Ella Walter
Cube steak is a relatively inexpensive cut of beef that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes and is a great alternative to slower cooking methods like using a crock pot. The air fryer method also eliminates a lot of clean-up and produces a juicy steak without the need for deep frying. To cook cube steak in an air fryer, simply preheat the air fryer, season and coat the steak, and then cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak and the model of the air fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak Type | Cube steak |
| Steak Cut | Top sirloin or top/bottom round |
| Steak Quantity | One per person |
| Steak Seasoning | Montreal steak seasoning, salt and pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt |
| Steak Temperature | 380-400°F |
| Steak Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Steak Internal Temperature | 145-155°F |
| Marinade | Yes, for 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| Foil | Line the air fryer basket or tray |
| Cooking Spray | Yes, non-stick |
| Oil | Avocado oil, olive oil, vegetable oil |
| Vinegar | Balsamic, apple cider, or regular |
| Salad | Yes, side salad |
| Sides | Potatoes, rice, mac n' cheese, green beans, asparagus, broccoli, keto cauliflower mash, mashed potatoes |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating the meat
Cube steak is a tougher cut of meat, so marinating it beforehand can help to break down the meat and make it more tender. Marinating the meat for at least an hour is recommended, but for the best results, it should be left for up to 2 hours.
There are many different options for the marinade mixture. A simple option is to use a dry brine of kosher salt, sprinkling about 1/2 teaspoon per steak the night before. This will add all the salt and spice you need for a flavoursome dish. You can also add in paprika or a teaspoon of onion powder for added flavour.
Another option is to use a wet marinade. One recipe includes low-sodium soy sauce, while another suggests using balsamic vinegar, although this can be substituted for apple cider vinegar or regular vinegar. You can also add in mustard, although dijon is recommended over brown.
If you are using a wet marinade, coat the steaks well and leave them to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. You can also marinate the meat in the refrigerator, which will enhance the flavour.
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Cooking temperature and time
The cooking temperature and time for cube steak in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the model of your air fryer. It is recommended to cook the steak until the centre is cooked and can be very slightly pink, but not rare or medium-rare. This is because cube steaks that are cooked rare or medium-rare will be chewy.
Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. However, one source suggests cooking at 380°F, and another recommends dropping the temperature to 350°F. The cooking time is generally stated as 5 to 7 minutes, or 10 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. It is important to note that the steak should not be overlapped when added to the basket and should be placed in a single layer.
The steak is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F. However, one source mentions that for thin cuts of beef, it is hard to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and instead, they prefer to cook until the meat gets a nice colour on the outside. It is also important to let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to keep it moist and tender.
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Using a meat tenderizer
Cube steak is a tougher cut of meat, so it's important to tenderize it before cooking. There are several ways to tenderize cube steak, and you can use one or a combination of these methods to achieve the desired level of tenderness.
One popular method is to use a meat mallet or meat tenderizer to pound the steak. Place the steak on a cutting board and cover it with plastic wrap or saran wrap. Use the flat side of the meat mallet or the rough end of the meat tenderizer to pound the steak evenly until it is about 1/2 inch thick. This process helps break down the tough fibers and connective tissues, making the meat easier to cook and chew. It also has the added benefit of thinning the meat, allowing it to cook more quickly and evenly.
Another effective way to tenderize cube steak is through marination. Marinades containing acidic ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or wine can help break down the tough fibers. Add the cube steaks to the marinade mixture and coat well. Marinate the steaks for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours or overnight for maximum effectiveness.
You can also use commercial enzyme tenderizers or create a natural paste with baking soda and water to break down the tough fibers in the cube steak. Follow the instructions on the product packaging, or create a paste with baking soda and water, cover the meat completely, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing and cooking.
Additionally, cutting the cube steak into thin slices against the grain or perpendicular to the muscle fibers can help make the meat more tender and easier to chew, especially in dishes like stir-fries or fajitas.
By using these techniques, you can ensure that your cube steak is tender and appetizing, creating a delicious and enjoyable meal.
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Seasoning and spices
One popular choice is Montreal Steak Seasoning, which typically includes garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dill seed, and salt. This spice blend adds a ton of flavour to your steak with just one ingredient. If you don't have Montreal Steak Seasoning, you can create your own blend with similar spices.
Another option is to use a dry brine technique. The night before cooking, sprinkle each steak with about 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher salt, and let it sit in the refrigerator. This will help to tenderise the meat and enhance its flavour. When you're ready to cook, remember to reduce the salt in your flour dredge by half to compensate for the dry brine.
Additionally, consider marinating your cube steak before cooking. Marinating the meat for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours can help break down the tough meat fibres, resulting in a more tender steak. You can use a variety of ingredients for your marinade, such as balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, red wine, or a combination of low-sodium soy sauce and mustard.
Finally, don't forget to season your flour dredge or breading. This will ensure your steak has a crispy crust with plenty of flavours. You can use a variety of seasonings in your flour, such as paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, or seasoning salt.
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Sides and sauces
Cube steak is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some ideas to elevate your air-fried cube steak:
Sides
- Starchy sides: Mashed potatoes, rice, mac n' cheese, or even potato chips with Parmesan cheese and truffle salt are great options to fill you up.
- Vegetables: Oven-roasted asparagus, broccoli, or pan-fried/roasted green beans pair well with the steak. You could also try grilled broccoli rabe or cauliflower mash for a keto-friendly option.
- Salads: A simple side salad or corn salad can add a fresh and healthy element to your meal.
- Breads: Cornbread or buttermilk biscuits are excellent choices to round out the dish.
Sauces
- Gravy: A classic brown gravy made with beef or chicken broth, cornstarch, beef bouillon cube, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce is a perfect pairing. You can also add mushrooms, onions, and stewed tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Mushroom-Sherry Sauce: This sauce is a great way to add depth to your dish.
- Tomato Sauce: Fresh tomato sauce not only adds flavor but also gives a vibrant touch to your plate.
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Frequently asked questions
The best temperature to cook cube steak in an air fryer is 380°F to 400°F. The cooking time is 5-7 minutes or 10 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through.
Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. You can also tenderize the meat using a meat mallet to soften it and make it thinner.
The steak is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F. The steak should be slightly pink in the middle.
Cube steak goes well with starchy sides like potatoes, rice, or mac n' cheese, and fresh vegetables like oven-roasted asparagus, broccoli, or pan-fried green beans.
