Air Fryer Steak Success: Cooking Perfect Medallion Steaks

Cooking a medallion steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious, juicy cut of meat. This method allows you to achieve a perfect sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and moist. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master this technique.

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

To begin preparing your medallion steak for the air fryer, start by taking the steak out of the refrigerator and allowing it to come to room temperature. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking throughout the meat. While the steak is at room temperature, pat it dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is essential to achieving a crispy exterior and a tender interior.

Once the steak is at room temperature and dry, it's time for seasoning. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste, but a good rule of thumb is about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper per side. The salt will enhance the flavor and help draw out the moisture, ensuring a juicy steak.

After seasoning, let the steak rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the salt to penetrate the meat, adding depth of flavor. If you're in a hurry, a quick rest of 5-10 minutes is sufficient, but for best results, allow the steak to sit for at least 15-20 minutes before cooking.

Now, your steak is ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded. Cook the steak for approximately 8-12 minutes, flipping it halfway through, until it reaches your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C), and for medium, go for 145°F (63°C).

Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your air fryer's power, so always check the internal temperature for accuracy. Once cooked, 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 moist and tender steak.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes

To begin cooking your medallion steak in the air fryer, it's crucial to preheat the appliance to ensure optimal results. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to heat up for approximately 5 minutes. This initial step is essential as it creates a hot environment that will help sear the steak's surface, locking in juices and creating a delicious, crispy exterior.

During the preheating process, you'll want to prepare your steak by patting it dry with paper towels. Moisture on the surface can lead to steam buildup in the air fryer, potentially affecting the steak's texture. Patting it dry ensures a better sear and crispier results.

While the air fryer preheats, you can also get your cast-iron skillet ready. This skillet will be used to sear the steak, adding a rich, flavorful crust. Ensure it's dry and free of any oil or food residue.

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the steak inside. Depending on the size of your steak, you might need to adjust the cooking time. For a 1-inch thick steak, cooking for 10-12 minutes at 375°F should result in a medium-rare center. For a thicker cut, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Remember, the key to a perfect medallion steak in the air fryer is a hot cooking environment and a well-seared surface. The preheating step is a critical component of the process, ensuring your steak cooks evenly and develops a mouthwatering crust.

Cook the Steak: Place in the air fryer basket, cook for 8-12 minutes for medium-rare

To cook a delicious medallion steak in an air fryer, follow these steps for a perfect medium-rare result. First, ensure your air fryer is preheated to the desired temperature, typically around 375°F to 400°F. This initial step is crucial to ensure even cooking throughout the steak.

Once the air fryer is ready, carefully place the medallion steak into the basket. It's important to arrange the steak in a way that allows hot air to circulate freely around it. You can place it directly on the basket rack or use a wire rack to elevate it, ensuring the fat and juices drain away from the meat.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your personal preference for doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for 8 to 12 minutes of cooking time. Start by cooking for the lower end of the range (8 minutes) and then check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, ensuring it doesn't touch any bone. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should read 130°F to 135°F.

During the cooking process, you can baste the steak with its juices or a small amount of melted butter and herbs to add extra flavor. If you find the steak is browning too quickly, you can partially cover it with foil, but be cautious not to steam the meat.

Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Finally, serve the medallion steak and enjoy the delicious, perfectly cooked meal.

Rest and Slice: Transfer to a plate, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice

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

Resting the Steak: After removing the steak from the air fryer, transfer it to a clean plate. Allow it to rest for approximately 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful steak. During this time, the steak will also continue to cook slightly, making it easier to slice without breaking the meat.

Slicing Technique: After resting, it's time to slice the steak. Use a sharp knife and carefully cut the steak across the grain into thin slices. Cutting across the grain is essential to creating tender slices, especially with a cut of meat like medallion steak, which can be quite dense. If you prefer larger slices, you can cut the steak into thicker pieces before resting, but the 5-minute rest period is still beneficial for optimal texture.

Remember, the key to a perfect steak is patience. Allowing the meat to rest and then slicing it carefully will result in a delicious, evenly cooked steak that is a pleasure to serve and enjoy.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve with your choice of sides and sauces

The medallion steak is a delicious and impressive cut of meat, and when cooked in an air fryer, it can be a quick and easy way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Once you've mastered the cooking technique, the possibilities for serving and enhancing this dish are endless. Here's how to serve and enjoy your perfectly cooked medallion steak:

Sides:

• Roasted Vegetables: A classic pairing with steak. Try roasting a variety of vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Season them with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a flavorful and healthy side.
• Baked Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, baked potatoes are a comforting and satisfying option. You can top them with sour cream, chives, or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra indulgent touch.
• Grilled Asparagus: For a lighter side, grill some asparagus spears. Brush them with a simple balsamic glaze or a herb butter for added flavor.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth, mashed potatoes are a traditional favorite. You can experiment with different herbs and spices to create unique flavor profiles.

Sauces and Condiments:

• Bistro Steak Sauce: A classic choice is a rich and tangy bistro steak sauce. This sauce pairs beautifully with the medallion steak, adding a depth of flavor.
• Garlic Butter: Melt some unsalted butter with minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice. Baste the steak with this garlic butter during the cooking process, and serve extra on the side for a flavorful finish.
• Red Wine Reduction: For a more sophisticated sauce, reduce red wine until it thickens. Add a touch of butter and herbs for a rich and elegant accompaniment.
• Peanut Sauce: For a unique twist, try a peanut sauce. Blend peanut butter with soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of honey for a sweet and savory sauce that complements the steak's umami flavors.

When serving, consider arranging the steak and sides on a large platter for a visually appealing presentation. You can also offer a variety of sauces on the side, allowing each diner to customize their plate. For an extra special touch, garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

Remember, the key to a successful meal is often in the details, so take the time to choose high-quality ingredients and present your dish with care. Enjoy the process of cooking and serving, and don't be afraid to experiment with different sides and sauces to find your favorite combinations!

Frequently asked questions