking. Cover the steak with aluminium foil and let it rest for 2-5 minutes. This helps the steak retain its juices and ensures a tasty, tender bite.
Next, you should transfer the steak to an airtight container. Place the steak in a sealed container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This will prevent the steak from drying out and keep it fresh for longer.
Then, store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer. If you plan on eating the steak within the next few days, store it in the fridge. Most sources recommend consuming leftover steak within 4-5 days. However, if you want to keep the steak for longer, store it in the freezer, where it can last for up to 3 months.
Finally, reheat the steak properly. If you're reheating the steak, use your air fryer and heat it at 360°F (180°C) for 5-6 minutes. Alternatively, you can enjoy your leftover steak cold, straight from the fridge or freezer, as some people prefer.
Remember, it is important to practice good food safety habits to prevent foodborne illnesses. Always wash your hands before handling food and ensure your steak is properly cooked before consuming it. Enjoy your juicy, tender T-bone steak leftovers!
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Frequently asked questions
First, let the steak come to room temperature and pat it dry. Brush the steak with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or a mix of garlic powder, paprika, and pepper. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes for a medium-rare steak, flipping it halfway through. Adjust the time based on your desired level of doneness.
The cooking time depends on the level of doneness you prefer and the thickness of the steak. A thinner steak can reach medium-rare within 4 to 5 minutes, while a thicker steak will take longer. A 1-inch thick steak will take about 8-12 minutes for medium-rare, and up to 15 minutes for well-done.
It is recommended to season the steak with salt and pepper. You can also try a mix of olive oil, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. For a more intense flavor, you can try a dry brine or a rub with garlic butter.
