Air Fryer Tomahawk Steak: Quick, Juicy, And Perfectly Cooked

Cooking a tomahawk steak in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to enjoy a delicious, juicy cut of meat. This method allows you to achieve a perfectly cooked steak with a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. The tomahawk steak, known for its unique shape and rich marbling, is a popular choice for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a premium dining experience at home. By using an air fryer, you can replicate the results of a high-heat grill or oven without the need for excessive oil or butter, making it a healthier alternative. This guide will provide a step-by-step process to ensure your tomahawk steak is cooked to your desired doneness, from preparing the steak to achieving the perfect sear and internal temperature.

Prepare the Steak: Pat dry, season with salt and pepper, and let it come to room temperature

To begin cooking your tomahawk steak in an air fryer, it's crucial to start with a properly prepared piece of meat. The first step is to pat the steak dry with paper towels. Moisture on the surface can lead to steam buildup in the air fryer, which may result in a less-than-ideal cooking outcome. Ensure the steak is as dry as possible to promote even browning and crispiness.

Next, season the steak generously with salt and pepper. Seasoning is key to enhancing the natural flavors of the meat and creating a delicious crust. Use a generous amount of salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating on all sides of the steak. You can also add other spices or herbs like garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor, but the basic salt and pepper combination is essential.

Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking. This step is often overlooked but is important for even cooking. When the steak is at room temperature, it cooks more consistently, ensuring that the center of the steak cooks at the same rate as the edges. This prevents the steak from being undercooked in the center and overcooked on the outside. Place the steak on a plate or a wire rack and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.

After seasoning and allowing the steak to come to room temperature, you're ready to proceed with the air frying process. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C), depending on your recipe and the thickness of the steak. Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded, and cook for the specified time. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness, but a good starting point is 8-12 minutes for a medium-rare steak.

Remember, cooking times may vary, so it's essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the desired internal temperature. For a tomahawk steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F (55°C to 57°C) for medium-rare, 140°F to 145°F (60°C to 63°C) for medium, and so on. Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step to ensure your steak cooks evenly and reaches the desired level of doneness. Start by setting your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for approximately 5 minutes. This initial step is essential as it provides a consistent temperature environment for the steak, promoting even cooking and a beautiful, juicy interior. During this preheating phase, the air fryer's fan circulates hot air, ensuring all surfaces of the steak are exposed to the same temperature, which is key to achieving a perfectly cooked steak every time.

While the air fryer preheats, you can prepare your steak by patting it dry with paper towels. Moisture on the surface can lead to steam buildup, which may result in a less crispy exterior. Patting the steak dry helps create a better sear and promotes a more flavorful crust. Additionally, consider seasoning your steak with salt and pepper or your preferred steak rub. This simple step enhances the flavor and adds a delightful texture to the meat.

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the tomahawk steak inside. Ensure it is centered to promote even cooking. You can use an air fryer rack or a simple wire cooling rack to elevate the steak, allowing hot air to circulate freely around it. This setup ensures that the steak cooks evenly on all sides, resulting in a perfectly seared exterior and a tender, juicy center.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, cooking at 375°F for 10-12 minutes should yield a medium-rare result. Adjust the time accordingly for different doneness levels. Remember, the air fryer's rapid air circulation cooking method allows for faster and more precise cooking compared to traditional ovens.

After the specified cooking time, carefully remove the steak from the air fryer using tongs to avoid any splatters. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature for your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F to 140°F. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender bite.

Oil the Steak: Lightly coat with oil to prevent sticking

When preparing a tomahawk steak in an air fryer, one crucial step is to ensure the meat doesn't stick to the basket. This simple process of oiling the steak is often overlooked but plays a significant role in achieving a perfectly cooked and tender cut. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Start by taking a high-quality oil, such as avocado or canola oil, and ensuring it's at room temperature. The key is to use a light coating, as too much oil can lead to a greasy outcome. Take a small brush or a paper towel and dip it into the oil, ensuring it's well-saturated but not dripping. Then, gently rub the oil all over the surface of the steak, making sure to cover all sides. This process might seem tedious, but it's essential for even cooking and to prevent the steak from drying out.

The goal is to create a thin, even layer of oil, which will act as a barrier between the steak and the air fryer basket. This simple step can make a huge difference in the final result, ensuring your steak is cooked evenly and retains its juicy, tender texture. Remember, the air fryer works by circulating hot air, so a light coating of oil will allow the heat to penetrate the steak effectively without causing it to stick.

After oiling, you can proceed with the rest of your cooking process, whether it's seasoning, adding herbs, or simply placing the steak in the air fryer. This initial step of oiling is a simple yet powerful technique to master, ensuring your tomahawk steak is cooked to perfection every time.

Cook in Batches: Place steak in the air fryer basket, cook for 8-10 minutes for medium-rare

To cook a tomahawk steak in an air fryer, you can prepare multiple steaks at once for a convenient and efficient meal preparation. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook in batches:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. For a tomahawk steak, a temperature of around 375°F (190°C) is commonly used. This temperature ensures a good sear and even cooking.
• Prepare your steaks by patting them dry with paper towels. Moisture can prevent a good sear, so it's essential to remove any excess liquid. Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper or your preferred steak rub. This step adds flavor and helps create a delicious crust.
• Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space to cook without overcrowding. You can cook 2-3 steaks at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer basket. For larger batches, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Cook the steaks for approximately 8-10 minutes for medium-rare. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steaks and your air fryer's power. As a general rule, thicker steaks will require a few minutes more. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
• Once the steaks reach the desired doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. After resting, you can slice the steaks against the grain for maximum tenderness.

By cooking in batches, you can easily prepare multiple tomahawk steaks simultaneously, making it a convenient method for feeding a crowd or for those who enjoy having leftovers. Remember to adjust the cooking time based on your specific air fryer and the number of steaks being cooked. Enjoy your perfectly cooked tomahawk steak!

Rest and Serve: Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve

After carefully cooking your tomahawk steak in the air fryer, it's crucial to follow the right steps to ensure it's served at its best. The resting period is an essential part of the process, allowing the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender. Here's a detailed guide on how to rest and serve your steak:

Resting the Steak:

Once your steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a clean cutting board. It's important to let the steak rest for approximately 5 minutes. This step is often overlooked, but it significantly impacts the overall quality of the dish. During this time, the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise slightly, ensuring the juices remain sealed within the meat. This resting period is especially beneficial for thicker cuts like the tomahawk, as it helps to maintain its moisture and flavor.

Slicing and Serving:

After the resting period, it's time to slice and serve your steak. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the tomahawk steak across the grain into thin slices. The grain refers to the direction of the muscle fibers in the meat. Cutting against the grain results in a more tender bite, so ensure you follow this technique. Once sliced, arrange the pieces on a serving platter or individual plates. You can garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, and a squeeze of lemon juice can add a bright, tangy touch.

For an elegant presentation, consider arranging the slices in a fan or stack pattern on the platter. If you're serving a group, you can also plate individual portions, ensuring each guest gets a generous serving. Remember, the goal is to showcase the beautiful marbling and texture of the tomahawk steak.

Serving Suggestions:

Consider pairing your steak with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to create a well-rounded meal. For a special occasion, you could serve it alongside a rich red wine sauce or a creamy mushroom sauce. The key is to let the steak rest, allowing the flavors to shine through.

By following these simple steps, you'll ensure that your air-fried tomahawk steak is not only cooked to perfection but also served with the attention to detail it deserves. Enjoy your delicious and perfectly rested steak!

Frequently asked questions