Emilie Meyer
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender steak with a crispy crust. It's a fuss-free method that delivers great results in a fraction of the time compared to other cooking methods. You can use your preferred cut of steak, but it's recommended to choose one with some intramuscular fat marbling to keep it juicy. The high heat of the air fryer seals in the juices, and the simple seasoning lets the steak's natural flavor shine.
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Medium Steak
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak Thickness | 1-inch thick |
| Steak Type | Ribeye, New York Strip, Sirloin |
| Steak Temperature | Bring to room temperature before cooking |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 400°F |
| Air Fryer Preheat Time | 2 minutes to 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway |
| Resting Time | 3-10 minutes |
| Seasoning | Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Butter |
| Sides | Chips, Salad, Roasted Veg, Baked Potatoes, Smashed Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Asparagus, Air Fryer French Fries, Air Fried Brussels Sprouts |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer and the basket
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the steak-cooking process. By heating up the basket, you ensure that the outside of your steak gets a nice brown colour, similar to searing. If you skip this step, your steak may end up grey and overcooked by the time the exterior browns.
To preheat your air fryer and basket, start by coating the basket with cooking spray. This will help ensure that your steak doesn't stick to the basket and make cleaning up easier. Then, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 4 to 5 minutes before adding your steaks. If you have a more powerful air fryer, such as one that is 1800 watts or more, you may find that your steaks brown more easily. In this case, you might need to preheat for less time.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your steaks. It is recommended that you remove the steaks from the refrigerator 10 to 30 minutes beforehand to allow them to come to room temperature. This helps ensure even cooking and gives the steaks a chance to absorb the flavours from any seasonings. You can pat them dry with a paper towel and then coat them with a light layer of avocado oil or olive oil. Season both sides of the steaks with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Once your air fryer and basket are preheated, and your steaks are prepared, you can place the steaks in the basket and follow the cooking instructions for your desired level of doneness.
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Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the steak should be measured.
For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 125°F. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, the temperature should be 130 to 135°F. For a medium steak, the internal temperature should be 140°F.
If you do not have a meat thermometer, you can also check the doneness of your steak by cutting into it. A rare steak will be bright red, while a medium-rare steak will be pink. A medium steak will be mostly brown with a hint of pink.
It is important to note that the cooking time for a medium steak will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the model of your air fryer. As a guide, a 1-inch thick steak should be cooked for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly if your steak is thicker or thinner.
By using a meat thermometer and adjusting the cooking time as needed, you can ensure that your steak is cooked perfectly to your desired level of doneness.
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Adjust cooking time based on steak thickness
The cooking time for your steak in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of your steak. It's recommended that steaks are at least 1 inch thick, as thinner steaks may cook too fast without browning. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway, for a medium-rare steak, and 12 minutes for a medium steak. For thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
For a medium-rare steak, you can expect to cook your steak for 11 to 13 minutes in total, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature of the steak should be 130 to 135°F. If your steak is thicker, you may need to cook it for longer to reach this temperature. For a medium steak, the internal temperature should be 140°F.
If you are cooking multiple steaks, it's best to place them in the air fryer in a single layer to ensure even cooking. The temperature and timing may also vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on your steak as it cooks.
To check the doneness of your steak, use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature. You can also check the doneness by pressing on the steak with your finger. A rare steak will feel soft, a medium-rare steak will have some resistance, and a well-done steak will be firm. If you are unsure, it's better to cook the steak for less time and then put it back in the air fryer for longer if needed.
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Let the steak rest after cooking
So, you've cooked your steak to juicy perfection in the air fryer. Now, it's time to let it rest. Why? Well, letting the steak rest after cooking is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, ensuring that each bite is moist and flavourful. The resting period also gives the muscle fibres a chance to relax, resulting in a more tender and consistent texture.
But how long should you let it rest? For a medium steak, aim for a resting period of around 5 minutes. Tent the steak loosely with foil to retain some heat without overcooking it. This brief resting period is just enough time to let the steak's juices settle, enhancing its flavour and texture.
During the resting period, you can quickly prepare a sauce or side dish to accompany your steak. A compound butter, such as garlic-herb butter, is a classic choice that can be made in mere minutes. Simply mix softened butter with garlic, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper, and you've got a delicious topping for your steak.
Additionally, the resting period is the perfect time to bring your steak to room temperature if you haven't already. Allowing the steak to rest for 20-25 minutes or even 30 minutes before cooking ensures a more even cook, resulting in a less tough texture. So, the next time you air fry a steak, remember that the resting period is just as important as the cooking process itself!
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Serve with your favourite sauce
Once your steak is cooked to perfection, it's time to serve it with your favourite sauce. This can be a simple herb butter, garlic butter with herbs, or a more complex sauce like a red wine reduction or bearnaise. If you're feeling extra indulgent, a creamy peppercorn sauce or a rich mushroom sauce could be a perfect pairing. For a lighter option, a fresh herb vinaigrette or a tangy chimichurri sauce might be more your style.
For a classic steakhouse experience, serve your sauce on the side so each bite can be customized. Or, take a more liberal approach and generously spoon your sauce over the steak, ensuring every mouthful is packed with flavour. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different sauces to find your favourite pairing.
As for sides, consider roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. Potatoes are also a classic choice, whether they're smashed, mashed, or in the form of crispy french fries. A seasonal green salad can add a refreshing touch to your meal.
And don't forget, the key to a great steak is letting it rest. After cooking, let your steak sit for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite. Then, slice against the grain for the most tender steak experience.
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Frequently asked questions
For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway. The internal temperature should be 140°F.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 4 to 10 minutes before adding the steaks. This ensures the outside gets brown.
Allow your steak to rest for 3 to 10 minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
You can use any cut of steak, but those with some intramuscular fat marbling will stay juicy throughout the cooking process.
