Cody Casey
Cooking steak from frozen in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have time to defrost or plan ahead. With no prep time and just 10 to 20 minutes of cooking, you can have a juicy and tender steak that's almost as good as one cooked from fresh. The key to success is knowing your preferred level of doneness and adjusting the cooking time accordingly. You can also experiment with different seasonings and cuts of meat to find your favourite combination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Any steak cut, but ribeye is recommended |
| Steak thickness | 1-inch thick is recommended, but thinner or thicker steaks can be used with adjusted cooking times |
| Steak temperature | Rare: 120°F/50°C, Medium Rare: 130°F/54°C, Medium: 135-145°F/57-63°C, Medium Well: 145-155°F/63-68°C, Well Done: above 160°F/70°C |
| Oil | A thin coat of oil like olive oil or rapeseed oil helps with seasoning, moisture retention, and prevents sticking |
| Seasoning | Salt and pepper are recommended, but any preferred seasoning can be used |
| Preheating | Preheating is optional, but recommended by some sources. Preheat at 380°F-400°F/190°C-200°C for 5 minutes |
| Cooking time | 10-22 minutes depending on the desired steak temperature and thickness |
| Resting | Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting into it |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat or no preheat?
Preheating your air fryer is a good idea when cooking frozen steak as it helps the meat cook evenly and prevents grey bands from forming just under the crust. However, some people choose not to preheat their air fryer when cooking frozen steak to prevent overcooking the outer part of the meat before the inside reaches the desired temperature.
If you decide to preheat your air fryer, set it to around 380°F–400°F (190°C–200°C) for 4–5 minutes. Then, place your frozen steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 12–22 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.
If you don't preheat your air fryer, simply place your frozen steak in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F–400°F (190°C–200°C) for 12–22 minutes, or until your steak is done to your liking.
Regardless of whether you preheat your air fryer or not, it's important to note that the cooking time for frozen steak in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. Thicker steaks will require longer cook times, and cooking a steak from frozen will take longer than cooking a fresh steak. Additionally, the desired level of doneness will affect the cooking time, with rare to medium-rare steaks requiring less time than medium-well to well-done steaks.
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Choosing the right steak
Thickness:
Aim for steaks that are at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly and won't get a chance to brown properly. Thicker steaks will require longer cooking times, so adjust your timing accordingly.
Cut of Steak:
Different cuts offer varying flavors, textures, and tenderness. Tender cuts with good marbling, such as ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon, are ideal for the air fryer. Ribeye is particularly popular due to its rich flavor and tenderness. Sirloin is a leaner, more affordable option that still delivers great taste and texture. Filet mignon is renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Other cuts like flank, flat iron, or skirt steak can also yield excellent results when properly marinated and cooked at the right temperature.
Fresh vs. Frozen:
You can cook both fresh and frozen steaks in an air fryer. Frozen steaks are convenient if you forget to thaw them, as they can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer. However, seasoning frozen steaks can be challenging as the seasonings may not penetrate the meat. Starting with a cold air fryer when cooking frozen steaks can help prevent overcooking the outer layer while ensuring the inside reaches your desired temperature.
Personal Preference:
Ultimately, the best steak for your air fryer depends on your personal preferences. Choose a cut that suits your taste buds and budget. Consider the level of doneness you prefer, as rarer steaks will require less cooking time than well-done ones.
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Oil and seasoning
Firstly, take your steak straight from the freezer and place it in the air fryer. You can choose to preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes or cook the steak from a cold start. If you are cooking multiple steaks, ensure they fit comfortably next to each other, leaving space for the hot air to circulate. If they don't fit, you may need to cook them in batches.
Next, you'll want to add a little oil to the steak. This will help the steak to sear, retain moisture, and prevent sticking. Use a basting brush to apply a thin coat of oil, such as olive oil or rapeseed oil, to both sides of the steak. If you don't have a brush, you can use your hands to rub the oil onto the meat.
After oiling, it's time to season. A classic combination of salt and pepper is always a good choice, but feel free to experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste. Try a Tex-Mex or Italian blend, or create your own unique mix. Be sure to season both sides of the steak generously, as some of the seasoning may slide off due to the frozen temperature of the meat.
Once the steak is seasoned, it's ready to be placed back in the air fryer (if you partially cooked it to thaw and season) or put in the air fryer for the first time (if you chose not to preheat). Set the temperature and timer according to your desired doneness, and you're on your way to a delicious, juicy steak cooked to perfection.
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Timing and temperature
The cooking time for your steak will depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch-thick steak, cooking times range from 10 minutes for rare to 22 minutes for well-done. For thicker steaks, increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes per level of doneness. For thinner steaks, decrease the cooking time by 2-3 minutes per level of doneness.
It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so it's recommended to use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature of your steak. A rare steak should have an internal temperature of 120-130°F, while a medium-rare steak should be 130-135°F. For medium, medium-well, and well-done steaks, aim for temperatures of 135-145°F, 145-155°F, and above 160°F respectively.
If you're cooking a very thick steak (greater than 1.5 inches) and want it cooked past medium, it's recommended to lower the temperature to around 350°F to prevent the outside from burning before the inside is cooked. For thinner steaks, you can start with a higher temperature of 400°F for 4 minutes, and then reduce the temperature to 390°F for the remaining cooking time.
Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 380-400°F for 5 minutes before placing the seasoned steak in the basket. However, some people skip the preheat step to prevent grey bands from forming just under the crust due to the outer part of the meat overcooking.
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Resting and serving
When slicing the steak, it's best to cut against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. Sprinkle the steak with some flaky sea salt to enhance the flavour and add a nice textural contrast. You can also add some freshly cracked black pepper if you like. If you've cooked your steak with a seasoning mix, you may not need any additional salt or pepper.
For serving, it's best to use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts. Place the sliced steak on a serving platter or individual plates, arranging it neatly. You can also add some garnishes or herbs to enhance the presentation. Some side dishes that go well with steak include baked potatoes, air fryer broccoli, or a healthy salad.
Finally, it's important to note that steak is best served hot, so try to time your cooking and resting so that it's ready just before you plan to eat. This way, you can enjoy your steak at its optimal temperature and maximise its deliciousness!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 20 minutes to cook a frozen steak in an air fryer.
No, you can cook a frozen steak in an air fryer without defrosting it.
A ribeye steak is a good option as it has streaks of fat that keep the meat moist while cooking. Other options include sirloin, flank steak, flat iron steak, and filet mignon.
Seasoning frozen steak can be challenging as the seasoning may slide off. Adding a bit of oil or cooking spray can help the seasoning stick better.
The temperature depends on how well-done you want your steak to be. For a medium-rare steak, cook at 130°F/54°C for about 12-14 minutes. For a well-done steak, cook at above 160°F/70°C for about 14-18 minutes.
