Marianne Martinez
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a tender, juicy, and flavourful steak with a crispy exterior. The air fryer is perfect for those who are short on time, as it cooks the steak in half the time it would take to grill it, with minimal mess and fat. The key to a perfect air fryer steak is to ensure the steak is at least 1-inch thick, and to preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Porterhouse or sirloin |
| Steak thickness | 1 inch |
| Steak weight | 1/2 pound |
| Steak temperature | Room temperature |
| Oil | Olive oil |
| Seasoning | Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper |
| Meat probe temperature | 125F-130F (rare), 130F-135F (medium-rare), 140F (medium), 160F (well-done) |
| Air fryer temperature | 400F |
| Cooking time | 10-15 minutes |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | Garlic herb butter, baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, asparagus |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of steak
Tenderloin or Filet Mignon
The tenderloin is known for its exceptional tenderness and mild flavour. It is cut from the short loin and sirloin, under the ribs of the cow. The filet mignon, a decadent and luxurious option, comes from the narrower end of the tenderloin. When trimmed of excess fat and gristle, the tenderloin is small and compact with a fine-grained texture. Due to its smaller shape, tenderloin steaks are typically cut thicker than other steaks. This thicker cut makes it ideal for air frying, as you can sear the outside until browned and then finish it in the gentle, even heat of the air fryer to cook the inside to your desired doneness.
Strip Steak or New York Strip
Strip steaks, also known as New York strips, are cut from the short loin, closer to the ribs than the rear. They are known for having excellent marbling, which contributes to their flavour and juiciness. Strip steaks are typically rectangular in shape with a slightly tapered edge. When cooking strip steaks in an air fryer, look for steaks that are relatively straight rather than curved, as these will be more tender. Aim for a thickness of about 1 ½ inches, and season simply with salt and pepper to taste.
Ribeye
Ribeye steaks are cut from the prime rib area of the steer, which contains a high fat content that provides excellent flavour and texture. Ribeyes are typically between ¾ and 1 ½ inches thick, but for air frying, choose a thicker cut closer to 1 ½ inches for optimal results. Ribeyes are perfect for air frying as they can withstand intense heat while remaining juicy. Simply sear each side over high heat for a minute or two, then lower the temperature to your desired level of doneness.
T-Bone
T-bone steaks are another popular option, especially in steakhouses, as they offer two different types of meat in one cut. A T-bone steak includes a tenderloin on one side and a strip steak on the other, providing a unique combination of flavours and textures. T-bone steaks are cut from the short loin, towards the stomach rather than the rear. They are typically tender and can be cooked in an air fryer to your desired level of doneness.
When choosing a steak for air frying, it is important to consider the thickness of the cut. Steaks that are at least 1 inch thick are recommended to allow for even cooking and browning. Additionally, look for steaks with nice, thin lines of marbling rather than large chunks of fat to ensure a juicy and flavourful result.
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Preparing the steak
Firstly, choose your steak. A porterhouse or sirloin cut is recommended as these require the least amount of attention during cooking. Ensure your steak is at least 1-inch thick; thinner steaks will cook too fast and may burn. Remove the steaks from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Next, pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and season them. You can use salt and black pepper, or a store-bought steak rub. For extra flavour, marinate the steaks in a dressing or rub a little oil on them to help them brown. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavours and create a caramelized crust.
Now, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. It's important to preheat the air fryer to ensure the outside of the steaks brown nicely. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare the garlic herb butter by mixing 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter with 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon each of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Preheating the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the steak-making process. It ensures that the outside of your steak gets a nice brown colour, similar to searing, and cooks evenly. If you skip preheating, your steak may end up grey and overcooked by the time the exterior browns.
To preheat your air fryer, start by setting it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Allow it to heat up for at least 10 minutes before adding your steaks. This timing will ensure that your air fryer basket is hot and ready to cook the steaks evenly.
While the air fryer preheats, you can prepare your steaks by bringing them to room temperature. Remove them from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to rest at room temperature. This step is essential for achieving the best flavour and texture in your steaks.
Additionally, pat your steaks dry with a paper towel before seasoning them. This step ensures that the surface of the steaks is dry, promoting even browning when they come into contact with the hot air fryer basket.
Remember, preheating your air fryer is not just about turning it on; it's about giving it enough time to reach the desired temperature and creating the optimal conditions for your steaks to cook evenly and achieve the desired colour and doneness.
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Cooking the steak
Firstly, choose your steak. Porterhouse or sirloin cuts are good options, as they require less attention during cooking. Ideally, your steak should be around 1-inch thick and half a pound in weight.
Before cooking, remove your steaks from the fridge and let them rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This will help them cook more evenly. You can also pat them dry with a paper towel and apply a dry rub of salt and pepper, or a store-bought steak rub, to help achieve an even sear.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. You can also coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Once the air fryer is preheated, place the steaks inside, leaving some space between them for airflow.
For a 1-inch thick steak, cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, cook until the internal temperature reaches 125°F. For medium-rare, cook to 130-135°F, and for medium, cook to 140°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.
Finally, serve your steak with a side of your choice. Some options include baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, or roasted green beans. You can also top your steak with a pat of garlic herb butter for extra flavor.
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Resting the steak
Remove the steak from the air fryer: Once your steak has been cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket. Use tongs or a spatula to avoid any direct contact with the hot surfaces.
Let it rest on a plate: Place the steak on a clean plate and loosely tent it with foil. This helps to retain the heat while preventing the steak from continuing to cook. It is important to let the steak rest in this manner to ensure that the juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
Resting time: The resting time for your steak will depend on its thickness and the desired doneness. For a 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium-rare, let the steak rest for about 5 minutes. If you prefer your steak more well done, you can increase the resting time to 10 minutes. During this time, the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise, so it is important to remove it from the heat source before it reaches your desired temperature.
Check the temperature: To ensure your steak is at the desired temperature, use a meat probe or an instant-read thermometer. For a rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F. For medium-rare, the temperature should be between 130°F and 135°F, and for medium, it should be around 140°F.
Slice and serve: After the resting period, your steak is ready to be sliced and served. Cut the steak against the grain for optimal tenderness. Serve it with a side of herb butter or your favorite steak sauce. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air-fried steak!
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best options for air fryer steaks are porterhouse, sirloin, New York strip, ribeye, t-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon.
It is recommended to let the steak reach room temperature before cooking. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel, then rub it with olive oil or neutral oil on each side. Season with salt and black pepper, or a dry rub, and add other spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper if desired.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping the steak halfway through. For a well-done steak, increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes. Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the steak.
Use a meat probe or instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For rare, the temperature should be 125°F; for medium-rare, 130°F to 135°F; and for medium, 140°F. Remove the steak about 5 degrees before reaching the desired temperature as the steak will continue to cook while resting.
