Marianne Martinez
Cooking steak in an air fryer toaster oven is a convenient and delicious alternative to traditional cooking methods. With a few simple steps, you can achieve a juicy and flavourful steak right in the comfort of your own kitchen. This method is perfect for those who crave a well-cooked steak but don't want to fire up the grill or spend hours cooking. An air fryer toaster oven can help you get creative with your recipes and try new ways of cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | New York strip, ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon, skirt steak, or any cut of your choice |
| Steak thickness | At least 1 inch thick |
| Steak preparation | Dry brine with salt, season with salt and pepper, or Weber Steak Seasoning, or marinate with your favorite liquid marinade |
| Steak temperature | Bring steak to room temperature before cooking |
| Air fryer temperature | Preheat to 400°F |
| Air fryer placement | Place steak on the rack or basket at least an inch from any other foods |
| Cooking time | 8-24 minutes, flipping midway through |
| Steak temperature | The USDA-recommended temperature for beef is 145°F, but adjust according to your desired doneness |
| Resting | Remove steak from the air fryer, cover with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or a warm, fluffy twice-baked potato |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of steak
First, it is important to understand the different parts of the cow where steaks are typically cut from. Most premium steaks come from three prime areas: the short loin, tenderloin, and the ribs. These areas produce more tender steaks because the muscles in these regions are not exercised as much and do not contain a lot of connective tissues. As a result, these steaks are ideal for fast cooking and intense heat, which is perfect for your toaster oven air fryer.
Now, let's explore some specific cuts of steak and how they differ from each other:
- Ribeye: This cut comes from the prime rib area of the steer, which is known for its exceptional flavour and texture. Ribeye steaks have a high fat content, which helps keep them juicy and tender even when cooked over intense heat. They are typically between 3/4 inch to 1 1/2 inches thick, but for the best results on a grill, choose a cut closer to 1 1/2 inches.
- New York Strip: Also known simply as strip steaks, these are cut from the short loin, closer to the ribs than the rear. They tend to be more tender and have excellent marbling, which enhances their flavour. Strip steaks are almost rectangular in shape and are typically about 1 1/2 inches thick. This cut is perfect for a simple seasoning of salt and pepper and a quick sear over high heat, making it a great choice for your toaster oven air fryer.
- Filet Mignon: This cut comes from the tenderloin, which is known for its exceptional tenderness. Filet Mignon has a mild beef flavour and less marbling compared to other cuts. It is best cooked rare to medium-rare and is perfect for complementing with seasonings, sauces, or a bacon wrap.
- Flat Iron: This is a newer cut of steak that comes from the top blade of the chuck. It is the second most tender steak, after the filet mignon, and has a bold, beefy flavour. Flat Iron steaks have fantastic marbling and a tender texture, making them a great choice for grilling, broiling, or pan-frying.
When choosing a cut of steak, consider your personal preference for flavour and texture. Some steaks, like the ribeye and New York strip, have more marbling and a bolder beef flavour, while the filet mignon is known for its tenderness and mild flavour. The flat iron steak offers a balance between tenderness and flavour, making it a popular choice among steak enthusiasts.
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Preparing the steak before cooking
Firstly, choose the right cut of steak. Opt for cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip, which are known for their tenderness and flavour. Ensure that your steak is at least 1 inch thick to guarantee even cooking.
Next, season your steak generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. You can also try a dry brine with just salt. This enhances the flavour and creates a delicious crust. It is recommended to season the steak at least an hour before cooking, or even the night before, to allow the salt to settle deep into the meat.
After seasoning, let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. This step is important because it ensures that the steak cooks evenly and allows the flavours to penetrate the meat.
If you want to add extra flavour to your steak, you can marinate it. Create your favourite liquid marinade or use a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Marinate the steak for at least an hour or up to 8 hours before cooking.
Once your steak is at room temperature and seasoned to your liking, it's almost ready for the air fryer toaster oven! But first, remember to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for a medium-rare steak. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, let it run at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.
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Cooking the steak
Firstly, choose the right cut of steak. Opt for cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip for a tender and tasty result. Make sure the steak is at least 1 inch thick to ensure even cooking. If you're cooking a filet mignon, you might want to opt for an inch and a half thickness.
