Ella Walter
Air Fryer Carne Asada is a quick and easy weeknight meal that can be served on its own or with salads, fajitas, or burritos. The skirt steak is marinated in oil, spices, and lime juice, and sometimes brown sugar, before being cooked in the air fryer for a few minutes. The result is a juicy and tender cut of meat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade | Olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, chiles, garlic, cilantro, salt, cumin, oregano, paprika, and pepper |
| Marinade time | 4 hours (or overnight) |
| Meat | Skirt steak |
| Air fryer temperature | 350-400°F |
| Cooking time | 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare; 8 minutes total for medium; 10-12 minutes for well-done |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 145°F |
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What You'll Learn
Maringating the skirt steak
Marination is a key step in preparing skirt steak for your air fryer carne asada. The skirt steak cut is quite tough, so a good marinade will help to tenderize the meat and give it an amazing flavour. It is recommended that you marinate the steak for at least four hours, or even overnight.
There are several options for the marinade. A simple combination of olive oil, salt and pepper will do the trick, but for something extra special, you can add brown sugar, lime juice and spices. In a measuring cup, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, chiles, garlic, cilantro, salt, cumin, oregano, paprika and pepper. You can also add garlic powder and oregano to the mix. If you want to add a little kick to your carne asada, include some peppers in your marinade. If you're looking for a citrusy twist, you can add orange juice or lemon juice to tenderize the meat and give it a hint of sweetness.
Once you have prepared your marinade, place the skirt steak in a gallon-size zipper bag and pour the liquid into the bag. Seal the bag and turn it at least once during the marination process. If you are short on time, you can cut the steak into pieces and place them into a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the steak and let it soak for 30 minutes to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
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Air fryer settings
The ideal air fryer settings for cooking carne asada depend on the level of doneness you want to achieve. For a medium-rare skirt steak, set your air fryer to 350 °F and cook for a total of 6 minutes—3 minutes on each side. If you prefer your steak medium, increase the cooking time to 8 minutes (4 minutes on each side). For well-done carne asada, cook the steak for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping it halfway through.
Note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the steak. It's important not to overcook skirt steak, as it can become tough and chewy. To ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, consider using a calibrated food thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the meat. For medium doneness, the steak should reach and hold an internal temperature of 145 °F for at least 3 minutes.
If you're reheating leftover carne asada, preheat your air fryer to 350 °F and cook the steak for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through.
For a charred effect on the steak, you may need to cook the meat for a little longer, as air fryers don't typically reach the same high temperatures as a charcoal grill.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for carne asada in an air fryer depends on the level of doneness you desire. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 3 minutes on one side and 3 minutes on the other side. If you prefer your steak medium, increase the cooking time to 4 minutes on each side, or a total of 8 minutes. For a well-done steak, cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or a total of 10 to 12 minutes.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer. Additionally, the thickness of the steak can also affect the cooking time. It is recommended to cook the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for medium doneness. To ensure even cooking, it is suggested to flip the steak halfway through the cooking process.
For leftover carne asada, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F and cook the steak for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through.
When cooking carne asada, it is crucial not to overcook the steak, especially if using skirt steak, as it can become tough and chewy. An overnight marinade can help tenderize the meat, and it is recommended to let the steak rest for at least 3 to 10 minutes after cooking for maximum tenderness and flavor.
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Resting the meat
Depending on the doneness you prefer and the size of your air fryer, the resting time can vary. For a medium-rare steak, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. If you prefer your steak well done, increase the resting time to 10 minutes or more. It is important not to skip this step, as resting helps ensure the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness and prevents it from drying out.
While the meat is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or toppings you plan to serve with your carne asada. Some popular choices include grilled tortillas, cilantro-lime rice, and Mexican corn salad, or a flavorful chimichurri sauce. You can also use this time to clean up any mess made during the cooking process, so you don't have to worry about it later.
Finally, once the resting time is complete, you can slice the carne asada against the grain for maximum tenderness. This technique ensures that the meat fibres are not torn, resulting in a more tender and juicy bite. You can now serve your perfectly cooked and rested carne asada!
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer carne asada is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Tacos, Burritos, and Fajitas
One popular option is to use the carne asada as a filling for tacos, burritos, or fajitas. This is a great way to enjoy the juicy meat and add some additional textures and flavours to your meal. Simply cook your carne asada as usual, then slice it and serve it in your favourite taco, burrito, or fajita setup. You can add some grilled tortillas, cilantro-lime rice, and Mexican corn salad for a delicious and authentic Mexican meal.
Salads
Carne asada also makes a great salad topping. Its juicy, tender texture will complement the crispness of your salad greens and vegetables. Try it on a bed of mixed greens, with some sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. You can also add some crumbled feta or goat cheese for an extra flavour boost.
On Its Own
If you're a true carne asada connoisseur, you might enjoy it simply on its own. The air fryer cooking method ensures the meat is cooked to perfection, so you can savour the flavours and textures of the dish without any distractions. Serve it with a side of your favourite sauce or dip, such as a spicy salsa or a cool and creamy guacamole.
Traditional Mexican Dishes
Carne asada is a traditional Mexican dish, so it pairs well with other Mexican sides and accompaniments. Try serving it with some grilled vegetables, refried beans, or Mexican-style rice. You can also use it as a topping for nachos or chilaquiles, or add it to a bowl of Mexican soup or stew for a heartier meal.
Customise with Sides and Toppings
Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your sides and toppings. Carne asada is a versatile dish that can be customised to your taste. Try adding some sliced jalapenos, pickled onions, or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. For a heartier meal, serve it with some roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries. You can also offer a variety of sauces or dips on the side, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
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Frequently asked questions
Carne asada is a dish made with skirt steak that is marinated in spices and seasonings and then grilled.
Marinate the skirt steak for at least 4 hours or overnight. Then, cook it in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, flipping it halfway through.
Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F.
Marinate the skirt steak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Carne asada can be served on its own or with grilled tortillas, cilantro-lime rice, Mexican corn salad, nachos, tacos, or burritos.
