Air-Fried Picanha: A Quick, Juicy Steak Perfection

Picanha is a juicy and tender cut of beef that is often enjoyed as a steak. It is a Brazilian staple and is also known as top sirloin cap, churrasco, or coulotte steak. When cooked in an air fryer, picanha steak is easy to prepare and yields delicious results. In this article, we will explore the steps to cooking picanha in an air fryer, including seasoning, cooking temperature, and serving suggestions. By following these simple instructions, you can create a mouth-watering picanha steak that is perfectly cooked and full of flavour.

Cooking Picanha in an Air Fryer

Picanha steak seasoning

Picanha steak, also known as top sirloin cap, is a flavourful and relatively inexpensive cut of meat. To cook it in an air fryer, you'll first need to season it.

One option is to slice the fat cap of the picanha steak in a checkerboard pattern. Then, place the roast on a rack over a sheet tray and season it generously on all sides with coarse salt. Leave it uncovered in the refrigerator for 12 to 48 hours. The next day, season it with cracked black pepper.

You can also try a Cajun seasoning. This can include a combination of paprika, dried garlic, and dried oregano. If you're grilling your steak, you can brush it with garlic butter as soon as it comes off the grill.

Another option is to simply season with salt and pepper. You can also add some garlic or garlic powder, paprika, and/or dried herbs for extra flavour.

Air fryer temperature

The air fryer is a great way to cook a juicy steak with a nice browning on the outside and a tender, moist inside. It's also a very hands-off method of cooking, with little mess or clean-up.

When it comes to the air fryer temperature for cooking picanha, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to bring the steak to room temperature before cooking. This helps the steak cook more evenly as the heat penetrates the meat more easily. Secondly, different air fryer models may have different temperature settings and heat outputs, so it's always good to consult your air fryer's manual for specific instructions.

In general, for cooking picanha in an air fryer, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to a high temperature. One source recommends preheating to 400°F (200°C) for three minutes. Another suggests cooking at 450°F for 15-20 minutes, depending on your preference for doneness.

It's worth noting that the cooking time and temperature will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F-135°F (54.4°C-57.2°C). The steak will continue to cook even after being removed from the heat, so it's best to take it off the grill when it's 5 degrees away from your desired doneness. For a well-done steak, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71.1°C).

To check the doneness and internal temperature of your picanha, it's recommended to use a meat thermometer. This is the best tool to ensure your meat is cooked to your desired level.

Cooking time

The cooking time for picanha steak in an air fryer depends on how well you want your meat cooked. It is recommended that you cook picanha steak to between medium-rare and medium. For a medium-rare steak, the meat should feel soft with a little spring when pressed with your thumb. It should be cooked to an internal temperature of 130-135°F. For medium-rare, the meat should be cooked to 145°F, and for well-done, it should be cooked to 160°F.

If you are cooking your picanha steak in an air fryer, you should cook it for 15-20 minutes at 450°F. If you are cooking your steak on a grill, you should cook it for 18-20 minutes, turning the steak every 5 minutes. If you are cooking your steak in the oven, you should cook it for 60-70 minutes or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of at least 130°F.

It is important to remember that the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise as it rests, so it is best to take it off the heat when it is 5 degrees away from your desired doneness. You should also allow the steak to rest for around 10 minutes before slicing, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and yield an ultra-juicy piece of meat.

Resting the steak

When cooking picanha steak, it is important to remember that the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise as it rests. So, it is best to take it off the heat when it is about 5 degrees away from your desired doneness. For example, if you prefer your steak medium-rare, you should remove it from the grill when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F. Then, let the steak rest for several minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure your steak is juicy and tender.

The resting time for picanha steak can vary depending on the size and thickness of the cut. As a general rule, it is recommended to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before carving. However, if you are cooking a larger or thicker steak, you may need to rest it for up to 10 minutes. This will give the juices time to redistribute and ensure that your steak is cooked evenly throughout.

While the steak is resting, it is important to keep it in a warm place. This will help to maintain the internal temperature of the meat and ensure that it stays juicy and tender. You can loosely tent the steak with foil to help retain the heat. However, it is important not to wrap it too tightly, as this can trap the steam and make the steak soggy.

Finally, while resting the steak is essential, it is also possible to over-rest it. If you leave the steak for too long, it will start to cool down and dry out, affecting the texture and taste. As a general rule, you should aim to rest your steak for no longer than 15-20 minutes. After this point, the steak will likely start to lose its juiciness and become less tender.

Reheating and storing

Leftover picanha steak can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 4 days. To ensure the steak stays fresh, it is recommended to reheat it in the air fryer or oven within 3 to 4 days. If you wish to keep it for longer, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When reheating, it is best to thaw the steak in the fridge overnight before reheating it in the air fryer or oven. The oven should be preheated to 275ºF until the steak is warmed through.

It is worth noting that the flavor and texture of picanha steak are optimal when it is freshly cooked. However, with proper reheating and storage techniques, you can still enjoy delicious leftovers.

Frequently asked questions