Air Fryer Flat Iron Steak: Quick, Juicy, And Easy!

Cooking a flat iron steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious, juicy steak at home. This method allows you to achieve a perfectly seared exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master this cooking technique.

Prepare the steak: Pat dry, season with salt and pepper, and let it come to room temperature

To begin cooking your flat iron steak in an air fryer, the first step is to ensure the steak is properly prepared. Start by patting the steak dry with paper towels. This might seem like a simple step, but it's crucial as moisture can prevent the steak from developing a good sear and browning. Once dry, season the steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The seasoning is key to enhancing the natural flavors of the steak and creating a delicious crust. If you prefer, you can also add other spices or herbs like garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary to the seasoning mix.

After seasoning, let the steak come to room temperature. This process, known as bringing the steak to room temperature, ensures even cooking. When a steak is cold, the heat penetrates the meat more slowly, leading to a less tender and more tough steak. By letting the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, you allow the heat to distribute more evenly, resulting in a perfectly cooked steak.

While the steak is coming to room temperature, preheat your air fryer. This is an important step to ensure the steak cooks evenly and quickly. Preheating the air fryer also helps to create a hot environment, which is essential for achieving a beautiful, crispy exterior on the steak. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C), depending on your recipe and the thickness of the steak.

Once the steak has reached room temperature and the air fryer is preheated, you're ready to cook. Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded. If you're cooking multiple steaks, make sure they have enough space to cook evenly. Close the air fryer lid and set the timer for the recommended cooking time, which can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, cooking times can range from 8 to 12 minutes, but always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Remember, cooking times in an air fryer can vary, so it's essential to keep an eye on your steak. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 130°F to 135°F (medium-rare) or 140°F to 145°F (medium) for a flat iron steak. Once cooked to your desired doneness, carefully remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step to ensure your steak cooks evenly and develops a beautiful, crispy exterior. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Set the Temperature

Begin by setting your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking flat iron steak as it allows for a good sear while still cooking the meat thoroughly.

Step 2: Wait for Preheat Time

Allow the air fryer to preheat for a full 5 minutes. This might seem like a long time, but it's essential for achieving the best results. Preheating ensures that the hot air circulates evenly throughout the cooking chamber, creating a consistent cooking environment for your steak.

Preheating your air fryer is similar to seasoning a cast-iron skillet. It creates a hot surface that helps develop a beautiful crust on your steak. Without preheating, your steak might not get that desirable golden-brown exterior, and the cooking process could be less even.

Tips for Success:

• Use a Kitchen Thermometer: For accuracy, use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature inside the air fryer after 5 minutes. You want it to be consistently hot across the entire cooking chamber.
• Avoid Opening the Air Fryer: Resist the urge to open the air fryer during the preheating process. Opening the lid can release the heat, slowing down the preheating cycle.
• Prepare Your Steak: While your air fryer is preheating, you can pat your flat iron steak dry with paper towels. A dry surface will promote better browning.

Cook the steak: Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway

To cook a flat iron steak in an air fryer, you'll need to prepare the steak and the air fryer basket first. Start by taking the steak out of the refrigerator and letting it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking throughout the steak. Pat the steak dry with paper towels; this helps the steak cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

Now, it's time to season the steak. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is often all you need, but feel free to get creative with your favorite steak rub or marinade. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed on both sides of the steak.

Place the steak in the air fryer basket. Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Cook the steak for approximately 8-12 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. For a rare steak, cook for 8-9 minutes, medium-rare for 9-10 minutes, and medium for 10-12 minutes.

Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Finally, slice the steak against the grain and serve it with your choice of sides. Enjoy your perfectly cooked flat iron steak!

Rest and serve: Remove from the air fryer, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve

Once your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it's important to let it rest before slicing and serving. This step is crucial to ensure the meat stays juicy and tender. Here's how to do it:

Remove the steak from the air fryer and place it on a clean plate or a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows any excess fat or juices to drain away, preventing a soggy slice. Let the steak rest for approximately 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more even and moist texture throughout the meat.

While the steak rests, you can prepare your desired sides and sauces. This also gives the steak a chance to cool slightly, making it easier to slice. For a clean cut, use a sharp knife and carefully slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. The 'against the grain' technique is essential for a tender steak, as it shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat more pliable.

Serve the sliced steak immediately, or you can keep it warm in the air fryer for a short while. If you're serving with a sauce, now is the time to drizzle it over the steak. A simple pan sauce can be made by deglazing the air fryer with a little butter, broth, and a splash of wine or your favorite cooking liquid. This adds an extra layer of flavor to your dish.

Remember, the key to a perfect flat iron steak is not just in the cooking but also in the resting and serving process. This technique ensures a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth steak that will impress your guests or satisfy your next meal. Enjoy your perfectly cooked steak!

Optional: Add a sauce: Try a simple butter or a compound butter for extra flavor

Adding a sauce to your flat iron steak can elevate the dish and provide a delightful contrast in flavors. Here's how you can create a simple yet flavorful sauce to accompany your air-fried steak:

Simple Butter Sauce:

This is an easy and classic way to enhance the steak's taste. Start by melting a small amount of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a few finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch. Simmer the butter for a minute or two to infuse the flavors. Remove it from the heat just before it starts to brown. This sauce is best served warm and can be drizzled over the steak just before serving. For an extra special touch, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the butter, which will brighten the flavors.

Compound Butter:

Compound butter is a more complex and flavorful option, perfect for those who want to impress their guests. It involves infusing butter with various ingredients to create a rich, savory spread. Here's a simple recipe: In a food processor, combine softened butter, finely chopped shallots, fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or a combination), a pinch of garlic powder, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Process until well combined, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Shape the compound butter into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it for at least an hour to firm up. This butter can then be sliced and served on top of the steak, adding a burst of flavor and a luxurious presentation.

When adding the sauce, consider the timing. You can prepare the sauce while the steak is cooking in the air fryer, ensuring it's ready to go when the steak is done. Alternatively, you can cook the steak first and then quickly warm the sauce in a small pan over low heat. This ensures that the steak remains hot and the sauce is served at its best temperature.

Remember, the key to a successful sauce is to keep it simple and let the high-quality ingredients shine. Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your steak even more delicious. Enjoy experimenting with different sauce options and finding your favorite combination!

Frequently asked questions