Crispy Air-Fried Beef Medallions: A Quick And Easy Recipe

Beef medallions are a delicious and elegant cut of meat that can be cooked in an air fryer to achieve a tender and juicy result. This method is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying, as it requires less oil and can be ready in a fraction of the time. In this guide, we'll explore the step-by-step process of preparing and cooking beef medallions in an air fryer, ensuring a mouth-watering dish that's both easy and efficient to prepare.

Prepare the Beef: Pat dry, season with salt and pepper, and let rest at room temperature

To begin preparing your beef medallions for the air fryer, it's crucial to start with a dry and seasoned surface. First, take your beef medallions and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is essential as it helps to remove excess moisture, ensuring a better sear and crispier texture when cooking. After patting, generously season both sides of the medallions with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt enhances the flavor and helps to draw out any remaining moisture, while the pepper adds a subtle kick.

Let the seasoned medallions rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the meat to come to a more uniform temperature, ensuring even cooking throughout. It also helps to relax the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender. While the medallions are resting, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 375-400°F (190-200°C), depending on your recipe.

Once the medallions have rested, they are ready for the air fryer. Place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook the medallions in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of proper cooking. Cook for approximately 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach your desired doneness. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your medallions and your personal preference for doneness.

For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (55-57°C). For medium, aim for 140-145°F (60-63°C). Always use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Once cooked, remove the medallions from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful dish.

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

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step to ensure your beef medallions are cooked to perfection. It's a simple process that guarantees even cooking and helps to create a crispy exterior. Here's a detailed guide on how to preheat your air fryer for this recipe:

First, locate the control panel of your air fryer. This is usually a small display or a set of buttons that allow you to adjust the temperature and cooking time. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C), which is ideal for cooking beef medallions. This temperature is high enough to cook the meat quickly while still allowing for a tender result.

Next, give your air fryer 5 minutes to preheat. This time is crucial as it ensures the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, creating a hot environment for the cooking process. During this time, the air fryer's fan will circulate hot air, preparing the cooking chamber. You'll know it's ready when you see the set temperature displayed on the control panel.

While the air fryer preheats, you can prepare your beef medallions. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which can lead to steam buildup during cooking. Season the medallions with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasoning blend, to enhance the flavor.

Preheating is a critical step as it ensures that the hot air circulates around the food, creating a crispy exterior and even cooking. It also helps to eliminate any cold spots in the air fryer, which can result in undercooked meat. By taking the time to preheat, you'll achieve the best possible results for your beef medallions, making them juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked.

Coat with Oil: Lightly brush medallions with oil to promote even cooking

Coating your beef medallions with a small amount of oil is a crucial step to ensure they cook evenly and develop a beautiful, golden-brown crust. This simple technique is often overlooked but can make a significant difference in the final result. Here's why and how to do it:

When you brush the medallions with oil, you create a barrier that allows the heat to distribute more evenly across the surface of the meat. This is especially important in an air fryer, where the cooking process relies on hot air circulation. Without oil, the medallions might stick to the basket or cooking rack, leading to uneven cooking and potential dry spots. A light coating of oil ensures the medallions release easily and cook consistently.

The type of oil you use is also essential. Opt for a neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil, as these will not interfere with the natural flavors of the beef. You only need a tiny amount; a light brush should be sufficient for each medallion. Start by patting the medallions dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, as this will help the oil adhere better. Then, using a clean brush or your fingers (ensuring they are clean), apply the oil to both sides of each medallion.

After coating, you can proceed with the air frying. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C) for beef. Place the oiled medallions in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch or overlap to promote even cooking. Cook for approximately 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F to 145°F (57°C to 63°C) for medium-rare. Remember, the exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your medallions and your personal preference for doneness.

Place in the Air Fryer: Cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temp reaches 135°F (medium-rare)

Once you've prepared your beef medallions as per the initial instructions, it's time to get them ready for the air fryer. Place the medallions in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for approximately 12-14 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your medallions and your air fryer's power, so keep an eye on them.

During the cooking process, it's crucial to flip the medallions halfway through. This step ensures that both sides are cooked evenly, resulting in a perfectly seared exterior and a tender, juicy interior. Use tongs or a spatula to gently flip the medallions over.

The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 135°F (medium-rare) for the most delicious and tender beef. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the medallion to check the temperature. As the medallions cook, the temperature will rise, so be cautious not to overcook them. Medium-rare is a delicate balance, ensuring the meat is warm and slightly pink in the center.

Once the internal temperature reaches 135°F, remove the medallions from the air fryer immediately. Do not overcook, as it can lead to a dry texture. Let the meat rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.

Remember, air frying is a quick and convenient method to cook beef medallions, resulting in a restaurant-quality dish. With this technique, you can enjoy a delicious, perfectly cooked steak at home without the need for a traditional oven or grill.

Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving

Once your beef medallions are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it's crucial to follow a simple yet essential step to ensure a delicious and visually appealing dish. After removing the medallions from the air fryer, let them rest for approximately 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy bite. It's a technique often overlooked but can make a significant difference in the overall quality of your meal.

During this resting time, the proteins in the meat relax, and the juices that were driven to the surface during cooking settle back down, ensuring a more even distribution of moisture. This process is particularly important for beef, as it helps to maintain its moisture content and prevents it from drying out. As you wait, the medallions will also firm up slightly, making them easier to slice and ensuring a neat presentation.

To serve, carefully slice the medallions against the grain, as this technique shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat incredibly tender. Aim for thin, uniform slices to showcase the beautiful pink center of the beef. Arrange the slices on a platter or individual plates, and consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a drizzle of your favorite sauce. This simple resting and serving technique will elevate your air-fried beef medallions to a whole new level of deliciousness.

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