Emilie Meyer
The Black and Decker air fryer is a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of dishes, including steak. Air fryers use a high-powered fan to circulate hot air in the cooking chamber, allowing food to cook evenly and quickly while producing a deep-fried effect with minimal oil. This guide will cover the basics of using a Black and Decker air fryer, from unboxing and setup to cooking tips and serving suggestions, to help you create a delicious steak dinner with ease.
How to cook steak in a Black and Decker air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Porterhouse or sirloin steak, 1-inch thickness, 1/2 pound weight, no bones |
| Steak preparation | Remove from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking, pat dry, season with salt and pepper, brush with oil |
| Air fryer preparation | Remove from box, place on a level surface, remove racks and/or basket, wash interior components, wipe down interior and exterior |
| Air fryer settings | Preheat to 200°C or 400°F, cook for 10-12 minutes, flip halfway through |
| Steak doneness | Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer, rare: 125°F-130°F, medium-rare: 140°F-150°F, medium: 155°F-165°F, well-done: 170°F+ |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right steak cut
The most tender cuts of steak come from the rib and loin areas, including the tenderloin, short loin, and top sirloin. The tenderloin is the most tender cut of steak and is known for its mild flavour. It is lean and very fine-grained in texture. Because of its smaller shape, tenderloin steaks are cut thicker than most steaks. The best way to cook it is to sear the outside until browned, and then finish cooking in an oven.
The ribeye is another popular cut of steak that comes from the prime rib area of the steer. It has a high fat content, which provides a great flavour and texture combination. Ribeyes are usually quite thick and can be very tender and juicy when cooked properly.
The New York strip, or strip steak, is another popular option. This cut is from the short loin, which is a large area that includes more tender portions of meat towards the ribs, and some tougher portions towards the loin area. The best trick to learn is to look for strip steaks that are relatively straight, as these will be more tender.
Other great options for steak cuts include the T-bone, top sirloin, flat iron, and porterhouse. The T-bone is especially interesting as it contains two different types of meat: a tenderloin on one side and a strip steak on the other, giving you two steak flavours and textures in one cut.
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Preparing the steak
Firstly, select your steak. A porterhouse or sirloin cut is recommended, with a thickness of around 1 inch and a weight of about half a pound. Other good options include New York strip, ribeye, t-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon.
Next, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit for 20-30 minutes to bring it to room temperature. This will help the steak cook more evenly and ensure a less tough texture. Before seasoning, pat the steak dry with kitchen paper or a clean cloth.
Now, it's time to season your steak. Brush the steak with olive oil, butter, or any other neutral oil. You can also add a dry rub, such as a store-bought steak rub or a combination of spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper. Don't forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you want to get creative, you can also marinate the steak in dressing or add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavors and create a caramelized crust.
Once your steak is seasoned, it's ready to be cooked in the Black and Decker air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. If you have a basket-style air fryer, remember to preheat it before adding the steak.
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Seasoning and marinating
To season your steak, pat it dry with kitchen paper or a clean cloth before brushing with oil and seasoning. You can use any neutral oil, such as olive oil or butter. Season generously with salt and black pepper, or kosher salt if you have it. You can also add spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a smoky flavor. If you want a caramelized crust, add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavors.
If you want to marinate your steak, you can use a store-bought steak rub or make your own by combining spices. You can also marinate the steak in dressing for an extra flavor punch. If you're using a rub or marinade, there's no need to let it sit; you can put the steak straight into the air fryer.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for your steak will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch steak, cooking times range from 8 to 12 minutes for rare to medium-rare doneness. If you prefer your steak well-done, you may need to cook it for up to 14 minutes.
Before cooking, remove your steak from the fridge and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes to bring it to room temperature. This step helps ensure even cooking and improves the texture of your steak. Additionally, pat your steak dry with a paper towel or clean cloth before seasoning. This step helps reduce excess splatter and steam.
When cooking, preheat your Black and Decker air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Different models of the Black and Decker air fryer have varying temperature ranges, but most can reach 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, place your steak in the air fryer basket and cook for the desired time, flipping your steak halfway through the cooking process.
For a 1-inch steak cooked to medium-rare, cook for a total of 10 minutes, flipping the steak after 5 minutes. For a medium steak, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes, flipping after 6 minutes. If you prefer your steak well-done, cook for an additional 2 minutes, for a total of 14 minutes, flipping after 6 minutes and again after 10 minutes.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your steak and the model of your air fryer. For thicker steaks, increase the cooking time accordingly. To check if your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 125°F and 130°F.
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Resting and serving
Resting your steak is a crucial step in the cooking process. Once your steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate, loosely tented with foil. This will prevent the steak from continuing to cook. Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.
While your steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces to serve with it. Baked, smashed, or mashed potatoes are great options, as are roasted green beans or asparagus. For an extra touch of flavour, top your steak with a pat of garlic butter or compound butter. If you prefer your steak with a sauce, options like alfredo, cheese, or gravy would be delicious.
When it comes to seasoning, keep it simple with salt and black pepper, or get creative with spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper. A dry rub can also add a nice crust to your steak. If you're looking for a more well-rounded meal, consider making some sweet potato fries in your air fryer as a side. They require very little oil and can be tossed with seasonings like smoked paprika, Cajun spice, or BBQ rub.
Finally, don't forget to let your steak come to room temperature before cooking, and always pat it dry before seasoning. This will ensure a better sear and more even cooking. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a perfectly cooked steak made in your Black and Decker air fryer.
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Frequently asked questions
Plug your air fryer into a wall outlet. Set the time and temperature—the unit will begin cooking automatically. There is no dedicated power button.
Choose a porterhouse or sirloin steak with a thickness of 1 inch and a weight of around 1/2 a pound. Pat the steak dry and brush with olive oil or butter. Season with salt and black pepper, and, if desired, add a steak rub or a pinch of sugar. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the steak in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check the steak's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked to your preference. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Remove the racks, basket, grill pan, broiler pan, and inserts. These interior components are dishwasher-safe. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer.
