Marianne Martinez
Chicken fried steak is a Southern classic that gets its name from the way the steak is cooked—using the same process as fried chicken. This dish is made with cube steak, a cut of beef that is usually top sirloin or top round, and is often tenderized with a mallet or machine, creating the signature cubed look. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner as it is easy to make, requires much less oil than deep frying, and is healthier. It is also easy to clean up as there are no messy pans of oil to dispose of.
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Steak | Cube steak |
| Cut of Steak | Top sirloin or top round |
| Tenderizing | Tenderized with a mallet or machine |
| Breading | Flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, milk, and egg |
| Egg Wash | Buttermilk and hot sauce |
| Cooking Spray | Olive oil or cooking spray |
| Cooking Time | 8-15 minutes at 350-400°F |
| Internal Temperature | At least 145°F |
| Sides | Mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, or hushpuppies |
| Gravy | White pepper gravy |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare the steak before cooking
Preparing the steak before cooking is a crucial step in ensuring the best possible outcome for your chicken fried steak. Here are the steps you should follow:
Firstly, take your cube steak and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This step helps to enhance the flavour of the steak and is a foundation for building a tasty coating. Allow the steak to rest for about 5 minutes, enabling the seasoning to permeate the meat effectively.
Next, you'll be creating a batter by dipping the steak in a flour mixture. In a shallow bowl, combine flour with your desired spices and seasonings. You can include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and any other spices you wish to experiment with. Give the dry ingredients a good whisk to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Now, it's time to dip the steak into the liquid mixture. In another shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and a dash of hot sauce if you're feeling adventurous. Dip the steak into this mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
For an extra crispy and flavourful coating, repeat the previous two steps. Dip the steak back into the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly, and then give it another dip in the liquid mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour or buttermilk between each dipping to avoid clumps.
Finally, let the steaks rest for about 8 to 10 minutes before placing them in the air fryer. This step is crucial, as it allows the breading to adhere properly, ensuring that it doesn't fall off during cooking.
By following these steps, you'll have perfectly prepared steaks ready for the air fryer, setting yourself up for a delicious chicken fried steak meal.
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The best oil to use when cooking
While chicken fried steak is typically cooked without oil, some recipes call for a light coat of oil to help the steak crisp up. When choosing an oil to use in your air fryer, it's important to consider the smoke point of the oil. The smoke point is the temperature that the oil can withstand before it begins to burn and smoke.
Oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, are ideal for air frying as they can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning. Avocado oil also has a neutral flavor that works well with most foods. Other oils with high smoke points include grapeseed oil, light olive oil, and sunflower oil. These oils are less likely to burn and affect the flavor of your food.
Some oils, such as extra virgin olive oil, have a lower smoke point and are not the best option for air frying. While olive oil is a healthy choice for lower-temperature cooking, its smoke point is typically around 375°F (190°C), which can cause it to burn in an air fryer. However, light olive oil has a higher smoke point of around 465°F, making it a better option for air frying, although it may lack the robust flavor of extra virgin olive oil.
It's also important to avoid using cooking sprays that contain additives and unnatural ingredients, such as soy lecithin, as these can deteriorate at high heat and damage your air fryer's non-stick surface. Instead, opt for pure oils with high smoke points to ensure the best results and maintain the integrity of your air fryer.
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How long to cook the steak for
The cooking time for chicken fried steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak and the temperature of the air fryer. Most sources recommend cooking the steak for 8-10 minutes on one side, flipping it, and then cooking it for an additional 6-8 minutes. The steak is done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F. It is important to note that some air fryers cook faster than others, so it is recommended to check on the steak around the 5-minute mark.
If you are using frozen chicken fried steak, the cooking time will be longer. One source recommends preheating the air fryer to 380°F and cooking the frozen steak for 10-12 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Another source suggests baking the frozen steak in the oven at 425°F for a total of 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through.
For leftover chicken fried steak, it is recommended to reheat it in the air fryer at 325°F for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. If you are reheating frozen leftover steak, the cooking time will be longer, around 10-12 minutes at 380°F.
It is worth mentioning that the size of your air fryer basket may also impact the cooking time. If you are cooking multiple steaks, it is important to ensure that they are in a single layer and not touching, to allow for even cooking.
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What temperature to cook the steak at
The optimal temperature for cooking chicken fried steak in an air fryer depends on the steak's thickness and the level of doneness desired. For a well-done steak, it is recommended to air fry at temperatures between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For a thicker steak, it is advisable to cook at a higher temperature, around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, for 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that the steak is cooked evenly throughout.
When cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it is crucial to keep a close eye on the steak to prevent overcooking. It typically takes 8-12 minutes for the steak to turn golden brown and reach the desired internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some air fryers may cook faster, so checking the steak around the 5-minute mark is advisable.
If you are cooking frozen chicken fried steak, the temperature and cooking time may vary. Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the steak for 10-12 minutes, flipping it halfway through. This method may not yield the same crispy breading as the fresh steak method.
For reheating leftover chicken fried steak, a lower temperature of 360 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. Heat the steak for 4-5 minutes or until warmed through. If you prefer your steak warmed on both sides, you can also cook it at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes on each side.
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What to serve with chicken fried steak
Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern dish, with Texas dedicating a whole day to its honour! It is usually made with flattened, tenderised cube steak that is breaded and fried to a crispy, golden-brown perfection. It is often topped with a white or brown gravy.
There are many side dishes that go well with chicken fried steak. Here are some ideas:
- Potatoes – red, russet, or sweet potatoes. Mashed, roasted, baked, or fried. Hashbrowns or hashbrown casserole are also great options.
- Vegetables – collard greens, green beans, broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, or fried okra.
- Salad – a simple, fresh salad goes well with a deep-fried, battered steak.
- Coleslaw – a perfect side dish to cut through the richness of the steak.
- Bread – garlic toast, dinner rolls, biscuits, or cornbread.
- Mac and cheese.
- Baked beans.
- Corn – creamed corn, hush puppies, or corn on the cob.
- Gravy – a must-have for chicken fried steak! Make a white or brown gravy using the drippings from the pan.
Chicken fried steak is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It can be served with a variety of sides to suit your taste and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the thickness of the steak, but it should take anywhere from 8 to 15 minutes at 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
First, shake off any excess flour. Then, let the breaded meat rest for 8-10 minutes before cooking. Cook at a high temperature and do not move the steak around while cooking, except to gently flip it.
You can serve chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a drizzle of classic white pepper gravy.
