Air-Fryer Skirt Steak: Quick, Crispy, And Tender

Air fryer skirt steak is a quick and easy way to cook skirt steak, a cut of meat that can sometimes be tough. It's a great option for taco night, fajitas or as a protein for a salad. The air fryer gives the steak a tender, juicy texture and an amazing caramelised char. You can cook skirt steak in an air fryer in a few simple steps: cut the steak into smaller pieces, pat it dry, rub with oil and season. Then, preheat your air fryer and cook the steak for around 5 minutes on each side.

How to season skirt steak for the air fryer

To season skirt steak for the air fryer, you'll need to pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Then, rub enough oil over the steak to slightly coat it. You can use avocado oil, or another oil of your choice.

Next, season the steak with your chosen spices. You can use garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper, or a steak seasoning of your choice, like Longhorn Steakhouse signature seasoning or Vegeta seasoning with no MSG. You can also add chopped cilantro, the zest and juice of a lime, and stir in your spices.

Make sure to coat the steak evenly with the marinade and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then, preheat your air fryer to 400-425°F for at least 5 minutes. This will ensure that the basket gets hot and helps to create a caramelized char on the steak.

How to preheat the air fryer

To preheat your air fryer, start by patting the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, rub enough oil over the steak to slightly coat it. You can use avocado oil, or another oil of your choice. Next, preheat your air fryer to 400F-425F/220C for at least 5-6 minutes. This will ensure that the basket gets hot and is ready to cook your steak. Once preheated, you can add your steak to the air fryer and cook to your desired level of doneness.

It is important to note that different air fryers may have slightly different preheating instructions, so be sure to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions. However, the general process of preheating an air fryer involves setting the desired temperature and allowing it to heat up for a few minutes before adding your food.

Additionally, when preheating your air fryer, it is important to consider the type of food you will be cooking. For example, when cooking skirt steak, you will want to ensure that your air fryer reaches a high enough temperature to properly sear the steak and create a delicious caramelized char. This is why it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to a higher temperature, such as 400F-425F, when cooking skirt steak.

Furthermore, the amount of time you preheat your air fryer may vary depending on the model and the food you are cooking. For skirt steak, it is generally recommended to preheat for at least 5-6 minutes to ensure the basket is hot enough to create the desired sear. However, if you are cooking multiple steaks, you may need to preheat for a slightly longer period to ensure the air fryer can maintain the desired temperature.

Overall, preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process as it ensures your food cooks evenly and efficiently. By following the steps outlined above, you can properly preheat your air fryer and achieve delicious results when cooking skirt steak or any other type of food.

How to cook skirt steak in the air fryer

Cooking skirt steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tender and juicy meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook skirt steak in an air fryer:

• Cut the long piece of skirt steak into 3 or 4 smaller pieces.
• Pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Rub both sides of the steak with oil. Avocado oil is a good choice.
• Season the steak with salt, pepper, and spices. You can use garlic powder, paprika, or your favourite steak seasoning.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400-425°F (220°C) for at least 5-6 minutes.
• Place 2-3 steaks in the air fryer and cook for about 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired doneness.
• Transfer the cooked steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for up to 10 minutes before slicing or serving.

For an extra flavour boost, you can marinate the steak before cooking. Combine chopped cilantro, avocado oil, lime zest and juice, and your chosen spices in a bowl. Coat the steak evenly with this marinade and let it sit for about 15 minutes before adding it to the air fryer.

How to rest skirt steak after cooking

To cook skirt steak in an air fryer, first cut the long piece of steak into 3 or 4 smaller pieces. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel, then rub each piece of meat with avocado oil on both sides. Season with garlic powder, seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 6 minutes, or 425°F for 5 minutes. Add 2 to 3 steaks to the air fryer and cook for about 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or 8-10 minutes for a medium steak.

After cooking, it is important to let your skirt steak rest. The heat of cooking pulls the juices in the meat towards the surface, so if you slice into it immediately, the juices will end up on your plate, not in your steak. Allowing your steak to rest will give the juices time to sink back into the meat, keeping it moist and flavoursome. Let the steak rest for half the amount of time that it was cooked. For example, if the steak cooked in 8 minutes total, let it rest for at least 4 minutes. After the steak has rested, transfer it to a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut the steak into slices against the grain.

How to serve skirt steak

Skirt steak is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

For a classic steak dinner, simply slice the skirt steak against the grain and serve it with your favourite sides. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also top the steak with a compound butter, such as a garlic herb butter, for added flavour.

If you're looking for something a little more casual, try serving the skirt steak in tacos or fajitas. The tender, juicy texture of the air-fried steak makes it perfect for these dishes. Simply slice the steak into thin strips and serve it with warm tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and any other toppings of your choice.

For a heartier meal, you can also use the skirt steak as the base for a steak salad. Slice the steak and serve it on a bed of mixed greens, with toppings such as cherry tomatoes, red onions, crumbled cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

Finally, if you're looking for a more indulgent option, try serving the skirt steak with a creamy mushroom sauce or a red wine reduction. These rich sauces pair perfectly with the steak and can be served with roasted potatoes or rice on the side.

Frequently asked questions