Emilie Meyer
Flat iron steak is a cut of meat that is known for its rich marbling, which makes it tender, juicy, and flavourful. It is an affordable and versatile option that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, pan-searing, and air frying. When cooked in an air fryer, flat iron steak develops a crispy exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. This cooking method is convenient, quick, and easy, and it guarantees a steak that is cooked evenly with a perfect crust.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of steak
Thickness: Opt for steaks that are at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly and not allow enough time for browning, while thicker steaks may require longer cooking times.
Marbling: Marbling refers to the fat content within the meat. Steaks with good marbling, such as ribeye, tend to stay juicier and more flavourful after air frying. Look for steaks with white flecks of fat distributed throughout the meat. Flat iron steaks, in particular, are known for their rich marbling, which enhances both flavour and tenderness.
Tenderness: Different cuts of steak offer varying levels of tenderness. For special occasions, filet mignon is an excellent choice for its rich flavour and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Other tender cuts suitable for air frying include ribeye and sirloin.
Personal preference: Ultimately, the best cut of steak is the one you enjoy the most. Experiment with different cuts, such as New York strip, t-bone, top sirloin, or even flat iron, and discover which ones suit your taste and cooking preferences.
Remember, when cooking with an air fryer, it's important to let your steaks reach room temperature about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking, and you can further enhance the flavour and texture by patting the steaks dry and applying seasonings or marinades.
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Preparing the steak
Firstly, select a suitable cut of flat iron steak. Look for steaks with an even amount of fat marbling throughout the meat, as this adds richness and juiciness to the steak. The ideal thickness for a flat iron steak is about 3/4 to 1 inch. If your steak is frozen, ensure it is completely thawed in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before cooking.
Once you have the right cut, take the steak out of the refrigerator 20 to 40 minutes before cooking and let it come to room temperature. This step is important because it helps the steak cook more evenly. While the steak is coming to room temperature, you can prepare your marinade or seasoning. For a simple marinade, combine olive oil, freshly minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and dried thyme in a bowl. Stir until well blended.
After the steak has rested, it's time to apply the marinade or seasoning. Rub the marinade all over the steak, ensuring both sides are well-coated. If you are using a spice rub, pat the steak dry with paper towels before applying the rub. This helps remove excess moisture, resulting in better browning and texture. Once the steak is seasoned, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour to allow the seasonings to penetrate the muscle fibers for enhanced flavor and even cooking.
Now your steak is ready for the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F, for 2-3 minutes. Greasing the pan with a suitable oil is also a good idea. Place the steak in the center of the air fryer and follow the cooking instructions for your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for about 4 minutes on each side. For a more well-done steak, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
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Cooking the steak
First, select your steak. Flat iron steak is an affordable, flavourful, and tender cut of meat. It is well-marbled, which adds richness and juiciness to the steak. It is also known for its robust beef flavour. Choose a cut that is about 3/4 inch to 1 inch thick, with an even amount of fat marbling throughout the meat.
Next, prepare your steak. Take the steak out of the refrigerator 20 minutes to 40 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This will help the steak cook more evenly. You can also choose to completely thaw your steak in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help with better browning and texture.
Then, season your steak. You can use a simple combination of salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and dried thyme, or a spice rub with chili powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. You can also add garlic to your spice rub for a more classic flavour profile. Rub your chosen seasonings all over the steak, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
Now, you can cook your steak. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 2–3 minutes. When the air fryer is hot, grease the pan and lay the steaks in the centre of the air fryer basket. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes. For a more well-done steak, cook for 5 minutes on each side, then an additional 3–5 minutes. If you are using multiple steaks, you may need to flip them at different times.
Finally, let your steak rest. Remove the steak from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. Let the steak rest for 2–5 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavourful. Check the final degree of doneness with a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends taking the temperature in the thickest part of the steak.
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Resting the steak
Resting your steak is a crucial step in the cooking process. Once you have cooked your flat iron steak in the air fryer, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your steak stays moist and flavorful. If you cut into the steak immediately after cooking, the juices will end up on your plate, rather than in your steak.
The amount of time you should let your steak rest depends on the thickness of the cut and your desired level of doneness. For a flat iron steak cooked in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to let the steak rest for around 2 to 5 minutes. However, some sources suggest resting for up to 10 minutes to ensure a juicier steak. During this time, the temperature of the steak will continue to rise by about 5°F, a process known as "carryover cooking".
While the steak is resting, you can use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature and ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The USDA recommends the following temperatures for steak: rare at 125°F, medium-rare at 135°F, medium at 145°F, medium-well at 155°F, and well-done at 160°F. Remember, the steak will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Finally, when you are ready to serve the steak, be sure to slice it against the grain. This will ensure that the slices are tender and easy to chew, providing a more enjoyable eating experience.
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Storing leftovers
If you're slicing your steak before storing it, be sure to cut against the grain. This will ensure your steak is tender and easy to chew when you reheat and eat it.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 7-10 minutes to cook a flat iron steak in an air fryer.
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. The USDA recommends the following temperatures: rare (125°F), medium-rare (135°F), medium (145°F), medium-well (155°F), and well-done (160°F).
First, pat your steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then, let the steak come to room temperature for about an hour. Next, season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. Finally, grease the pan and place the steak in the air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 2-3 minutes before placing the steak in the center of the air fryer.
Let your steak rest for 2-5 minutes before slicing into it. This will give the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
