Ella Walter
Braising steak typically comes from tough, hardworking muscles that require a long, slow, wet cook. However, you can also cook braising steak in an air fryer. Before cooking, bring the steak to room temperature by taking it out of the fridge 20-25 minutes beforehand. Dry the steak with a cloth or kitchen paper, then brush with oil and season with salt and pepper. Heat the air fryer to 200°C for 2 minutes, then place the steak in the basket and cook for 6 minutes. Turn the steak over and cook for another 2 minutes.
Braising steak in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak preparation | Allow the steak to come to room temperature before cooking. Take it out of the fridge 20-25 minutes ahead. Dry the steak with kitchen paper or a clean cloth. |
| Seasoning | Brush the steak with oil, then season with salt and pepper. |
| Air fryer temperature | 200C |
| Cooking time | 6 minutes on one side, then turn the steak and cook for another 2 minutes. |
| Serving suggestions | Top with your favourite sauce. Serve with chips, a seasonal green salad, or roasted vegetables. |
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What You'll Learn
Allow the steak to reach room temperature before cooking
Allowing your braising steak to reach room temperature before cooking is a crucial step in the cooking process. This step may seem insignificant, but it can significantly impact the texture and doneness of your steak. Braising steak, in particular, benefits from this step as it helps ensure a more even cook. By letting the steak sit out of the fridge for 20 to 25 minutes before cooking, you allow the chill from the refrigerator to dissipate. This step is essential because a cold steak cooks differently from a room-temperature one. A cold steak will take longer to cook, and by the time it reaches the desired internal temperature, the outside might be overcooked or charred.
Additionally, allowing the steak to reach room temperature helps relax the meat fibres, resulting in a less tough and more tender steak. This is especially important for braising steak, which is known for its toughness due to the cut of meat. By giving the steak time to warm up, you're helping to break down those tough muscle fibres, ensuring a more palatable end product.
Another benefit of this step is that it gives you a wider margin of error when cooking. If you're cooking a cold steak, the temperature difference between a perfectly cooked medium-rare and a well-done steak is very small, making it easier to overcook. With a room-temperature steak, you have a larger window to achieve the perfect doneness without worrying about overcooking the exterior.
Finally, bringing the steak to room temperature helps with seasoning. A cold steak will cause the seasoning to clump and not adhere properly, resulting in an uneven distribution of flavour. By letting the steak warm up, you create a surface that can better absorb and retain the seasoning, ensuring a more flavourful and evenly seasoned steak.
Remember, food safety is important, so don't leave the steak out for too long. 20 to 25 minutes is the recommended time to ensure the steak reaches the optimal temperature for cooking without entering the danger zone for bacterial growth.
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Dry steak with kitchen paper
To cook braising steak in an air fryer, you'll first want to dry off the steaks using kitchen paper or a clean cloth. This step is important as it helps to remove any excess moisture from the meat, which can affect how well your steak cooks. After patting the steak dry, you'll then want to brush it with oil and season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
When drying the steak with kitchen paper, make sure to blot the surface of the meat gently. Be sure to absorb any liquid on the surface, including any blood or juices that may have been released during the thawing or refrigeration process. It is important to use a clean piece of kitchen paper or a fresh section of the paper towel if it becomes saturated with moisture to ensure that you are effectively drying the steak.
The type of kitchen paper you use is also important. Choose a brand that is absorbent and durable, as you want it to withstand the moisture without tearing or leaving paper residue on the steak. Some kitchen papers have a quilted or textured surface that can help absorb liquid more effectively.
Once you have dried the steak, it is important to move on to the next steps of the recipe without delay. Allowing the steak to sit for too long after drying can result in the meat drying out, which will affect the texture and taste of the final dish. Therefore, it is best to have your air fryer heated and ready to go before you start drying the steak, so you can move on to the cooking process immediately after.
