Air-Fryer Medallion Steak: Quick, Crispy, And Tender

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook medallion steak, with the added benefit of requiring very little oil. Medallion steak can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 10 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for a weeknight meal or a date night dinner. The air fryer gives the steak a nice, brown crust on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This paragraph will discuss the steps involved in cooking medallion steak in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking, and serving.

How to cook medallion steak in an air fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your steak will start to sear on the outside before the inside is cooked, creating a nice brown crust and a juicy interior.

To preheat your air fryer, first, take your steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. This step is important because it helps the steak cook more evenly. Then, turn on your air fryer and set it to preheat for 5 to 7 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or whatever temperature and duration your air fryer manual recommends. If you are using an air fryer that doesn't have a preheat setting, simply turn it on and let it run for a few minutes to warm up before adding your steak.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your steak by rubbing it with olive oil or butter and seasoning it generously with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as paprika, oregano, or garlic granules, to enhance the flavour. It is important to ensure that the steak is at room temperature and seasoned before placing it in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and to prevent the steak from drying out.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can place the steak inside and set the timer according to your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, cook for 9-10 minutes, for medium-rare cook for 10-11 minutes, for medium cook for 11-12 minutes, for medium-well cook for 11.5 to 13 minutes, and for a well-done steak, cook for 14 minutes. It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and the model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions.

Season the steak

Seasoning your medallion steak is a key step in the cooking process. It adds flavour and helps to create a delicious crust. There are a variety of ways to season your steak, depending on your taste preferences.

Firstly, you should pat the steak dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning to stick to the meat and ensure a more even cook. You can then season the steak with salt and pepper, or a seasoning of your choice. For example, you could use a mixture of paprika, oregano, salt and pepper, or crushed rock salt with liquid smoke. Alternatively, keep it simple with just salt and pepper, which is all you need if you are cooking bison. You can also add other seasonings such as Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or suya spice.

Once you have seasoned the steak, leave it to marinate for 10-15 minutes, or even up to 24 hours if you are dry brining. This will allow the flavours to penetrate the meat and enhance the taste.

Cook the steak

Cooking medallion steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious, juicy, and tender steak. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried medallion steak:

• Start by taking your steak out of the refrigerator and letting it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
• Turn on your air fryer and preheat it according to the manufacturer's instructions. As a general rule, preheat for about 5-7 minutes at 400°F for at least 5 minutes.
• Prepare your steak by coating it with olive oil or butter. This step is important to ensure your steak doesn't dry out during cooking.
• Season your steak generously. A simple combination of salt and black pepper can work well, but you can also experiment with other seasonings like paprika, oregano, or garlic granules.
• Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is adequate space between portions. Leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space around each steak to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 375-400°F and cook the steak for about 10 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness. For a well-done steak, you may need to cook it for up to 14 minutes.
• Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior on both sides.
• To check if your steak is done to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F; for medium, 140°F; and for well-done, 160°F.
• Once the steak has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier steak.
• After resting, slice the steak and serve it with your favourite sides. Enjoy!

Rest the steak

Resting your steak is a crucial step in the cooking process. It ensures your steak is juicy and tender, and allows you to slice it more easily.

After cooking your medallion steak in the air fryer, remove it from the basket and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This is a general rule that applies to most steak cuts, but the exact resting time can vary depending on the size and thickness of your steak. For example, a filet mignon steak only needs 3-5 minutes of resting time, while a larger steak may need the full 10 minutes.

During the resting period, the juices inside the steak will redistribute and settle in the centre. This means that when you cut into the steak, the juices won't rush out, leaving the meat dry and overcooked. Instead, your steak will be moist and juicy.

If you're worried about your steak getting cold, you can loosely tent it with foil to retain the heat. However, this is not necessary if you've followed the correct cooking time and temperature, as the residual heat will keep your steak warm during the resting period.

Reheat the steak

If you have any leftover medallion steak, let it cool to room temperature, then place it into an airtight container. Place the container into the refrigerator, where it will last for about 1 to 2 days.

When you are ready to reheat the steak, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes. Preheat your air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes at 400 degrees F, or whatever your air fryer manual recommends.

Coat the steak with either melted butter or olive oil so it doesn't dry out, and feel free to add more seasoning. Arrange the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is adequate space between portions for the air to circulate. Reheat at a temperature of 180 degrees C for 3 minutes or until heated through.

If you prefer to reheat your steak in the oven, place the steak in an oven tray and bake at 350 degrees F for 5 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently asked questions