Air Fryer New York Strip Steak: The Perfect Quick Meal

how to cook new york strip steak air fryer

If you're craving a juicy steak but don't want the mess and hassle of grilling, then cooking New York strip steak in an air fryer is the perfect solution. This quick and easy method delivers a tender, delicious, and juicy steak with minimal cleanup. The air fryer gives you precise control over the cooking temperature, ensuring your steak is cooked to perfection, whether you like it medium-rare or well-done. With an air fryer, you can enjoy steak without the fuss of firing up the grill or broiler, making it a convenient weeknight meal.

Characteristics Values
Steak Temperature Before Cooking 30 minutes before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
Steak Preparation Pat steak dry with a paper towel. Brush with avocado oil or olive oil. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Air Fryer Temperature Preheat the air fryer to 400-420°F.
Steak Cooking Time For a 1" thick steak, cook for about 10 minutes for medium-rare, turning halfway through. For medium, cook for 11-12 minutes, and for medium-well, cook for about 13 minutes.
Steak Temperature After Cooking Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the temperature should be 130-135°F, and for medium-well, it should be about 150°F.
Resting Time Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions Top with butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, or chives. Serve with a simple butter lettuce salad and mashed potatoes or a side of your choice.

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Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your New York strip steak will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a 1" thick steak, the internal temperature should reach 130-135°F for medium-rare, 140-145°F for medium, and about 150°F for medium-well.

If your air fryer has a steak function, you can simply set the time and follow the instructions. For example, setting the steak function to 6 minutes on each side will cook a 1" thick steak to medium-rare. If your air fryer does not have a steak function, you can preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and cook the steak for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, turning halfway through.

If your air fryer does not reach 400°F, you can still cook your steak. Try cooking at 420°F for 7 minutes, then flipping and cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or cooking at 400°F for 8 minutes, then flipping and cooking for another 4-6 minutes.

It is important to note that the internal temperature of the steak can increase by a couple of degrees as it rests, so it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature before removing the steak from the air fryer. For medium-rare, the temperature should read 130°F.

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Preparing the steak

Once the steak is prepared, it's time to preheat the air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F–420°F, depending on your air fryer's capabilities. If your air fryer doesn't reach 420°F, don't worry; you can cook the steak at 400°F for a little longer. Place the steak in the air fryer basket, preferably without the crisper plate for more even cooking.

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Cooking methods

Firstly, remove the steaks from the refrigerator 10 to 30 minutes before cooking and let them come to room temperature. This helps the steak cook more evenly throughout. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. You can then season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides, or use the seasonings of your preference. For instance, you could use seasoning salt, Montreal steak seasoning, or kosher salt.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400-420°F (200°C). If your air fryer does not reach 420°F, don't worry—you can cook the steak at 400°F for a little longer. Brush the steaks lightly with oil—you could use avocado oil or olive oil—or cooking spray. Place the steaks directly into the air fryer basket. If you are cooking more than two steaks, it is best to do this in batches, as cooking too many steaks at once will lower the temperature of the air fryer.

Cook the steaks for around 10 minutes for medium-rare, turning halfway through. The internal temperature of the steak should be 130-135°F for medium-rare. For a medium steak, cook for 11-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F. For medium-well, cook for around 13 minutes, or until the internal temperature is about 150°F. You can check the temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer.

Once the steak is cooked to your preference, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. You can finish the steak with a pat of butter, such as a compound butter like chive garlic butter, or salted butter. You could also add herbs like garlic, rosemary, and thyme.

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Resting and slicing

Resting the steak is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that your steak is juicy and tender. The resting time will vary depending on the thickness of your steak and the desired doneness. For a 1" thick New York strip steak, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. If you prefer your steak to be more well done, you can let it rest for up to 10 minutes.

When resting the steak, it's important to keep it warm without continuing to cook it. Tent the steak loosely with foil to hold in the heat. You can also add a pat of butter or compound butter, such as chive garlic butter, on top of the steak while it rests. This will not only keep it warm but also add extra flavor.

Before slicing the steak, it's important to use a sharp knife to ensure a clean cut. Slice the steak against the grain, which means cutting across the grain of the meat, rather than parallel to it. This will help to make the steak more tender and improve the overall taste.

For a 1" thick New York strip steak, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F for medium-rare, 140-145°F for medium, and about 150°F for medium-well. It's important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure that your steak is cooked to your desired doneness. Keep in mind that the steak's internal temperature can increase by a couple of degrees while it rests.

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Serving suggestions

The New York strip steak cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions:

  • Butter Lettuce Salad: A simple salad made with butter lettuce can be a refreshing accompaniment to the steak.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, such as Boursin mashed potatoes, can add a comforting and hearty element to the meal.
  • Bread: You can also serve the steak with baked bread on the side, allowing you to soak up all the delicious juices and flavors.
  • Shellfish: For a more sophisticated pairing, consider serving the steak with shellfish dishes, creating an elegant and indulgent dining experience.
  • Vegetables: Grilled or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes, can provide a fresh and healthy contrast to the rich steak.
  • Fries: For a classic combination, serve your steak with a side of crispy, golden fries. This can include traditional potato fries or even sweet potato fries for a slightly sweeter option.

When it comes to enhancing the flavor of the steak, here are some additional tips:

  • Butter: Adding a pat of butter or compound butter, such as chive butter or chive garlic butter, can elevate the flavor of the steak. This can be done by spreading or spooning the butter over the steak before serving.
  • Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme can be added on top of the steak for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Seasoning the steak with salt and pepper before cooking is essential to bringing out its natural flavors. A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving can also enhance the taste.

Remember, the beauty of cooking New York strip steak in an air fryer is its versatility, so feel free to get creative with your side dishes and flavor combinations!

Frequently asked questions

It takes about 10 minutes of active cooking time in the air fryer, and you should take the steak out of the fridge 10-30 minutes before cooking.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F-420°F. If your air fryer doesn't reach 420°F, you can cook at 400°F for closer to 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-6 minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the temperature should be 130°F-135°F, for medium, 140°F-145°F, and for medium-well, about 150°F.

Pat the steak dry with a paper towel, then brush with oil and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

You can serve the steak with a simple butter lettuce salad and mashed potatoes, or with a side of your choice.

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