Air-Fried Tomahawk Steak: A Quick, Juicy Feast

how to cook a tomahawk steak in air fryer

The Tomahawk steak is a bone-in ribeye with the entire rib bone intact, giving it a distinctive axe-like shape. It is a thick cut of meat, so it's important to season it generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. After seasoning, let the steak rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and a juicy texture. When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful cut of meat.

Characteristics Values
Cut of Steak Tomahawk steak (bone-in ribeye)
Air Fryer Temperature 375°F-400°F (190°C-200°C)
Cooking Time 10-20 minutes, depending on thickness and desired level of doneness
Seasoning Salt, pepper, and other spices
Resting Time 5-10 minutes
Serving Suggestions Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad

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Seasoning the steak

Seasoning a tomahawk steak is an important step in the cooking process, as it enhances the flavours of the meat. Before seasoning, some people like to marinate their steak overnight in the fridge. However, if you don't have the time or inclination to do this, you can simply use salt and pepper.

Generously season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. As the tomahawk is a thick cut of meat, be sure to use a generous amount of seasoning to enhance the flavour. A good rule of thumb is to use approximately 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper per pound of steak. Make sure to get the top, bottom, and all the sides. You can also add other spices and herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or garlic, to create a more complex flavour profile.

After seasoning, let the steak rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is important, as it helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures a juicy result. It allows the meat to come to room temperature, which helps it cook more evenly, and gives the seasonings time to permeate the meat.

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Air fryer temperature

The air fryer temperature and cooking time for a Tomahawk steak depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. A thicker steak will require a longer cooking time, and a higher temperature will result in a more well-done steak.

To cook a Tomahawk steak in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the air fryer is hot enough to sear the steak and lock in the juices. Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking process. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 12-14 minutes, and for a medium steak, cook for 15-16 minutes. If you prefer your steak rare, cook it for a shorter duration, and for a well-done steak, cook it for a longer period.

It is important to note that the steak will continue to cook for a bit after it is removed from the air fryer due to residual heat. So, if you are aiming for a medium-rare steak, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 130°F, as it will continue cooking to 135°F while resting.

The circulating hot air in the air fryer ensures even heat distribution, resulting in a perfectly cooked steak with a juicy and tender interior and a crispy crust.

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Cooking time

The cooking time for a tomahawk steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.

As a general rule, thicker steaks will take longer to cook than thinner ones. Additionally, if you prefer your steak rare, it will need less time in the air fryer than if you prefer it well done.

Most sources recommend cooking a tomahawk steak in an air fryer for approximately 12 to 16 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through the cooking process. However, one source suggests cooking the steak for 15 to 20 minutes, which is a slightly longer time frame.

To achieve a medium level of doneness, it is suggested to cook the steak at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes. For a medium-rare steak, the cooking time is reduced to around 10 minutes. If you prefer your steak rare, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F, while a well-done steak will be 160°F and above.

It's important to note that the steak will continue to cook for a brief period after being removed from the air fryer, so it's recommended to remove it just before it reaches your desired temperature. For example, if you're aiming for a medium-rare steak, take it out of the air fryer when it reaches 130°F as it will continue cooking up to 135°F while resting.

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Resting the steak

Allow the steak to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This will give the juices time to settle, resulting in a more juicy and tender steak. If you cut into the steak too soon, the juices will leak out, and your steak may become dry. The resting period also gives the steak time to cool down slightly, making it easier to handle and slice.

During the resting period, the steak will continue to cook, but at a slower rate. This is because the heat from the air fryer remains in the steak, and it will slowly cook from the inside out. This is beneficial as it ensures that your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. However, it's important to keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook even after you've sliced into it. So, if you prefer your steak on the rarer side, you may want to remove it from the air fryer a little earlier than your desired doneness.

The resting period also allows the steak to relax, which makes it easier to slice. If you try to slice the steak immediately after removing it from the air fryer, it may be too tough to cut through. By letting it rest, the steak will soften slightly, making it easier to achieve those perfect, juicy slices. A sharp knife is also essential for slicing your tomahawk steak, as it will produce cleaner cuts and prevent the steak from tearing or shredding.

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Serving suggestions

The tomahawk steak is a bone-in ribeye with the entire rib bone attached, giving it its distinctive tomahawk axe shape. This cut of steak is perfect for air frying, which offers a healthier alternative to deep frying and allows for even heat distribution.

When it comes to serving your juicy and flavorful tomahawk steak, there are several sides that will complement it perfectly. Roasted vegetables, such as garlic-Parmesan carrots or cacio e pepe Brussels sprouts, will pair well with the rich flavors of the steak. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, mashed potatoes or melting potatoes are always a delicious option. A fresh salad, such as a garlic-herb wedge salad, can also help to round out the meal. Don't forget to let your steak rest for a few minutes before slicing into it, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a more tender and flavorful steak.

For an extra touch of luxury, top your steak with a slice of herb butter. You can get creative with your herb butter by using a combination of soft and hard herbs, such as chives, parsley, rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, or sage, and adding some minced garlic for an extra kick. This will not only elevate the flavor of your steak but also make for a beautiful presentation.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet on the stove over medium heat, but keep in mind that the steak will be more well-done than when it was first cooked.

Frequently asked questions

Season your steak generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Allow the steak to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the seasoned tomahawk steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space. Cook the steak for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and desired level of doneness.

The cooking time depends on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for around 10 minutes. For a medium steak, cook for 12-14 minutes.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). The internal temperature of the steak should reach 130°F for a medium-rare steak and 135°F for a medium steak.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The steak will continue to cook for a bit after you take it out of the air fryer, so remove it when it reads 130°F for medium-rare.

You can serve your tomahawk steak with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

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