Tillie Doyle
Cube steak is a classic beef dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in an air fryer. This cooking method is perfect for a quick, easy, and inexpensive weeknight meal. It is also a healthier alternative to deep frying and can produce a juicy and tender steak with a crispy crust. To cook cube steak in an air fryer, the steak should be marinated, seasoned, and dredged in flour and egg before being air-fried for around 10 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Cube steak |
| Steak cut | Top sirloin or top round |
| Steak quantity | One steak per person |
| Steak seasoning | Montreal steak seasoning, salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dill seed, seasoning salt, or your favourite seasoning blend |
| Marinade | Balsamic vinegar, red wine, or apple cider vinegar |
| Cooking spray | Olive oil spray or vegetable oil spray |
| Cooking temperature | 380°F-400°F |
| Cooking time | 10 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Sides | Potatoes, rice, mac n' cheese, oven-roasted asparagus, oven-roasted broccoli, pan-fried green beans, salad, potato chips, parmesan cheese, truffle salt, steamed broccoli with lemon juice and parmesan, air fryer baked potato, crinkle-cut fries, cajun fries, ranch potato wedges |
| Toppings/sauces | Sawmill gravy, brown beef gravy, mushroom-based gravy, fried mushrooms, onions, peppers, cheese, garlic butter |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Marinating the steak
Cube steak is a tougher cut of meat, so marinating it beforehand can help to break down the meat and make it more tender. Marinating the steak for at least an hour is recommended, but for the best results, it is ideal to leave it for the full two hours. If you are short on time, 30 minutes will also work.
You can use a variety of ingredients to marinate your steak. A simple option is to use a store-bought steak seasoning, such as Montreal Steak Seasoning, which typically includes garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dill seed, and salt. Alternatively, you can make your own marinade by mixing olive oil, brown sugar, and spices, and coating the steak in this mixture. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or apple cider vinegar, or even try using red wine instead.
If you want to dry brine the meat, you can do so the night before by sprinkling on about ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt per steak. This will add extra flavour to your dish. You can also tenderize the meat by pounding it with a meat mallet to soften it and make it thinner, which may reduce the cooking time.
Once your steak is marinated to your liking, you can move on to the cooking process.
Air Fryer Meatballs: A Quick, Easy, and Healthy Treat
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Choosing a temperature
The ideal temperature for cooking steak cubes in an air fryer is between 380°F and 400°F. If you cook above 400°F, you risk browning the outside too much before the inside is cooked. If you are cooking at a higher temperature, consider reducing the cooking time.
It is important to preheat your air fryer before adding the steak cubes. Preheat the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes. Once heated, add the steak to the basket and cook for 4-6 minutes at 400°F or until the steak is cooked to your desired doneness.
If you are cooking steak cubes that are thinner, you may want to cook for less time. For example, one source suggests cooking thinner steak bites in an air fryer for a total of 4-5 minutes. Another source suggests cooking steak bites for 4 minutes to reach a range of 140ºF-145ºF, and 6 minutes to reach 150ºF-160ºF.
The cooking time may also depend on the model of your air fryer, so it is important to check your steak cubes as they cook and adjust the temperature and timing as needed.
Air-Fryer Hash Browns: Simple, Quick, and Crispy!
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using a meat tenderizer
Cube steak is a tougher cut of meat, so it is important to tenderize it before cooking. One way to do this is by using a meat tenderizer, also known as a meat mallet, which has a flat side and a textured side. The flat side is perfect for pounding the steak, while the textured side creates pockets in the meat that help it absorb marinades and retain its juices. This results in a more juicy and flavorful steak.
To use a meat tenderizer, start by placing the cube steak on a clean surface. Lightly sprinkle the steak with meat tenderizing powder and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This will help to break down the meat and make it more tender. Then, use the flat side of the meat tenderizer to gently pound the steak, working from the center of the steak outward. Flip the steak over and repeat on the other side.
Alternatively, you can use the textured side of the meat tenderizer to create pockets in the meat. This will allow the steak to absorb more of the marinade, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy dish. When using the textured side, be sure to apply more pressure than when using the flat side.
Once the steak has been tenderized, it can be cooked in the air fryer. Lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the steak from sticking. Place the steaks in a single layer in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook the steaks for 6 minutes. Then, flip them over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until they are done to your desired level of doneness.
Air-Fried French Toast: A Quick, Crispy Breakfast Treat
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Adding seasoning
Seasoning is a key step in adding flavour to your steak cubes. There are several ways to go about it, and you can choose the one that suits your taste and time constraints.
One option is to use a pre-made steak seasoning blend. A popular choice is Montreal Steak Seasoning, which includes garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dill seed, and salt. This is a convenient way to add flavour to your steak cubes with just one ingredient. You can also make your own blend with similar spices and herbs.
If you have more time, you can try dry brining the steak cubes. This involves sprinkling salt on the meat and letting it rest for a while before cooking. This technique helps to enhance the steak's flavour and texture. For this method, use about 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher salt per steak and let the meat sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.
Another option is to marinate the steak cubes. This is a great way to add flavour and tenderness to the meat. You can use a variety of ingredients for the marinade, such as oil, low-sodium soy sauce, vinegar, mustard, or red wine. Marinate the steak cubes for at least 30 minutes or up to two hours for the best results.
Additionally, you can season the breading or flour mixture used to coat the steak cubes. This adds flavour and creates a crispy crust when cooked in the air fryer. Mix the flour with your choice of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder. You can also use a pre-made seasoning blend specifically for this purpose.
Finally, don't forget to season the steak cubes with salt and pepper right before placing them in the air fryer. This simple step ensures that the meat is adequately seasoned and enhances the overall flavour of the dish.
Air-Fryer Turkey Sausage: Quick, Easy, and Delicious!
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cooking time
The cooking time for steak cubes in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak cubes, the model of the air fryer, and the desired level of doneness. It is important to note that cube steaks are usually thin steaks, so the cooking time may be shorter compared to thicker cuts of meat.
Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer before adding the steak cubes. The preheating temperature can vary from 380°F to 400°F, and the duration can range from 5 minutes to 10 minutes. It is important to check the specific instructions for your air fryer model.
Once the air fryer is preheated, the cooking time for the steak cubes can vary. Some recipes suggest cooking the steak cubes for 4-6 minutes at 400°F, while others recommend cooking for 6 minutes at 380°F, flipping the steak cubes, and then cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the desired doneness is achieved. The total cooking time at 380°F can be around 9-10 minutes.
It is worth noting that the cooking time may need to be adjusted if cooking multiple batches of steak cubes or if the steak cubes are particularly thick. Additionally, it is recommended to let the steak cubes rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy and tender steak.
To check the doneness of the steak cubes, it is best to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 140°F-145°F. Medium-rare steaks should have an internal temperature of 145°F, while well-done steaks should reach an internal temperature of 155°F or more. However, since cube steaks are thin cuts of meat, it can be challenging to use a meat thermometer accurately. In this case, it is recommended to cook the steak cubes until they develop a nice colour on the outside, with a slightly pink centre.
Air Fryer Hack: Crispy Corn Tortillas Perfection
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook steak cubes at 380°F. You can go up to 400°F but you should reduce the cooking time.
It depends on how well-done you want your steak to be. For medium-rare steak, cook for 6 minutes on one side and 3-4 minutes on the other side. For a more well-done steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You can marinate the steak cubes for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking. You can also tenderize the meat using a meat mallet to soften it and make it thinner.
You should preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. You can also spray the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with foil.
You can serve steak cubes with a variety of sides such as potatoes, rice, mac n' cheese, or vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
