Tillie Doyle
Spencer steak, also known as boneless rib-eye steak, is considered one of the best cuts of steak due to its flavour and tenderness. While grilling is a popular way to cook it, using an air fryer is an excellent alternative that can deliver juicy and tender results. This method is quick, easy, and can produce steakhouse-quality dishes with minimal effort.
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What You'll Learn
Spencer steak vs ribeye
Spencer steak is a boneless ribeye steak. It is a juicy, tender, and flavourful cut marbled with just the right amount of fat. Ribeye steaks are some of the most popular steak cuts and are known for their rich flavour and soft texture.
Spencer steaks are cut from a rib roll, specifically from the beef rib primal cut located at the front quarter of the beef cut on the cow's back. This cut includes the longissimus dorsi, also known as the "'eye'" of the ribeye. The Spencer steak is then trimmed of any excess fat, resulting in a leaner version of a ribeye.
Ribeye steaks, on the other hand, include various muscles such as the longissimus dorsi, the complexes, the spinalis dorsi (ribeye "cap"), the multifidus dorsi, and the longissimus costarum (the "lip" of the ribeye). The inclusion of these additional muscles gives ribeye steaks a richer flavour and texture compared to Spencer steaks.
When it comes to cooking Spencer steak in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer so the basket gets hot. For a 1-inch steak, air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, turning halfway, for medium-rare. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, again turning halfway. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner steaks. It is also suggested to rub a little oil on the steak to help with browning and to season with salt and pepper.
Overall, both Spencer steak and ribeye steak are considered excellent cuts of steak, with Spencer steak being one of the most expensive and sought-after options due to its tenderness, flavour, and moisture. The main difference between the two is that Spencer steak is a boneless, leaner version of the ribeye, with excess fat trimmed off.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
To cook Spencer steak in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer to get the best sear on your steak. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 5 minutes, and ideally for 10 minutes.
The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for 10 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway, for medium-rare. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust the time according to your steak's thickness. For thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
For a steak cooked to rare, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F. For medium-rare, the temperature should be 130 to 135°F, and for medium, it should be 140°F. Well-done steak is considered to be 160°F. Use a meat probe or instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak.
It is important to let the steak rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures maximum tenderness and flavor. Tent the steak with foil and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Pre-cooking steak prep
To prepare your Spencer steak for cooking in an air fryer, start by letting the steak reach room temperature before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and keep your steak extra juicy. Aim for about 15 minutes.
Next, pat the steak dry on both sides using paper towels. This step is important as it helps create a nice sear and prevents the steak from steaming in the air fryer.
After patting the steak dry, season generously with salt and pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or steak seasoning for extra flavor. Don't forget to season the edges!
If you have time, it is recommended to salt the steak 24 hours before cooking. This will help to enhance the flavor even further.
Once your steak is seasoned, you can move on to preheating the air fryer. Set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat it for at least 5 minutes. A hotter air fryer will give you a better sear on your steak.
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Steak seasoning
A Spencer steak is another term for boneless rib-eye steak, which is cut from a prime rib. It is recommended to cook Spencer steak to rare or medium-rare for the best flavor and texture. To achieve this, the final internal temperature of the steak should not exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
When it comes to seasoning, salt and pepper are essential for a good steak. However, you can take your steak to the next level with some additional spices and herbs. Here is a simple and effective steak seasoning guide:
Ingredients:
- Black peppercorns
- Coriander seeds
- Dried dill
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Italian herb seasoning (dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary)
- Flaky sea salt
- Cayenne and red pepper flakes (optional, for a bolder blend)
Instructions:
- Toast and grind the black peppercorns and coriander seeds.
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
- Sprinkle the seasoning generously onto the steak. For a thicker cut of steak, you can be more liberal with the seasoning.
- Avoid rubbing the seasoning in, as it may clump up and cause uneven distribution. Instead, gently pat or press the seasoning onto the steak.
- For the best results, season the steak 24 hours before cooking.
- After cooking the steak, finish with an additional pinch of flaky sea salt.
This seasoning blend will enhance the natural flavor of the steak without overpowering it. You can also use this seasoning for other proteins like chicken, pork, or even veggies!
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Steak doneness
Spencer steak is another term for boneless rib-eye steak, which is cut from a prime rib. The best Spencer steaks are at least 1.5 inches thick. Before cooking, it is recommended to salt the steak 24 hours in advance and let it come to room temperature.
When cooking Spencer steak in an air fryer, it is important to consider the desired doneness. For a 1-inch steak, air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, turning halfway, for medium-rare. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the steak.
To achieve the perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer and remove the steak about 5°F before reaching the target temperature, as the steak will continue to cook while resting. For a well-done steak, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F.
For a rare steak, cook it to an internal temperature of 135°F, which is 5°F lower than a medium-rare steak. If you prefer your steak on the rarer side, you can also cook it to an internal temperature of 110°F to 120°F, but be aware that this is below the recommended minimum temperature for safe consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Spencer steak is another term for boneless rib-eye steak, which is cut from a prime rib.
Let the steak reach room temperature before cooking. Pat it dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway, for medium-rare. For medium, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust the time according to your desired level of doneness.
