Ella Walter
Eye of round steak is a lean, boneless cut of beef that comes from the rear leg of a cow. It is a smaller, thinner cut with minimal fat marbling, which makes it less tender than other cuts. However, cooking it in an air fryer is an ideal way to prepare this cut of meat, as the air fryer's intense heat and rapid air circulation create a crispy exterior while maintaining moisture within. This method of cooking also reduces the cooking time compared to grilling or using an oven. To cook eye of round steak in an air fryer, you should first trim any unwanted fat and brush the steak with oil. Then, season the steak with salt and pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to a high temperature to create a good sear on the meat and then turn down the temperature to finish cooking. The cooking time will depend on the desired level of doneness, with a rare steak requiring less time in the air fryer than a well-done steak.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of meat | Eye of round steak |
| Meat characteristics | Lean, boneless, with little fat marbling |
| Steak thickness | 1.5 inches |
| Steak preparation | Trim fat, brush with oil, season with salt and pepper, and steak seasoning |
| Steak cooking time | 7-12 minutes |
| Steak doneness | Medium rare to well done |
| Steak resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Steak cooking temperature | 400°F |
| Air fryer preheating | Yes |
| Air fryer preheating temperature | 390°F |
| Air fryer preheating time | 10 minutes |
| Air fryer cooking temperature | 325°F |
| Air fryer cooking time | 10 minutes, then 25-30 minutes |
| Steak serving suggestion | Slice thinly and serve with vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of eye of round steak
When selecting your eye of round steak, look for a cut that is lean and has a similar shape to a tenderloin. While it may be packaged as a roast or steak, you can also ask your butcher to fabricate it into stew meat or cubed steak. This cut is taken from the round primal cut, located in the rump area of the animal, including the hind legs. Because the muscles in this area are used for movement, the beef is less tender but also more affordable.
When preparing to cook your eye of round steak in an air fryer, it is recommended to cut the meat yourself into 1 1/2 inch thick steaks. This allows you to control the thickness and is a more economical option. Before cooking, trim any unwanted fat from the steak and brush both sides with oil. You can then season the steak with salt and pepper, and your favorite steak seasoning.
To cook the steak in the air fryer, preheat the appliance to 390°F for about 10 minutes. Then, place the steak in the basket and cook at 400 degrees for 7 to 12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for around 7 to 8 minutes, and for a well-done steak, cook for about 12 minutes. Always allow your steak to rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before slicing, to ensure the juices redistribute and the steak stays moist and juicy.
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Preparing the steak
Firstly, select a fresh eye of round steak that appears bright red with minimal discolouration. This cut is lean and boneless, with a thin layer of fat on top, so look for thin streaks of fat within the muscle fibres to enhance tenderness. If you're buying a roast, you can cut it yourself into 1 1/2-inch thick steaks, which is more cost-effective and allows you to control the thickness.
Once you have your desired steak, it's time to clean and season it. Rinse the steak under cool running water and pat it dry with paper towels. Ensure there are no unwanted bits or bone fragments remaining. You can then trim any excess fat from the steak. To infuse flavour, create small pockets in the steak with a sharp knife and insert thin slices of garlic and rosemary. Alternatively, you can simply use a dry rub or marinade. A simple yet tasty option is to brush both sides of the steak with oil and sprinkle it generously with salt and pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, gently pressing the seasoning into the meat.
After seasoning, always remember to preheat your air fryer. Set it to a high temperature, usually around 390°F to 400°F, and preheat for about 5-10 minutes. This step is essential as it ensures the steak cooks immediately upon placement, capturing the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for the delicious browning and flavour development.
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Cooking the steak
Start by selecting a good cut of eye of round steak. Look for a bright red colour with minimal discolouration and a small amount of visible marbling, which will improve its tenderness. This cut is lean and boneless, so it's important to ensure it doesn't dry out during cooking.
Before cooking, trim any unwanted fat from the steak and bring it to room temperature. You can also add a dry rub or marinade to infuse your steak with flavour. A simple and classic option is a mixture of salt and pepper, perhaps with garlic powder and paprika, but feel free to use your favourite steak seasoning. Generously sprinkle the seasoning on both sides of the steak, gently pressing it into the meat. You can also add some oil to the steak, brushing or rubbing it onto both sides.
Now it's time to cook the steak. Always preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes to ensure an even cook and a perfect crust. Set the temperature to 390°F-400°F (depending on your desired level of doneness) and place the steak into the air fryer basket. There's no need to flip the steak during cooking, thanks to the circulating heat of the air fryer. For a 1.5-inch thick steak, cook for 7-12 minutes for a range of doneness from medium-rare to well done. If you're cooking a larger roast, it may take around 30-40 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that your steak is cooked to your preference. For a rare steak, the USDA suggests an internal temperature of 125-130°F, while medium-rare is 135°F and rare to medium-rare is 145°F.
Once your steak is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Finally, slice the steak thinly and serve with your favourite sides. Enjoy your perfectly cooked eye of round steak!
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Resting the steak
After removing the steak from the air fryer, it is important to let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the juices will settle, ensuring a moist and flavourful steak. Place the steak on a platter or a clean cutting board and cover it loosely with foil. This will help to keep it warm while it rests.
The resting time will also depend on the size of your steak. For a large steak, 10 minutes is a good resting time. If your steak is on the thinner side, 5 minutes should be sufficient. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook a little during the resting time, so it's best not to rest it for too long.
Using a meat thermometer is a great way to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness. The ideal internal temperature for a rare steak is 125-130°F, while medium-rare is 135°F. The temperature will rise by about 5 degrees after removing it from the air fryer and resting it. So, take this into account when deciding on your desired doneness.
While the steak is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your meal. This is also a good time to clean up your air fryer, as any leftover juices or crumbs should be removed before the air fryer has cooled down completely.
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Serving the steak
Now that your steak is cooked, it's time to serve it! But before you do, there are a few important steps to follow to ensure your steak is juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
Firstly, let the steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes after cooking. This is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful steak. During this time, the steak will continue to cook, and the temperature will rise by about 5-10 degrees.
If you're serving individual steaks, slice the meat thinly to ensure tenderness. For a roast, you may prefer thicker slices. When slicing, be mindful that juices may run out, so it's best to place the steak on a platter to rest and then transfer it to a serving dish afterward.
To enhance the flavor and moisture of your steak, you can baste it with herb butter during the cooking process. This adds richness and aroma. Alternatively, create pockets in the steak and insert thin slices of garlic and rosemary for a subtle yet tantalizing taste. If you're a fan of garlic, you can also try an eye-round roast infused with garlic cloves. Cut small slits in the roast, insert garlic pieces, and cook it fat-side down to achieve a flavorful, caramelized crust.
Finally, consider your side dishes. Air fryer steak pairs well with a variety of sides, including vegetables and potatoes. And there you have it! Your eye of round steak, cooked to perfection in your air fryer, is now ready to be enjoyed.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook eye of round steak in the air fryer for 7-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. 7 minutes will give you a medium-rare steak, while 12 minutes will be well done.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for 10 minutes, then lower the temperature to 325°F for the remainder of the cooking time.
Brush the steak with oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also try a dry rub or marinade with ingredients like garlic powder and paprika.
No, there is no need to flip the steak. The circulating heat of the air fryer will ensure even cooking without the need to flip it.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For rare, cook to an internal temperature of 125-130°F. For medium-rare, cook to 135°F. For medium to medium-well, the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F.
