Flank Steak Air Fryer: Quick & Juicy Beef

Beef flank steak is a versatile cut that can be transformed into a delicious, tender meal with the right preparation and cooking method. In this guide, we'll explore how to cook beef flank steak in an air fryer, a convenient and efficient way to achieve a mouth-watering meal. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a juicy, flavorful steak that's ready in no time.

Preparation: Trim and season steak, then place in air fryer basket

When preparing to cook beef flank steak in an air fryer, the first step is crucial for achieving a delicious, tender result. Start by selecting a high-quality flank steak, preferably one with minimal fat marbling. This cut is lean and flavorful, making it ideal for air frying. Begin by trimming any excess fat and silver skin from the steak. This process not only enhances the appearance of the final dish but also ensures even cooking. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut away any unwanted fat and silver skin, leaving a clean, uniform piece of meat.

Seasoning is key to enhancing the natural flavors of the steak. A simple yet effective seasoning blend can be created by mixing salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. For a more robust flavor, you can add a pinch of paprika or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Apply this seasoning generously to both sides of the steak, ensuring an even coating. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes after seasoning to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Once the steak is trimmed and seasoned, it's time to prepare the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to a temperature of 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking flank steak as it helps to seal in the juices while also providing enough heat to cook the steak through. Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits snugly. If the steak is larger than the basket, you may need to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to dry meat.

After placing the steak in the air fryer, set the cooking time. For a medium-rare steak, cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and your air fryer's power, so it's important to keep an eye on it. Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (55-57°C) for medium-rare. Once cooked, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

Cooking Time: Cook at 375°F for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway

When cooking beef flank steak in an air fryer, the key to achieving a perfect medium-rare result is precise timing and a careful approach to flipping. Here's a detailed guide on how to cook it:

Preparation: Start by taking the steak out of the refrigerator and allowing it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking. Pat the steak dry with paper towels; this step is crucial as moisture can lead to steam buildup in the air fryer, affecting the texture. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other spices or marinades for extra flavor if desired.

Cooking Process: Place the steak in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for approximately 8-12 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for the lower end of the range. It's important to flip the steak halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that the heat penetrates the steak evenly, creating a beautiful sear on both sides. Use tongs to flip the steak carefully.

Flipping Technique: When flipping, be gentle to avoid breaking the skin that forms on the steak during cooking. This skin helps to seal in the juices. After flipping, continue cooking for the remaining time. For a 1-inch thick steak, this could be around 8 minutes for medium-rare. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak, ensuring it doesn't touch any bone. Aim for 130-135°F for medium-rare.

Resting and Serving: Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Finally, slice the steak against the grain to maximize tenderness. Serve immediately, and enjoy the delicious, crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior that the air fryer imparts!

Resting: Let steak rest 5 minutes before slicing

Once your beef flank steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness in the air fryer, it's crucial to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This step is often overlooked but is essential for achieving the best results. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

After removing the steak from the air fryer, place it on a clean cutting board or a plate. Allow it to rest for approximately 5 minutes. This might seem like a long time, but it's a critical step for the steak's texture and flavor. During this rest period, the proteins in the meat relax, and the juices that were driven to the surface during cooking will settle back down. This process ensures that your steak remains moist and flavorful when you finally take a bite.

While the steak rests, you can prepare your desired toppings, sides, or sauces. This step also allows the steak to cool slightly, making it easier to slice. If you're serving the steak immediately, you can keep it warm in the air fryer's keep-warm function for a short while, but it's best to let it rest for the full 5 minutes for optimal results.

Slicing the steak against the grain is a common technique to ensure tenderness. The grain refers to the direction in which the muscle fibers run in the meat. By slicing against the grain, you're essentially cutting across these fibers, making the steak more tender. This technique is especially important with flank steak, as it can be quite tough if not handled properly.

Resting the steak is a simple yet powerful technique that can elevate your air-fried beef flank steak experience. It ensures that every bite is as delicious and juicy as possible, making it a worthwhile practice for any home cook. Remember, patience is key in the kitchen, and allowing your steak to rest will undoubtedly pay off with a mouthwatering meal.

Sauces: Try a simple garlic butter or peppercorn sauce

When it comes to cooking beef flank steak in an air fryer, the possibilities for flavor enhancement are endless. One of the simplest and most delicious ways to elevate your dish is by adding a flavorful sauce. Here, we focus on two easy-to-make options: a garlic butter sauce and a peppercorn sauce.

For the garlic butter sauce, start by melting a generous amount of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add a few minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Once the garlic is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and stir in a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor. This sauce is best served warm and can be drizzled over the steak just before serving.

The peppercorn sauce is equally straightforward. Combine a few tablespoons of mayonnaise, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. This sauce provides a creamy, tangy base that complements the steak's natural flavors.

Both sauces are quick to prepare and can be made in advance, allowing you to focus on the cooking process. For the steak, pat it dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Once cooked, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain to ensure tenderness.

Serve the steak with a generous drizzle of your chosen sauce. The garlic butter sauce pairs beautifully with the steak's savory flavor, while the peppercorn sauce adds a spicy kick. Both options are simple yet effective ways to enhance the taste of your air-fried beef flank steak.

Serving: Serve with roasted veggies or a side salad

When it comes to serving beef flank steak cooked in an air fryer, there are numerous delicious options to enhance the flavors and textures of the dish. One popular choice is to accompany the steak with a variety of roasted vegetables, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here's a guide on how to prepare and serve this combination:

Roasted Vegetables:

• Choose a selection of vegetables that will complement the steak's flavor. Carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions are excellent choices. Cut these vegetables into uniform pieces, ensuring they are bite-sized for even cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Toss the vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and your preferred herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary, or a blend of Italian seasoning). This simple seasoning will bring out their natural sweetness.
• Spread the vegetables in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender and slightly charred. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the vegetables and your air fryer's power.
• Once ready, remove the roasted veggies from the air fryer and keep them warm. You can quickly sauté them in a pan with a bit of butter or olive oil for added flavor if desired.

Side Salad:

• Prepare a fresh and crisp side salad to contrast the richness of the steak. Start by washing and drying a mix of leafy greens such as arugula, spinach, and romaine lettuce.
• Chop the vegetables you have on hand, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and carrots. Toss them with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• If you have any leftover steak or want to add more substance to the salad, shred or chop the cooked steak and mix it with the greens. This will create a flavorful and colorful salad.

Plating and Presentation:

• Plate the beef flank steak and the roasted vegetables separately to maintain their temperatures. You can serve the steak on a bed of the side salad, allowing the vegetables to provide a refreshing contrast.
• Garnish the dish with a few fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of color and flavor.
• Consider adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice over the salad for a bright, tangy touch.

By combining the air-fried steak with roasted vegetables and a side salad, you create a balanced and delicious meal. This serving suggestion ensures that the steak's tenderness and the vegetables' natural sweetness are highlighted, making it a memorable dining experience.

Frequently asked questions