Ella Walter
Cooking marinated steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender, and flavorful steak without the hassle of grilling. Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air at high speed, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. This method of cooking is ideal for those who want a delicious steak without having to brave the outdoors. With an air fryer, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked steak with minimal cleanup and no splatter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade ingredients | Olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, oregano, paprika, cumin, lime juice, orange juice |
| Marinade time | 1 hour to 24 hours |
| Steak type | Ribeye, sirloin, flank |
| Steak thickness | 1-2 inches |
| Air fryer temperature | 350-400°F |
| Air fryer time | 5-15 minutes |
| Steak temperature | 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, 155°F for medium-well, 160°F for well done |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of steak
When selecting a cut of steak, it is important to consider the thickness of the steak, as this will impact how evenly it cooks. Steaks that are at least 1 inch thick are recommended for optimal cooking. Thinner steaks may overcook, while thicker ones may take longer to cook through.
Another factor to consider is the marbling of the steak, which refers to the fat content within the meat. Steaks with good marbling, such as ribeye, tend to stay juicier and more flavorful after air frying. Look for steaks with white flecks of fat dispersed throughout the meat.
Some of the best cuts of steak for air frying include:
- New York Strip: This cut is known for its tenderness and juicy flavor. It has a strip of fat that runs along the side, adding to the overall taste.
- Ribeye: Ribeye steaks have good marbling, which ensures a juicy result. The fat renders during cooking, creating a flavorful exterior.
- Sirloin: This is a great all-around choice due to its balance of flavor and price. It offers a hearty flavor and can be divided into top sirloin, which is more tender, and bottom sirloin, which is larger, leaner, and somewhat tougher.
- Filet Mignon: Renowned for its tenderness, the air fryer helps keep this cut juicy while producing a beautiful crust.
- Porterhouse: This cut is also ideal for air frying, offering a balance of flavor and tenderness.
Remember, the key to choosing the right cut of steak is understanding the basic characteristics of each cut, such as flavor, texture, and tenderness. By considering factors like thickness and marbling, you can select a steak that will cook evenly and deliver the desired taste and texture when prepared in an air fryer.
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Preparing the marinade
Once you have your ingredients, whisk them together in a small mixing bowl or glass measuring cup. If you're short on time, you can brush the marinade onto your steaks and let them sit for about 20 minutes before cooking. However, for optimal results, it is recommended to marinate the steaks for at least an hour, or up to 6 hours, in the refrigerator.
Place the steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, brushing it into both sides of the meat. Alternatively, place the steaks in a resealable plastic bag, add the marinade, and massage it into the meat. Turn the steaks once during the marinating process to ensure all sides are evenly coated.
After the steaks have marinated, remove them from the marinade and place them in the air fryer basket. Spritz the steaks with olive oil and cook according to your desired level of doneness, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
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Marinating the steak
To prepare the marinade, whisk all the ingredients together in a small mixing bowl or glass measuring cup. Then, place your steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, brushing it into both sides of the meat. Alternatively, you can place the steaks in a resealable plastic bag and massage the marinade into the meat. Cover the dish or seal the bag, and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the steaks to marinate for at least one hour or up to 24 hours. If you're short on time, you can marinate for as little as 20 minutes or even cook the steaks from frozen by ensuring the meat completely thaws during marination. However, avoid marinating for longer than six hours, as this can make the meat tough.
Once the steaks have finished marinating, remove them from the marinade and discard the excess liquid. If desired, you can pat the steaks dry with paper towels before placing them in the air fryer. It is recommended to bring the steaks to room temperature about 30 minutes before cooking. Additionally, you can spritz the steaks with olive oil before placing them in the air fryer for added moisture and flavour.
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Cooking the steak
Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Different models of air fryers may have different preheat times, but generally, this should take 2-5 minutes.
Next, place the marinated steaks in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook your steaks in batches or cut them into pieces to fit. Make sure there is enough room for hot air to circulate around the steaks.
Cooking time will depend on the size of your steaks, the desired doneness, and the model of your air fryer. As a general guide, cook 1-inch thick steaks for 6-12 minutes at 400°F. For rarer steak, reduce the cooking time, and for well-done steak, increase it. Do not flip the steak while it's cooking, as this will drain the juices from the meat.
To check if your steak is cooked to your liking, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. For rare steak, cook to an internal temperature of 125°F, for medium-rare, 135°F, for medium, 145°F, for medium-well, 155°F, and for well-done, 160°F.
Once your steak has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Your juicy, tender air fryer steak is now ready to be enjoyed!
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Serving the steak
Once your steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer basket and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This will give you the perfect opportunity to make a sauce or gravy to accompany your meal.
If you're making a sauce, you could deglaze the air fryer basket with some wine, stock, or water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then, add some aromatics like garlic and shallots, and perhaps some herbs, before finishing with a knob of butter to emulsify the sauce.
If you're making gravy, you could use the juices from the rested steak to create a delicious, savory sauce. Simply pour the juices into the air fryer basket, scraping up any browned bits, and cook until reduced to your desired consistency. You can also add some butter, flour, or cornstarch to thicken the gravy.
Finally, serve your steak with your chosen sauce or gravy, and any desired sides. Some great side options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your juicy, air-fried steak!
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Frequently asked questions
Marinate the steak in a mixture of fats, acids, and flavor. For example, olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and onion powder. Then, cook the steak in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of the steak and your desired level of doneness.
It is recommended to marinate the steak for at least one hour or up to 24 hours. However, do not marinate the meat for longer than 6 hours, as it may become tough.
You can use any cut of steak that fits in your air fryer. Thicker steaks, such as ribeye, will take longer to cook than thinner steaks, such as sirloin.
