Air-Fried Sirloin: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Way

Air fryer sirloin steak is a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It is a healthier alternative to pan-frying or grilling, as it requires minimal prep time and no oil. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness, but on average, it takes about 10-15 minutes to cook a sirloin steak in an air fryer. To get started, simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C and season your steak with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice. Then, place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook until it reaches the desired level of doneness.

Choosing the right cut of sirloin

Thickness: Aim for steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. Thicker cuts, such as 1- to 1-1/4-inch steaks, are ideal and will result in a juicier and more tender steak. If you opt for thinner cuts, be mindful that they will cook faster and require earlier checks for doneness.

Weight: Look for steaks that are around 8 to 10 ounces each. This size range provides a good balance between cooking time and portion size.

Marbling: Marbling refers to the amount of fat interspersed in the meat. More marbling means more flavor and a juicier steak. A well-marbled sirloin will render beautifully during cooking, enhancing both taste and texture.

Grade: When selecting top sirloin steaks, choose those graded as "choice" or "prime." These grades indicate superior quality and are more likely to result in a flavorful and tender steak.

Freshness: While fresh or thawed steaks are ideal, you can also cook frozen sirloin in an air fryer. Just ensure that you properly defrost the steak in the refrigerator or using the cold water method, avoiding microwaves to prevent altering the texture.

By considering these factors when choosing your sirloin cut, you'll be well on your way to cooking delicious air-fried steaks that your family and friends will rave about.

How to season the steak

To season your steak, you can use a variety of seasonings and spices. Firstly, it is recommended to remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. You can pat the steak dry with a paper towel and brush or spray a light layer of olive oil or avocado oil onto the steak on both sides. This helps the steak to brown and adds flavour.

Then, you can season the steak with salt and pepper, pressing the seasonings into the steak so they stick. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or a chipotle rub. If you want a more complex flavour, you can marinate the steak in a mixture of soy sauce, olive oil, Montreal steak seasoning, and a few dashes of fish sauce.

Once the steak is seasoned, you can place it in the air fryer basket and cook according to your desired level of doneness.

The best oil to use

When cooking sirloin steak in an air fryer, the best oils to use are those with a high smoke point and a neutral flavour. Avocado oil and olive oil are recommended by several sources. Avocado oil has a high smoke point and is flavourless, making it a good option for cooking steak in an air fryer. Olive oil can also help the steak to brown, add flavour, and help the seasonings stick.

If you are marinating the steak before cooking, you could use olive oil in the marinade, as one source suggests. This source recommends marinating beef in olive oil, soy sauce, Montreal steak seasoning, and a few dashes of fish sauce for extra umami.

When using avocado oil, spray a light coating on the steak and in the air fryer basket. If using olive oil, brush a light layer on both sides of the steak.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air-frying sirloin steak depend on the level of doneness you want to achieve. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the steak to determine its doneness.

For a 1-inch thick steak, the cooking time is around 10 minutes for a medium level of doneness. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, 7 minutes should be enough to reach an internal temperature of 125°F/52°C. For thicker steaks, such as those around 1 1/2 inches thick, you can cook them for about 12 minutes for medium doneness.

If you are cooking frozen steak, you can air fry at 370°F for 15 minutes to achieve a medium level of doneness. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time, and add a tab of butter for extra flavor.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size, make, and model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your steak and adjust the cooking time as needed.

What to serve with sirloin steak

When cooking sirloin steak in an air fryer, it is important to note that the steak should be at least 1 inch thick and that overcrowding the air fryer basket should be avoided. The steak should be cooked for 10-12 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking time. Once cooked, the steak should be covered with foil and left to rest for 5-10 minutes.

Now, for the sides! Here are some ideas for what to serve with your juicy sirloin steak:

• Potatoes: A classic side dish for steak, potatoes can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as baked potatoes, air fryer roasted potatoes, baby potatoes, or mashed potatoes.
• Vegetables: Sauteed greens, creamed spinach, grilled asparagus, steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or green beans tossed in garlic butter are all great options to add some colour and nutrition to your plate.
• Onions: Whether caramelised or fried, onions are a classic pairing with steak. Try making some crispy onion rings or sauteed onions to go with your meal.
• Salad: A fresh salad can help balance out the richness of the steak. A classic Caesar salad or a simple rocket salad with Parmesan and roasted red peppers can be a great accompaniment.
• Chips: Steak cut chips, also known as steak frites, are thicker than French fries and provide a crispy, golden exterior with a fluffy interior. These chips are perfect for absorbing the steak's juices and sauces.
• Sauces: A variety of sauces can elevate your steak, such as horseradish, chimichurri, Teriyaki, or a spicy soy dressing. Don't forget to add a pat of garlic herb butter on top of your steak!
• Wine: A good wine can complement your steak dinner. For sirloin, a Malbec or Shiraz is a robust choice.

Frequently asked questions