Cody Casey
Cube steak is a relatively inexpensive cut of beef that is usually taken from the top or bottom round, near the rump of the cow. It is a tougher cut of meat, so it is often tenderized by pounding with a meat mallet, and marinated before cooking. Cooking cube steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender steak with minimal cleanup. You can use a variety of seasonings and marinades, and the steak goes well with a range of side dishes, making it a versatile and affordable meal option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 380°F-400°F |
| Marinade | Olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce |
| Seasoning | Montreal steak seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, cayenne pepper, dill seed |
| Sides | Rice, beans, salad, sliced avocado, potatoes, green beans, corn, mac n' cheese, asparagus, broccoli |
| Time | 10-12 minutes |
| Resting Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 145°F |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating the meat
Firstly, choose your marinade. A simple combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic is a great option. Alternatively, you could try a garlic and lime marinade, or a simple store-bought Montreal steak seasoning. If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different combinations of oil, soy sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, onion, and garlic.
Once you have your marinade, it's time to prepare the steak. Season the meat with salt and pepper and place the steaks in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. If using a bag, squeeze out the excess air before sealing. Now, pour your chosen marinade over the steaks, ensuring they are well coated. If using a plastic bag, you can shake the bag to distribute the marinade evenly.
Place the marinating steaks in the refrigerator. For the best results, leave the steaks to marinate for at least two hours. If you're short on time, 30 minutes will do, but the longer you leave it, the more tender your steak will be. If you want to really lock in the flavour, you can leave the steak to marinate for up to eight hours or even overnight.
Once the steaks have finished marinating, remove them from the refrigerator and shake off any excess marinade. It's now time to cook your juicy, tender cube steaks in your air fryer!
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Choosing the right temperature
Cube steak is a relatively thin cut of beef, typically from the top or bottom round, near the rump of the cow. Due to its thinness, it is recommended to cook cube steak at a moderate temperature to ensure even cooking throughout. Most recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to around 380-400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes before adding the steaks.
However, it is important to note that air fryers can vary in performance, and the thickness of your cube steak will also impact the cooking time. Therefore, it is advisable to check your steaks regularly during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or undercooking. Remember, you can always adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed.
For a steak cooked to medium doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. A meat thermometer can be used to check this, but given the thinness of the cut, you may also gauge doneness by the steak's colour and feel. A good indication of doneness is when the steak develops a nice colour on the outside and has only a slight pinkness in the middle.
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Using the right accessories
First, you will need a shallow dish or pan to marinate the steak. This is an important step, as marinating the meat for at least an hour (or up to 2 hours for the best results) helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour. You can make your own marinade by mixing together olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic, or you can use a store-bought marinade of your choice.
Once the steak has finished marinating, remove it from the marinade, allowing any excess sauce to drip off. You can then place the steak in the air fryer basket or tray. Some recipes recommend lining the basket or tray with foil, but this is optional. If you do use foil, be sure to spray it with a non-stick cooking spray or oil to prevent the steak from sticking.
If you are cooking multiple steaks, place them in a single layer in the air fryer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. It is important to ensure proper airflow around each steak to ensure even cooking.
Finally, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For cube steak, the ideal temperature is 145°F. Remove the steak from the air fryer once it reaches this temperature to avoid overcooking, as this will result in a tough texture.
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Cooking time
Cube steak is a cheap and tasty meal, but it is a tougher cut of meat, so it needs to be tenderised and cooked carefully.
First, you'll want to tenderise the meat. You can do this by pounding the meat with a meat tenderising mallet, or by applying a meat tenderiser to the surface and letting it melt in as the meat comes to room temperature. You can also marinate the meat for at least an hour, or even two to four hours if you have the time. This will help to break down the meat and create a more tender steak.
When it comes to cooking your cube steak in the air fryer, you'll want to cook it for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak and the model of your air fryer. It's important to keep an eye on your steak to avoid overcooking it—you don't want the coating to fall off or the meat to become tough. You're aiming for an internal temperature of 145 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit, and a golden colour on the outside. Just a little pink in the middle is fine, but you don't want it to be rare or medium-rare.
Cube steak is a great, quick and easy meal that can be served with a starchy side like potatoes, rice, or mac 'n' cheese, and a fresh vegetable like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
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Serving suggestions
Cube steak is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Sides
Cube steak pairs well with a variety of sides, including starchy dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, mac n' cheese, and noodles. For a healthier option, serve it with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or pan-fried green beans. A simple side salad is also a great addition to the meal.
Gravy and Sauces
Cube steak is often served with gravy, such as brown gravy with onions, mushroom gravy, or peppery gravy. If you're looking for something more substantial, try Boursin mashed potatoes—a combination of mashed potatoes and a rich, creamy sauce.
Breaded Cube Steak
For a twist on the classic cube steak, try breading the steak before air frying. This method, known as bistec empanizado, is a Puerto Rican staple. Dip the steak in egg, then into breadcrumbs, and cook in the air fryer. Serve with rice and beans, a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, and a side of salad or sliced avocado.
Sandwiches, Stir-Fries, and Fajitas
Cube steak is a versatile protein that can be used in various dishes. Slice it up for a stir-fry, fill fajitas with it, or serve it in a sandwich.
Marinades
Marinating your cube steak before air frying can add tons of flavor and make the meat more tender. Try a simple marinade of soy sauce, or get creative with your own combination of spices and herbs. For the best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to not go higher than 400°F/200°C. You can cook at this temperature for 10 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through.
Marinade the meat for at least an hour or up to two hours. You can also season the steaks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, cayenne pepper, dill seed, or your favourite seasoning blend.
Let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Leftover steak can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3- 4 days.
You can serve cube steak with a starchy side like potatoes, rice, or mac n' cheese, and a fresh vegetable like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. You can also serve it with a salad or sliced avocado.
