Ella Walter
Skirt steak is a delicious and juicy cut of beef that can be prepared in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. This cooking method is ideal for those who want to avoid the mess of cooking steak in a skillet or the challenge of grilling. By following a few simple steps, such as marinating the steak, preheating the air fryer, and adjusting the cooking time based on your desired doneness, you can achieve a tender and flavourful skirt steak with a crispy crust and caramelized edges. Whether you're serving it for taco night, fajitas, or as a protein boost in a salad, air-fried skirt steak is a quick and convenient option for any occasion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 5-10 minutes |
| Temperature | 350F/177C to 425F/220C |
| Rest time | 1-10 minutes |
| Marinade | Avocado oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and other spices |
| Steak size | 1-1.5 pounds, cut into 2-4 smaller pieces |
| Steak type | Skirt steak |
| Steak style | Tender, juicy, and quick to cook |
| Kitchen appliance | Air fryer |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating skirt steak
There are many different ways to marinate skirt steak, but a good marinade will typically include oil, an acid, and spices. A simple marinade might include olive oil, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, and spices like garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add sauces like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce for extra flavour.
To make the marinade, simply combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Then, place the skirt steak in the bowl and coat it evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the steak marinate for at least 15 minutes on the counter or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
If you want to add extra flavour and tenderness, you can score the steak with a crisscross of light angled cuts before marinating. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat more effectively. You can also let the steak marinate for longer, or even overnight, for more intense flavour.
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Pre-heating the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of cooking skirt steak. It ensures that the basket gets hot and helps to form a crispy crust and appetizing caramelized edges on your steak. Depending on your air fryer model, preheat it to a temperature between 350°F and 425°F (177°C and 220°C). Most sources recommend preheating for 5 minutes, but some suggest 6 minutes.
While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your steak. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is important as it helps the steak develop a nice crust. Next, rub the steak with oil. You can use avocado oil, or another type of oil such as vegetable oil, or ghee. You only need enough oil to create a thin coat on the steak. It is recommended to oil the steak rather than the air fryer basket, as this will cut down on smoke. After coating the steak in oil, season it with salt, pepper, and spices. You can use a commercial steak seasoning, such as Longhorn Steakhouse signature seasoning or Vegeta seasoning with no MSG, or a homemade blend of spices.
Once the air fryer is preheated and your steak is prepared, it is time to add the steak to the air fryer basket or tray. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook 2 to 3 steaks at once, but be careful not to overcrowd the basket. Allow each piece of steak some space so that the hot air can fully circulate.
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Pan-searing the steak
While pan-searing skirt steak before air-frying is not necessary, it is an optional step you can add to your recipe if you want to mimic the crispy-edged outside you would get from grilling.
Preparing the Steak for Pan-Searing
Before pan-searing, pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is important as it helps to form a nice crispy crust and appetizing caramelized edges. Next, rub the steak with oil and coat both sides with salt, pepper, and spices.
To pan-sear the skirt steak, heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat with a bit of oil or ghee. Once the skillet is hot, sear both sides of the seasoned skirt steak until charred and browned.
Completing the Cooking Process in the Air Fryer
After pan-searing, transfer the steak to the air fryer. Since you are essentially partially cooking the steak in the pan, reduce the cooking time in the air fryer by 1-2 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 5-7 minutes, and for a medium steak, cook for 8-10 minutes. It is best to use a meat thermometer to determine the doneness of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should reach 130-135°F, while for a medium steak, it should be 140-150°F.
Resting the Steak
Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover the steak with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period is important, as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.
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Cooking the steak
Cooking skirt steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy steak without grilling. The cooking time will depend on your preference for steak doneness, how thick the steak is, and the power of your air fryer.
First, prepare the skirt steak by patting it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Next, rub the steak with oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, and spices of your choice. You can also coat the steak in a marinade before adding it to the air fryer for extra flavour. One option is to combine chopped cilantro, avocado oil, and the zest and juice of one lime in a large mixing bowl. Stir in your spices, put the skirt steak in the bowl, and coat it evenly. Cover and leave to marinate for about 15 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to a high temperature—at least 400°F (200°C)—for 5-6 minutes. You can also preheat a cast-iron skillet and sear both sides of the seasoned steak until charred and browned before transferring to the air fryer, but this is not necessary. Place the steak in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring there is space around each piece for the hot air to fully circulate.
Cook the steak for about 5-10 minutes, flipping the steak or rotating the tray halfway through. The steak is medium-rare when the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F in the middle. If you prefer your steak medium, cook for 8-10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.
Once cooked to your desired temperature, remove the steak from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Resting and serving the steak
Resting the steak is a crucial step in the cooking process. Once you've cooked your skirt steak to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover the steak with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes, but no longer than 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.
During the resting period, the steak will continue to cook slightly, so it's important to take it out of the air fryer before it reaches the desired internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, remove it from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F in the middle. The temperature will rise a few degrees while resting, resulting in a perfect medium-rare steak.
After the resting period, it's time to serve the steak. Skirt steak is a versatile cut that can be used in various dishes. You can slice it against the grain and serve it as a main course with a side of your choice, or chop it up for tacos, fajitas, or a salad.
If you have any leftover steak, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheating steak will not produce the same quality as freshly cooked steak, but you can reheat it in the microwave in short intervals or in a hot skillet.
Now you know the importance of resting the steak and the various ways to serve it. Enjoy your juicy and tender air-fried skirt steak!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 5-10 minutes to cook skirt steak in an air fryer. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.
First, pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Then, rub oil, salt, and pepper on the steak. You can also add your choice of seasoning. Preheat the air fryer to 400-425°F/220°C for at least 5 minutes. Place the steak in the air fryer basket/tray and cook for 5-10 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through.
No, it is not necessary to pan-sear the steak before cooking it in the air fryer. However, if you want crispy edges, you can choose to pan-sear the steak before placing it in the air fryer. If you do so, reduce the cooking time in the air fryer by 1-2 minutes.
The best way to check if your steak is done is by using a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F. For other levels of doneness, adjust the temperature accordingly.
