Ella Walter
If you're looking for a quick, easy, and mess-free way to cook sliced steak, look no further than your air fryer! Air-fried steak is juicy, tender, and full of flavor, with a perfectly crispy exterior. The best part? It's ready in half the time of grilling, with no extra work. Plus, it's lower in fat and keeps all the juices. All you need is a simple seasoning or a marinade, and your steak will be cooked to perfection.
How to cook sliced steak in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Porterhouse or sirloin |
| Steak thickness | 1-inch |
| Steak weight | 1/2 pound |
| Steak temperature | Bring to room temperature before cooking |
| Oil | Olive oil or neutral oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, black pepper, garlic herb butter, compound butter |
| Air fryer temperature | 400°F |
| Cooking time | 10-12 minutes |
| Flip | After 5-6 minutes |
| Rest | 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of steak
- Thickness: Opt for steaks that are at least one inch thick. Thinner steaks tend to cook too quickly in the air fryer, often resulting in overcooking without achieving the desired browning.
- Fat content: Look for cuts with moderate marbling, which will add flavour and juiciness to the steak. Avoid extremely lean cuts, as they may dry out during the air-frying process.
- Tenderness: Choose cuts that are known for their tenderness, such as sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon. Tougher cuts may require longer cooking times and can be less juicy.
- Personal preference: Consider your taste preferences. For example, if you prefer a beefier flavour, choose cuts like ribeye or strip steak. If you like your steak more tender, opt for filet mignon or sirloin.
- Cooking time: Some cuts of steak require different cooking times. For quicker meals, choose cuts that cook faster, like cube steak or flank steak. For a special occasion, you might opt for a thicker cut that requires a longer cooking time.
- Availability and cost: Consider what cuts of steak are readily available in your area and fit within your budget. Certain cuts, like ribeye or filet mignon, tend to be more expensive, while others, like top sirloin or flank steak, may be more affordable.
Remember, the beauty of air frying steak is its versatility. You can achieve excellent results with various cuts, from budget-friendly options to premium choices. The key is to understand the characteristics of each cut and adjust your cooking technique accordingly. Always let your steaks reach room temperature before air frying, and don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and cooking times to find your perfect steak.
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Preparing the steak
Firstly, choose your steak. Porterhouse or sirloin cuts are good options, as they require less attention during cooking. Ideally, your steak should be around 1-inch thick and half a pound in weight.
Take the steak out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking and allow it to come to room temperature. This will help the steak cook more evenly and ensure a less tough texture. Before seasoning, pat the steak dry with paper towels or a clean cloth.
You can then season the steak with salt and black pepper, or a dry rub if you prefer. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the saltiness and promote caramelization. For a more intense flavour, you could marinate the steak in a dressing or marinade of your choice.
Brush the steak with olive oil or another neutral oil, or use an olive oil cooking spray. This will help the steak brown nicely.
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Cooking the steak
Firstly, take your steaks out of the refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking. This will help the steaks cook more evenly and ensure they are less tough.
Pat the steaks dry with kitchen paper or a clean cloth, then brush with olive oil or another neutral oil. You can also add a dry rub to the steaks at this stage, which will help with the overall colour. Generously season the steaks with salt and black pepper, or a store-bought steak rub. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavours and create a caramelised crust.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 200°C. Place the steaks in the basket, ensuring there is space between them for airflow to cook evenly. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare, or 12 minutes for medium, flipping the steaks halfway through. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the model of your air fryer, so adjust accordingly.
Check the internal temperature of the steaks with a meat thermometer. For rare, the internal temperature should be between 125°F and 130°F, for medium-rare, 130°F to 135°F, and for medium, 140°F. If the steaks are not at your desired temperature, continue cooking and check again after two minutes.
Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate loosely tented with foil for 5-10 minutes. This will prevent them from continuing to cook and allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavoursome steak.
Finally, serve the steaks with a pat of garlic butter or your favourite sauce. Enjoy!
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Resting the steak
During the resting period, the steak's internal temperature will increase by 5 degrees, so it is important to remove it from the heat source a few degrees before your desired doneness. For example, if you are aiming for a medium-rare steak, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 130°F, as it will continue to cook and increase in temperature while resting.
The ideal resting time depends on the thickness of the steak. For a 1-inch steak, 5 minutes is sufficient, but for thicker cuts, you may need to rest them for longer. It is also important to let the steak come to room temperature before cooking, which can be achieved by removing it from the fridge 20-30 minutes beforehand. This helps the steak cook evenly and ensures a moist, tender result.
While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces to serve with it. Some suggestions include baked, smashed, or mashed potatoes, roasted green beans or asparagus, or a salad. You can also top the steak with garlic butter or your favourite sauce.
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Serving the steak
Once your steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This is an important step as it allows the juices to redistribute and the muscle fibres to relax, resulting in a moist and flavoursome steak. Tent the steak with foil while it rests so that it doesn't continue to cook.
After the steak has rested, transfer it to a plate or board and slice it. If you like, you can add a pat of garlic butter or herb butter on top. Alternatively, you can serve the steak with a creamy sauce, such as alfredo or cheese sauce, or a compound butter on the side.
As for sides, baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, or mashed potatoes are all good options. You can also serve the steak with roasted vegetables, such as green beans or asparagus, or a seasonal green salad. If you're looking for something more indulgent, sweet potato fries tossed in smoked paprika, Cajun, or BBQ seasonings are a tasty choice.
Finally, don't forget to let your steak come to room temperature before cooking it, and always preheat your air fryer to ensure a crispy, golden exterior.
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Frequently asked questions
For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare, turning halfway, and 12 minutes for medium, also turning halfway. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the air fryer model.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Remove the steaks from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking and let them come to room temperature. Pat the steaks dry and rub with oil and seasonings. After cooking, let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Some good options for air fryer steaks include porterhouse, sirloin, New York strip, ribeye, t-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon.
