Marianne Martinez
Flat iron steak is a popular cut of meat that is known for its rich marbling, which adds flavour and juiciness to the steak. It is also tender, affordable, and readily available at most grocery stores. Cooking flat iron steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy and tender steak with a deliciously crispy exterior. The air fryer's high, quick heat helps to lock in juices and create a flavorful crust. This guide will take you through the steps to cook a small flat iron steak in an air fryer, from preparing the meat to serving it.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of steak
First, consider the type of steak you want to cook. Popular options for the air fryer include flat iron, porterhouse, sirloin, New York strip, ribeye, t-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon. Each type of steak has unique characteristics and flavour profiles, so choose one that suits your taste preferences.
Next, pay attention to the thickness of the steak. For the best results, choose steaks that are at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly and won't achieve the desired browning. Ensure that the steaks you select are of similar size and thickness to ensure even cooking.
When choosing a cut of steak, look for one with an even amount of fat marbling throughout the meat. This marbling adds flavour and juiciness to the steak, enhancing your dining experience. A good amount of fat in the steak can also prevent it from drying out during the cooking process.
Additionally, consider the quality of the steak. Look for choice or prime-grade steaks, as they tend to have more fat marbling, resulting in a more flavourful and tender eating experience. The quality of the steak will significantly impact the final taste and texture of your dish.
Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from your butcher. They can guide you in selecting the right cut of steak based on your preferences and cooking method. They can also advise on the amount of steak to purchase, ensuring you have enough for a satisfying meal.
Remember, choosing the right cut of steak for your air fryer doesn't have to be complicated. By following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious and perfectly cooked steak cooked to your desired doneness.
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Preparing the steak
Firstly, select a suitable cut of steak. Flat iron steaks are known for their rich marbling, which adds flavour and juiciness. Choose a cut that is about 1-inch thick, with an even amount of fat distributed throughout the meat.
Before you begin seasoning, it is recommended to trim any large fatty chunks from the steak's surface. These larger chunks may interfere with even cooking. However, leaving smaller, thin sections of fat is fine, as they add flavour and moisture to the steak.
Next, prepare your marinade. A simple yet effective marinade can be made by combining olive oil, freshly minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. You can also add other ingredients like onion, soy sauce, or lime juice to enhance the flavour. Stir the ingredients until they form a nicely blended mixture. It is recommended to let the steak sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before coating it with the marinade.
Now, it's time to season your steak. Rub the marinade all over the steak, ensuring both sides are well-coated. You can also try different spice mixes and flavour profiles, such as Southwestern spice, Balsamic rosemary, or Soy-ginger. If you have time, you can marinate the steak in the fridge before cooking to boost its flavour.
Once the steak is seasoned, it's important to pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps remove excess moisture, allowing for better browning and texture during cooking.
Finally, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This ensures even cooking and helps create a nice sear on the steak's surface. While the air fryer warms up, you can keep the steak on the kitchen counter to ensure it isn't too cold when it goes into the fryer, helping it cook more evenly.
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Cooking the steak
Firstly, take your steak out of the fridge and let it sit on the kitchen counter for about 20 minutes. This will ensure the steak isn't too cold and will help it cook evenly. While you wait, prepare your marinade. In a bowl, combine olive oil, chopped garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Stir until well blended. You can also add chili powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, oregano, and garlic powder to the mix for a spicier kick. Rub the marinade all over the steak, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This step ensures even cooking and a nice sear on the outside of your steak. While the air fryer warms up, pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can prevent the steak from crisping properly. You can also trim away any remaining fatty chunks that could interfere with even cooking, though small, thin sections of fat are fine to leave in place.
Once the air fryer is hot, grease the pan and lay the steaks in a single layer in the basket. Make sure there is enough space around each steak for air to circulate. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes. If you prefer your steak well done, add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. For a medium-rare steak, the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 135°F, while a rare steak should be 125°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
When you are happy with how the steak is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. Allow the steak to rest for 2-10 minutes before serving. This will give you a juicier steak. Finally, slice the steak, making sure to cut against the natural grain to ensure the slices are tender.
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Resting the steak
While waiting, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. This is especially useful if you are particular about the doneness of your steak. The USDA recommends checking the temperature in the thickest part of the steak. As a general rule of thumb, rare steak should be cooked to 125°F, medium-rare to 135°F, medium to 145°F, medium-well to 155°F, and well-done to 160°F. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
If you are cooking multiple steaks, it is best to let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into them. This will ensure that the juices are retained within the steak and keep the meat tender. Once rested, slice the steak against its natural grain to guarantee tender and easy-to-chew pieces.
Finally, it is important to note that the resting time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your steak. A thicker steak may require a longer resting time, while a thinner steak may only need a couple of minutes. Adjust the resting time as needed to ensure the best results for your flat iron steak cooked in an air fryer.
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Serving suggestions
Allow your flat iron steak to rest for 2-10 minutes after removing it from the air fryer. This will ensure your steak is juicy and tender. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The USDA recommends the following temperatures: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, 155°F for medium-well, and 160°F for well-done.
You can serve your flat iron steak with a variety of side dishes. Some options include a green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers; frozen vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans; cheesy potatoes; creamed spinach; or rice. If you have two air fryers, you can also cook air fryer broccoli or sweet potatoes as a side dish.
For a complete meal, consider pairing your steak with a glass of red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Malbec. You can also offer a variety of sauces on the side, such as a red wine reduction, béarnaise, or chimichurri.
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Frequently asked questions
First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer warms up, pat your steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can prevent the steak from crisping. Then, season both sides of the steak with a spice rub or a marinade. When the air fryer is hot, grease the pan and lay the steaks in the air fryer. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 4 minutes on each side. For a more well-done steak, cook for 5 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 to 10 minutes before serving.
It takes between 8 and 15 minutes to cook a small flat iron steak in an air fryer.
Most air fryers work best at 400°F for steak.
You can check the internal temperature of your steak with a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends the following temperatures for different levels of doneness: rare (125°F), medium-rare (135°F), medium (145°F), medium-well (155°F), and well-done (160°F). Remember that steak will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
