Ella Walter
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and tasty way to prepare a juicy and tender steak with a crisp, caramelized crust. Air fryer eye of round steak is a smaller, thinner cut from the rear quarter of the beef, and it can be cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time it would take to cook on a grill or in an oven. The circulating heat of the air fryer ensures the steak is cooked evenly, and the natural juices of the meat are locked in.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Eye of round steak |
| Steak thickness | 1-1.5 inches |
| Steak weight | 0.5 pounds |
| Steak temperature | 360 ° F |
| Steak cooking time | 7-15 minutes |
| Steak seasoning | Oil, salt, pepper, steak seasoning |
| Steak serving suggestion | Garlic butter |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of steak
Thickness: Thicker steaks, ideally around 1-inch thick, are better suited for air frying as they provide more even cooking and browning. Thinner steaks cook too quickly and may not achieve the desired level of doneness.
Type of Steak: Different cuts of steak have distinct characteristics. For air frying, popular options include sirloin, porterhouse, ribeye, New York strip, t-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon. These cuts offer a good balance between tenderness and flavour.
Marbling: Marbling refers to the amount of fat distributed within the meat. For air frying, a steak with moderate to high marbling can help ensure juiciness and flavour. The fat renders during cooking, keeping the steak moist and adding taste.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice of steak depends on your taste preferences. If you enjoy a more tender bite, opt for cuts like ribeye or filet mignon. If you prefer a steak with more robust flavour, consider a New York strip or sirloin.
Cooking Time: Consider the cooking time you're willing to invest. Some cuts, like cube steak or eye of round, cook faster in an air fryer due to their smaller size and thickness. If you're short on time, these cuts might be ideal.
Doneness: How you like your steak done is another critical factor. For rare or medium-rare steaks, certain cuts like flank steak or top sirloin are ideal as they remain tender and juicy when cooked to a lower internal temperature. For well-done steaks, thicker cuts like ribeye or strip steak can withstand longer cooking times.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right cut of steak for your air fryer creation. Remember to let your steaks reach room temperature before cooking, and always preheat your air fryer for the best results!
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Preparing the steak
Next, you'll want to trim any excess fat from the steak. This is a matter of personal preference, but it is generally recommended to remove any unwanted fat before cooking. Then, pat the steak dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat and ensure an even cook.
Now it's time to season the steak. Brush both sides of the steak with oil—you can use olive oil, melted butter, or another neutral oil. Then, season generously with salt and pepper, and any other spices or herbs you desire. A simple steak seasoning can be made with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a smoky flavour. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavours and help create a caramelized crust. If you have time, you can also marinate the steak in a dressing or marinade to add extra flavour and moisture.
Finally, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). It is very important to preheat the air fryer, as this will ensure an even cook and a perfect crust on your steak. Preheat for at least 5 minutes before placing the steak in the basket.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for your round eye steak in an air fryer will depend on your desired level of doneness.
Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. This should be done for at least 5 minutes.
If you like your steak rare, cook it for 7 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 125-130 degrees Fahrenheit internally. For a medium-rare steak, 8 minutes in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit will be sufficient. If you prefer your steak well done, cook it for 12 minutes at the same temperature. For a medium-well steak, you can cook it for 12-15 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit or 183 degrees Celsius, flipping it halfway.
The thickness of your steak will also determine the cooking time. For a 1-inch steak, 10-12 minutes in the air fryer is enough. If your steak is thicker, increase the cooking time accordingly.
It is recommended to let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
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Resting the steak
While resting the steak, it's important to keep it covered in a warm place. You can use a tent of foil to hold in the heat, or even a large bowl or pot turned upside down over the steak. This helps to keep the steak warm and also protects it from any cold drafts that might affect its temperature. Maintaining a consistent temperature is key to ensuring the steak doesn't dry out or cool down too much before serving.
The resting time also gives you the opportunity to finish preparing any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with your steak. This way, you can ensure that everything is ready at the same time and served at the optimal temperature. It's the perfect time to make some garlic butter to top your steak with, or to quickly whip up some creamy peppercorn sauce.
Additionally, the resting period is a great time to check the internal temperature of your steak. Using a meat thermometer, you can ensure that your steak has reached the desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F is ideal, while a medium-rare steak should be between 130°F and 135°F. If you prefer your steak well done, aim for an internal temperature of 155°F or above.
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Serving suggestions
The air fryer's rapid circulation of hot air makes cooking eye of round steak a breeze, yielding a tender and juicy steak with a crisp, caramelized crust.
- Allow the steak to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute and lock in moisture, resulting in a soft and juicy steak.
- Slice the steak against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- For a rare steak, look for a dark red center with a slightly warm pink core. A medium-rare steak should have a pink center, while a medium steak will have shades of pink with hints of pale brown. Well-done steaks will show little to no pink, with a fully cooked grayish center.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F (54°C), and for medium, aim for 135°F (57°C). Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Pair the steak with your favorite sides. Some suggestions include:
- Herb butter basting: Melted herb butter drizzled over the steak adds richness and aroma.
- Garlic and rosemary infusion: Create pockets in the steak and fill them with thin slices of garlic and rosemary for a subtle yet tantalizing flavor.
- Marinades: Try a soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herb marinade. Marinate the steaks for a few hours or overnight to enhance their flavor.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook eye of round steak in the air fryer for 7-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. 8 minutes will be medium-rare and 12 minutes will be well-done.
Before placing the steak in the air fryer, it is important to trim any unwanted fat and bring it to room temperature. Then, brush both sides with oil and season with salt and pepper, and your favourite steak seasoning.
It is recommended to cook your steak at 360 ° F | 183 ° C or 400 ° F | 204 ° C.
Yes, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes before cooking.
