Air-Fryer Breakfast Steak: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

how to cook breakfast steak in air fryer

Cooking breakfast steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, juicy, and tender steak without the mess of oil splatters or the need for a grill. The air fryer is a surprisingly effective way to get a beautifully cooked steak with a perfect crust, and it's a great option if you're short on time.

How to cook breakfast steak in an air fryer

Characteristics Values
Steak type Porterhouse, sirloin, ribeye, t-bone, top sirloin, filet mignon
Steak thickness 1-inch
Steak weight 1/2 a pound
Steak temperature Bring to room temperature before cooking
Seasoning Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, steak seasoning blend
Oil Olive oil, butter, or any other neutral oil
Preheat air fryer 400°F
Cooking time 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway
Temperature for rare steak 125°F
Temperature for medium-rare steak 130-135°F
Temperature for medium steak 140-145°F
Temperature for well-done steak 160°F
Serving suggestions Baked potatoes, roasted green beans, roasted carrots, garlic-herb salad, mashed potatoes

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Choosing the right cut of steak

When selecting a steak, look for one that is at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly in the air fryer, resulting in an unevenly browned exterior. A thicker steak will also have a higher cooking time, allowing you to achieve a nice sear on the outside while maintaining a juicy, pink interior.

If you're looking for a leaner option, sirloin is a great choice. It has a slightly lower fat content but can still be cooked to perfection in the air fryer. A dry rub or seasoning can enhance the colour and flavour of leaner cuts.

For those who prefer a bone-in steak, a porterhouse or t-bone steak is an excellent choice. These cuts have a "T"-shaped bone running through them, providing a different flavour and presentation.

Additionally, consider the weight of the steak. A good rule of thumb is to choose a steak that is around 1/2 pound in weight. This size will provide a generous portion and ensure that the steak cooks evenly in the air fryer.

Remember, the key to a great breakfast steak is not just the cut but also the preparation and cooking technique. Allowing the steak to come to room temperature before cooking and patting it dry will help ensure even cooking and a beautiful sear.

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Preparing the steak

Preparing the perfect breakfast steak in an air fryer starts with choosing the right cut of meat. Good options include ribeye, filet mignon, New York strip, sirloin, porterhouse, or top sirloin. The steak should be at least 1 inch thick; thinner steaks may cook too fast and won't get a chance to brown.

Before you start cooking, take the steaks out of the fridge and let them rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This helps the steaks cook more evenly. Blot the steaks with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which can interfere with achieving a good sear.

Season the steaks generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or steak seasoning blend. Drizzle a little olive oil over the steaks and rub it into the meat. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes a flavorful crust.

If desired, you can add a dry rub or marinate the steaks for extra flavor. A simple garlic herb butter can be made by combining softened butter with garlic, parsley, chives, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into a log using plastic wrap.

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Cooking the steak

Cooking the perfect breakfast steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, take your steaks out of the fridge and let them rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This is an important step as it ensures that the steak cooks evenly. While you wait, you can prepare the garlic-herb butter by mixing softened butter with garlic, herbs, and spices of your choice.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 10 minutes before adding the steaks. Coating the air fryer basket with cooking spray or lining it with foil is also recommended.

Once the air fryer is preheated, prepare the steaks by patting them dry with a paper towel and rubbing them with olive oil on each side. Season the steaks generously with salt, black pepper, and any additional seasonings or rubs of your choice.

Now, you are ready to cook the steaks. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded, and cook for 10-13 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness, flipping the steaks halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks and your desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, 10 minutes should be enough for medium-rare, while 12 minutes is recommended for medium.

To check if your steaks are done to your liking, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. For rare steaks, the temperature should be 125°F, 130-135°F for medium-rare, and 140-145°F for medium. If the steaks are not at your desired temperature, continue cooking in 2-minute increments and check again.

Finally, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender steak. Top the steaks with a pat of garlic butter, if desired, and serve with your favourite breakfast sides.

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Making garlic herb butter

To make garlic herb butter to accompany your breakfast steak, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Unsalted butter
  • Garlic
  • Fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, rosemary, and thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

First, take 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it soften by leaving it out at room temperature. While you wait, mince a small clove of garlic and finely chop your chosen herbs until you have around 1 tablespoon of each. Next, add the garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper to the softened butter. Mix everything together with a spatula until well combined.

Finally, transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Using the edge of a spatula or bench scraper, form the butter into a tight cylinder shape, around 2 inches long. This can then be stored in the fridge until you are ready to serve it with your air-fried steak.

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Serving suggestions

Once your breakfast steak is cooked to perfection, it's time to serve it up. There are many ways to enjoy steak for breakfast, and here are some suggestions:

Steak Sandwich

Slice the steak thinly and layer it on a toasted roll with some horseradish sauce and arugula. This is a great option if you want a hearty breakfast that you can eat on the go.

Salad

If you're looking for something a little lighter, try adding cold steak slices to a crisp salad with blue cheese and balsamic dressing. This combination will satisfy your taste buds and keep you full until lunch.

Tacos

For a fun and flavourful breakfast, chop up your steak, warm it in a skillet, and stuff it into tortillas with salsa and avocado. You can also add some scrambled eggs to the mix for an extra protein boost.

Steak and Eggs

A classic combination for a reason, serve your steak with a side of scrambled or fried eggs for a hearty and delicious breakfast. If you have any leftover steak from dinner, this is a great way to reheat it and enjoy it for breakfast.

Sides

If you're looking for some side dishes to accompany your steak, there are plenty of options. Potatoes are always a good choice, whether they're baked, smashed, or mashed. For vegetables, roasted green beans or asparagus, or garlic-Parmesan roasted carrots, will add some colour and nutrients to your plate.

No matter which serving suggestion you choose, your breakfast steak is sure to be a delicious and satisfying way to start your day.

Frequently asked questions

To cook a juicy and tender breakfast steak in an air fryer, first, take your steak out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking and let it rest at room temperature. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or steak seasoning. Drizzle olive oil over the steak and rub it in. Then, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place the steak in the basket. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium, flipping halfway through. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—the thickest part of the steak should register 125°F for rare, 130 to 135°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium. When it's done to your liking, remove the steak and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Choose a steak that is at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks will cook too quickly and may burn without achieving a nice brown crust.

For a 1-inch steak, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 130 to 135°F for medium-rare.

Some good options for the air fryer include ribeye, filet mignon, New York strip, sirloin, porterhouse, and top sirloin.

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