Marianne Martinez
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook beef flank steak, look no further than your air fryer. This handy appliance can have your steak cooked to perfection in just 10-20 minutes, with minimal effort and cleanup required. The key to a delicious air-fried flank steak is in the preparation and seasoning, with a variety of dry rubs and marinades that can be used to infuse your steak with flavour. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade | Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic sauce, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, basil, rosemary, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder |
| Marinade Time | 30 minutes to 24 hours |
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Cooking Time | 8-15 minutes for medium-rare, longer for well-done |
| Internal Temperature | 132°F for medium-rare |
| Resting Time | 5 minutes |
| Sides | Mashed potatoes, asparagus, green beans, butternut squash, brussels sprouts, salads, tacos, burritos, nachos, fajitas |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Marinade ingredients and preparation
Marination is a crucial step in preparing your flank steak for the air fryer as it helps to tenderize the meat and infuse flavour. The longer you can leave the steak to marinate, the better—up to 24 hours if you have the time. However, if you're short on time, an hour or two will still make a big difference.
To prepare your marinade, combine the following ingredients in a small bowl and mix well:
- 1/4 cup cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce (or light/Japanese soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos)
- 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of liquid honey
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Once you've prepared your marinade, place your flank steak in a plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Massage the bag to ensure that the steak is fully coated, and then place it in the refrigerator. If you're marinating for more than 30 minutes, be sure to take the steak out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it back to room temperature.
For added flavour, you can also score the meat by cutting very thin lines into both sides of the steak in a crosshatch pattern. This will help the marinade to penetrate the meat even more.
Air Fryer Frozen Steak: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Air fryer temperature and timing
The air fryer temperature and timing for cooking beef flank steak depend on several factors, including the size and thickness of the steak, the desired doneness, and the specific air fryer model being used. Here are some general guidelines and tips to help you achieve the best results:
Air Fryer Temperature:
- Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature before placing the steak inside.
- For a medium-rare steak, most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- If you prefer your steak more well-done, you can increase the temperature slightly or cook it for a longer duration.
- Different air fryer models may have varying temperature settings, so adjust accordingly.
Air Fryer Timing:
- The cooking time for beef flank steak in an air fryer can range from 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the desired doneness and the thickness of the steak.
- For a medium-rare steak, cook for around 10 minutes. If you prefer it more well-done, extend the cooking time by a few minutes.
- It is crucial to keep an eye on the steak during cooking, as air fryers can produce varying results, and you don't want to overcook the steak.
- Consider using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it reaches your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 132°F (55°C).
- After cooking, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain to retain its juices and tenderness.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and you may need to adjust the temperature and timing based on your specific air fryer model and personal preferences for steak doneness. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your air fryer and follow food safety guidelines for cooking meat.
Reheating Coffee: Air Fryer Magic
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Internal steak temperature
The best way to know whether your steak is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest and coolest part of the steak, usually the centre, and wait for the temperature reading to stabilise. Here are the internal temperature ranges for different levels of steak doneness:
- Rare: 120–130°F (49–54°C).
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C).
- Medium: 135–145°F (57–63°C).
- Medium-well: 150–155°F (66–68°C).
- Well-done: 155°F (68°C) and above.
Note that the steak will continue to cook after being removed from the heat, so pull it out when it is 5°F (3°C) below your desired final temperature.
Air-Fried Pumpkin Bread: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$9.47 $16.99
Resting and slicing the steak
Resting the steak is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender bite. After cooking, remove the steak from the air fryer and wrap it in aluminium foil. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes. If you cut into the steak right after cooking, you'll lose all the juices.
While the steak is resting, you can prepare your side dishes. Steak and potatoes are a classic combination, and instant pot mashed potatoes are ready in just 10 minutes. If you're looking for something healthier, steamed asparagus or green bean bundles are great options.
When it comes to slicing the steak, it's important to cut against the grain. This means cutting in the opposite direction of the muscle fibres. By cutting against the grain, you shorten the muscle fibres, making the steak more tender and easier to chew. Use a sharp knife to slice the steak into thin strips.
If you're unsure about the doneness of your steak, a meat thermometer can help. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and check the temperature. For a rare steak, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium-rare, go for 135-145°F (57-63°C). If you prefer your steak well done, cook it to an internal temperature of 155-165°F (68-74°C).
Finally, don't forget that you can reheat any leftover steak in the air fryer. Slice the steak before reheating, as this will help it heat up more quickly and evenly. Place the slices in the air fryer for 1 minute, or reheat a whole steak in 4-5 minutes.
Air-Fried Tortellini: A Quick, Easy, and Delicious Treat
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Side dishes and leftovers
Side Dishes
There are many side dishes that go well with air-fried beef flank steak. Here are some options:
- Veggies: Air fryer asparagus, air fryer broccoli, or air fryer broccolini are some easy vegetable side dishes that can be prepared in the air fryer itself.
- Mashed potatoes: Instant pot mashed potatoes are a good option, as they can be prepared quickly and have a great flavor.
- Steamed veggies: For a steakhouse-worthy side, steamed asparagus or green bean bundles are a good choice.
- Salad: A healthy salad can be a great side dish, especially during the summer. You can also add peaches, cheese, and a fresh herb dressing to your salad.
- Corn relish: This can be made with fresh corn, shallots, tomatoes, cilantro or parsley, and a bit of acid.
- Cilantro chimichurri: This is a good low-carb option.
- Creamy basil dressing: This can be used as a dipping sauce or drizzled on top of the steak.
Leftovers
Leftover beef flank steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Slicing the steak before freezing is recommended, as it will thaw faster. Leftovers can be eaten cold, as reheating the steak can dry it out. Here are some ways to use leftover beef flank steak:
- Cold: Serve cold with a side of potatoes, on top of a salad, or in wraps.
- Reheated: Reheat in the air fryer for 1 minute for slices or 4-5 minutes for a whole flank steak.
- Steak fajitas: Use leftover steak to make fajitas.
- Carne asada quesadillas: Leftover flank steak can be used as a filling for quesadillas.
- Salads, wraps, and rice bowls: Flank steak slices are great to have on hand for these dishes.
Freezing Deep Fryer Grease: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It takes 8-12 minutes to cook beef flank steak in an air fryer. The exact cook time will depend on your air fryer and the desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, it will take around 10 minutes.
The best way to know if your steak is done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of a medium-rare steak should be 132°F. You can also check the steak manually by poking it with your finger.
It is recommended to marinate the steak before cooking to tenderize the meat and add extra flavor. A dry rub can also be used to season the steak. Bring the steak to room temperature before cooking.