Next, season your steak generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. You can also marinate the steak for at least an hour or up to eight hours. Leave the seasoned steak at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. This will also help the steak cook evenly.
Now, preheat your air fryer toaster oven to 400°F (200°C). Once preheated, place the steak on the rack or in the basket, ensuring it is at least an inch away from any other foods so the air can circulate. For an 8-ounce ribeye, cook for 12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, cook for 8-10 minutes. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.
To check if your steak is cooked to your liking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommended temperature for beef is 145°F, but you may prefer yours cooked differently. Once your steak is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate or board. Tent it loosely with aluminium foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making your steak more tender and flavourful.
Finally, serve your steak with your favourite sides and toppings. Enjoy!
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Resting the steak
The resting period is also a good time to prepare any side dishes you may be serving with your steak. For example, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. If you are serving your steak with a sauce, you can also use this time to prepare it.
If you are cooking your steak in a cast iron skillet, you may want to use the resting time to prepare the skillet for searing. To do this, preheat your skillet as hot as you can get it on your stovetop. Add bacon grease or olive oil to the skillet right before you put the steaks in to sear them.
If you are cooking a larger steak, you may need to allow for a longer resting period. This will ensure that the juices have time to redistribute throughout the meat. A good rule of thumb is to let the steak rest for about half the time it took to cook.
Finally, when the resting period is over, you can slice the steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and serve it with your chosen sides and sauces.
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Serving suggestions
Steak is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways and paired with numerous side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions for your steak cooked in a toaster oven air fryer:
Sides and Accompaniments
- Potatoes: Potatoes are a classic side dish for steak. You can opt for roasted potatoes with melted Parmesan, garlic butter smashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or loaded baked potatoes. For a unique twist, try making scalloped potatoes, potato gratin, or air fryer potato wedges.
- Vegetables: Almost any vegetable will work as a side dish for steak. Some popular options include roasted broccoli, creamed spinach, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and mushrooms. You can also try stir-fried curly kale with chilli and garlic, or roasted herby mushrooms.
- Salads: A simple salad can accompany your steak, such as an arugula salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette, or a beet, orange, and walnut salad.
- Mac 'n' Cheese: For a hearty side dish, mac 'n' cheese is a great option, especially if you're serving steak for a special occasion. You can even add some Gouda to elevate the dish.
- Tomatoes: Grilled tomatoes are a steakhouse classic. Try roasting them with a splash of vinegar, thyme, and garlic for added flavour.
- Slaw: A simple slaw can add freshness to your meal. For a spicier option, try a fennel slaw or a red cabbage and pickled chilli slaw.
- Beans: Refried beans are a delicious and hearty side dish that can be served with avocado, soured cream, and a pinch of paprika.
- Corn: Chargrilled corn smothered in herby butter is a perfect summer side dish for your steak.
- Fries: Instead of standard fries, you can spiralize and roast your favourite vegetables for a shoestring fry effect. For a modern twist on the classic steak and chips, try rosemary celeriac fries.
Sauces and Toppings
- Butter: Top your steak with a pat of butter, or try flavoured butters like garlic and parsley butter, chilli butter, or horseradish butter.
- Chimichurri Sauce: A coarse South American sauce made with chopped parsley, garlic, shallots, and chilli.
- Basil Hollandaise: A buttery French sauce with fresh basil added for an instant lift.
- Red Wine Sauce: A simple way to add a flourish to your steak dinner.
- Bistro Sauce: Deglaze the pan and use the sauce for a rib-eye or sirloin steak.
- Compound Butter: Adding a compound butter can enhance the flavour profile of your steak.
- Cream: Drizzle single cream over your greens, or try indulgent creamy sides like creamed spinach.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream can be added to sides like slaw or scalloped potatoes for a tangy twist.
- Bacon: Add smoky bacon to your roasted vegetables for a savoury and indulgent side dish.
- Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over your vegetables, or try loaded baked potatoes with cheese and all the fixings.
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Frequently asked questions
First, bring your steak to room temperature, which usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Then, season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place the steak on the rack, at least an inch from any other foods so the air can circulate. Cook for 12-24 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. The steak is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Some side dish options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or steamed root vegetables.
Good steak cuts to cook in a toaster oven air fryer include ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon, New York strip, and skirt steak.