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Brush steak with oil and season
To cook braising steak in an air fryer, you'll first want to take the steak out of the fridge and let it sit for 20 to 25 minutes to reach room temperature. This will help the steak cook more evenly and ensure a less tough texture. Once your steak has reached room temperature, use kitchen paper or a clean cloth to dry it off. Then, brush the steak with oil—this will help the seasoning stick to the meat and create a crispy exterior as it cooks. When brushing the steak with oil, be sure to coat all sides of the meat evenly.
After brushing with oil, it's time to season the steak. Be generous with your seasoning, as this will add flavour to the meat. You can use a variety of seasonings, but salt and freshly ground black pepper are classic choices. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs to add extra flavour dimensions. Again, make sure to coat the steak evenly on all sides with the seasoning.
If you want to get creative, you can try making a dry rub for your steak. A dry rub is a mixture of spices and herbs that you can apply to the meat before cooking. This can add a depth of flavour and a unique twist to your dish. Simply mix your chosen spices and herbs, and rub them onto the steak after brushing with oil.
Once you've brushed the steak with oil and seasoned it to your liking, it's almost ready for the air fryer. Before cooking, make sure your air fryer is preheated. Set it to 200°C for 2 minutes to ensure it reaches the right temperature. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare any side dishes you want to serve with your steak, such as chips, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
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Cook for 6 minutes, then turn and cook for 2 more minutes
When cooking braising steak in an air fryer, timing is crucial for achieving the desired doneness. After heating the air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius for two minutes, it's time to cook the steak. Place the steaks in the basket and set the timer for six minutes. This initial cooking period allows the steaks to develop a nice sear and begin the cooking process.
During this time, the steaks will start to transform as the heat from the air fryer works its way through to the center of the meat. However, after six minutes, it's important to give the steaks a flip. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent overcooking on one side.
Flipping the steaks reveals the beautiful sear marks, indicating that the cooking process is well underway. The steaks go back into the air fryer for the final two minutes of cooking. These last two minutes are crucial, as they give the steaks that perfect finish.
While the total cooking time of eight minutes might seem brief, the high heat of the air fryer and the circulation of hot air ensure efficient cooking. This method is a convenient way to achieve a tasty, evenly cooked steak.
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Serve with your choice of side
Braising steak is a catch-all term for tough, hardworking muscles that usually require long, slow, wet cooking. This gives the steak extended exposure to moisture, creating a tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
When it comes to serving your braising steak cooked in an air fryer, the options are endless. Here are some ideas for sides to accompany your juicy steak:
- Onion rings: For a crunchy texture and a sweet flavour, air fryer onion rings are a perfect choice.
- Tomatoes: Whether you choose to air fry or serve them fresh, tomatoes can add a burst of freshness and a pop of colour to your plate.
- Mushrooms: Garlic mushrooms, especially when cooked in an air fryer, can be a delicious and flavourful side dish to your steak.
- Peppercorn sauce: A creamy peppercorn sauce can add a touch of elegance to your meal. If you prefer a lighter option, you can even make it without cream.
- Cheese sauce: Indulge in a rich and creamy cheese sauce to take your steak dinner to the next level.
- Mashed potatoes: While potatoes can be added to the braising steak during cooking, serving them on the side in the form of creamy mashed potatoes can be a comforting and satisfying option.
- Bread: Fresh, uncut bread can be the perfect tool for soaking up all the delicious juices from your steak.
- Vegetables: You can choose from a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, parsnips, or peppers to roast or air fry as a healthy and colourful side dish.
- Salad: A fresh, crisp salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the braising steak.
Remember, the beauty of cooking braising steak in an air fryer is the versatility it offers. You can choose from a wide range of side dishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you heat the air fryer for 2 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius. Put the steaks in the basket and cook for 6 minutes. Turn the steak and cook for another 2 minutes.
Braising steak should be cooked at 200 degrees Celsius in an air fryer.
It is important to dry off the steaks with kitchen paper or a clean cloth. Brush with oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Allow the steak to come to room temperature before cooking by leaving it out of the fridge for 20-25 minutes.
