Air-Frying Eye Of Round Steak: A Quick, Tasty Guide

Eye of round steak is a less expensive cut of meat that comes from the rump area of the animal. It is a tougher piece of meat because the animal uses this muscle a lot, but it can be made tender and juicy by cooking it in an air fryer. Air fryers are a popular choice for cooking eye of round steak because they cook the steak quickly and evenly, and they don't require much oil, making the meal healthier.

Marinating the steak

A great marinade will have a few key components: an acid to break down the connective tissue, a fat to help the meat lock in moisture, a sweetener to balance the flavour, and herbs and spices to add flavour. For the acid, you can use vinegar; for fat, use oil; for sweetness, add honey; and for flavour, use herbs and spices like garlic powder, lime juice, salt, cumin, pepper, and coriander.

You can also use an oil marinade, which will help to crisp the outside of the steak. Lightly coat the steak in oil and season with salt, pepper, and your favourite steak seasoning. You can also add melted butter for more flavour. Leave the steak to marinate, refrigerated, for several hours or overnight before cooking.

If you're short on time, you can simply brush the steak with oil and season with salt and pepper before placing it in the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the cooking process. It ensures an even cook and a perfect crust on your eye of round steak. Here are some detailed instructions on how to preheat your air fryer for the best results:

First, take your eye of round steaks out of the refrigerator and place them on a shelf or counter for about 10 minutes to bring them to room temperature. This step is important as it helps the steaks cook more evenly. While you're waiting, you can trim any unwanted fat from the steaks and brush or coat them with oil, adding your choice of seasoning.

Next, set your air fryer to preheat. The ideal temperature range for preheating is 360°F or 183°C. Most air fryers will have a preheat setting, but if yours doesn't, simply set it to the desired temperature and let it run for at least 5 minutes before adding your steaks. This ensures that your air fryer has reached the optimal temperature for cooking.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can place your steaks inside. Remember to position them horizontally, with the lying direction from left to right, to ensure even cooking. Now, you're ready to start the cooking cycle and enjoy perfectly cooked eye of round steaks!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for eye of round steak in an air fryer depend on the level of doneness you desire. It is recommended to preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes to ensure an even cook and a perfect crust. The temperature range should be set at 360°F or 183°C.

For a medium-rare steak, cook for 8 minutes. If you prefer your steak well done, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes. Adjustments can be made based on the thickness of your steak, as thinner cuts will cook faster. For example, a steak cooked for 7 minutes will be medium-rare and have a temperature of 145°F or 63°C, according to the USDA.

You can also flip your steak halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides. This is especially important for thicker cuts of steak. The circulating heat of the air fryer ensures a tender and juicy steak with a crisp, caramelized crust.

It is important to note that the preparation time for eye-round steaks is relatively short, taking about 5 minutes. The cooking time is approximately 10 minutes, resulting in a juicy and flavorful steak.

Resting the steak

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with it. Some side dishes that go well with eye of round steak include mashed potatoes, loaded fries, boiled eggs, and bison burgers. You can also serve it with a salad or roasted vegetables. If you are looking for a more substantial meal, you can add another protein source, such as air fryer bison burgers or sirloin tips.

In addition to resting the steak, it is important to let it cool to room temperature before storing it. This will help prevent bacteria growth and ensure that the steak stays fresh for longer. Once the steak has cooled, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

If you are serving the steak as an appetizer, you can cut it into smaller pieces or slices after it has rested. This will make it easier for your guests to pick up and eat, and it will also help the steak go further if you are serving a large group.

Overall, resting the steak is a crucial step in ensuring that your eye of round steak is juicy and tender. By allowing the juices to redistribute and the steak to cool slightly, you will improve the texture and taste of the meat. So, be patient and give your steak the time it needs to rest before digging in!

Serving suggestions

When it comes to serving your air-fried eye of round steak, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you can serve it as an appetizer or a main dish. If you choose to serve it as an appetizer, you may want to pair it with something else if you intend to serve it as a main course. Boiled eggs, loaded fries, and bison burgers are all good options to accompany your steak.

If you're looking for side dishes to accompany your steak, mashed potatoes are a great choice to balance the rich flavors of the meat. You can also try a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots, cooked in the oven with the steak. If you're craving more spice, add some chili sauce and garlic ketchup to your meal. You can also add coriander leaves, shredded mozzarella cheese, and mayonnaise to enhance the flavor and presentation of your dish.

Remember that the eye of round steak is a protein-rich dish, so it can help with recovery after intense exercise or injury, and it can also support weight management by reducing extra body fat.

Frequently asked questions