Cody Casey
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and clean way to enjoy a juicy and tender cut of meat. It's less intimidating than pan-searing, and you don't have to worry about splatter or mess. The air fryer is also versatile, allowing you to cook your steak to your desired level of doneness, from rare to well done. You can season your steak simply with salt and pepper, or get creative with spice rubs, marinades, and sauces. The key to success is in the preparation, allowing your steak to come to room temperature, and preheating your air fryer for the best results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Porterhouse or sirloin steak |
| Steak thickness | 1-inch |
| Steak weight | 1/2 a pound |
| Steak temperature before cooking | Room temperature |
| Steak temperature duration | 20-30 minutes |
| Oil | Olive oil or neutral oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, black pepper, garlic herb butter, Italian seasoning |
| Air fryer temperature | 200°C or 400°F |
| Air fryer preheating time | 5-10 minutes |
| Air fryer cooking time | 10-15 minutes |
| Air fryer cooking time for medium-rare | 10-13 minutes |
| Air fryer cooking time for medium | 12 minutes |
| Air fryer cooking time for well-done | 12-15 minutes |
| Air fryer cooking time for rare | 7 minutes |
| Air fryer cooking time for medium-rare | 7-11 minutes |
| Air fryer cooking time for medium-well | 11 minutes |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right steak cut
Choosing the right cut of steak is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavour. Here are some tips for selecting the best steak cut for your Amarillo air fryer:
First, consider the thickness of the steak. For even cooking and browning, choose steaks with a thickness of at least 1 inch. Thinner steaks tend to cook too quickly and may not achieve the desired level of doneness. The cooking time will depend on the thickness, so thicker steaks will require a longer cooking time.
Next, select a steak cut that suits your taste preferences and cooking convenience. Some recommended options for air frying include:
- Porterhouse: This cut is known for its hearty flavour and can be divided into top sirloin (tender) and bottom sirloin (leaner and tougher).
- Sirloin: A versatile option that can be lean and is recommended to be at least 1-inch thick.
- T-bone: This cut also comes from the loin primal section, offering a variety of textures and flavours.
- New York Strip: A popular choice for air frying, offering a balance of flavour and convenience.
- Ribeye: A well-marbled cut that is perfect for achieving a juicy and tender texture.
- Top Sirloin: Known for its tenderness, this cut is ideal if you prefer a more delicate texture.
- Filet Mignon: This French term translates to "small, pretty strip," indicating its size and appeal.
Remember, the key to choosing the right steak cut is understanding your preferences and the characteristics of each cut. Some cuts, like the porterhouse and sirloin, offer variations in texture and flavour, allowing you to select the portion that aligns with your desired outcome.
Additionally, consider the level of doneness you prefer. Rare and medium-rare steaks are best achieved with cuts like flank steak, while other cuts may offer more flexibility in cooking levels.
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Preparing the steak
Firstly, choose the right cut of steak. Some recommended options are New York strip, ribeye, t-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon. It is best to use steaks that are at least 1 inch thick, as thinner steaks may cook too quickly and not allow for browning.
Next, bring the steak to room temperature before cooking. Remove the steak from the fridge for around 20-30 minutes beforehand. This helps ensure the steak cooks evenly and results in a less tough texture.
Before seasoning, pat the steak dry using kitchen paper or a clean cloth. This will help the seasoning adhere better to the steak. You can then brush the steak with oil, or rub it with softened butter, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. For a simple seasoning, you can use a dry rub of salt and pepper, along with garlic powder and paprika. Alternatively, you can get creative and experiment with other spices and herbs, such as parsley and chives.
If desired, you can also marinate the steak in a dressing or marinade of your choice to add extra flavour and moisture. A pinch of sugar can also help balance the salty flavours and promote caramelization.
Once the steak is seasoned, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 5-10 minutes. Coating the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil can help prevent the steak from sticking.
Now, you are ready to place the steak into the air fryer basket. It is important to not overcrowd the basket, as proper airflow is necessary for optimal cooking and browning. Use tongs to transfer the steak into the basket, ensuring it is in a single layer.
Finally, you can adjust the cooking time and temperature according to your desired doneness and the thickness of the steak. As a guide, for a 1-inch steak, cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, and 12-13 minutes for medium, flipping the steak halfway through. For well-done steaks, you may need to increase the cooking time further. An instant-read thermometer can be helpful to check the doneness; the thickest part of the steak should register 125°F for rare, 130-135°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium.
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Cooking the steak
Firstly, bring your steak to room temperature. This should be done by taking the steak out of the fridge for 20-30 minutes before cooking. This will ensure your steak cooks evenly and is less tough.
Next, pat your steak dry with a paper towel or clean cloth. Then, rub the steak with olive oil or butter on each side, and season generously with salt and black pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a smoky flavor. If you want to add extra juice and flavor, you can marinate the steak in dressing or marinade.
Now you can place the steak in the air fryer basket. Make sure the air fryer is preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. The cooking time will depend on how well done you like your steak. As a general rule, for a 1-inch steak, cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, and 12-15 minutes for well-done. You should flip the steak halfway through cooking.
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes. This will ensure that the steak stays juicy. For the perfect finish, top your steak with garlic herb butter. To make this, simply mix softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley, and serve on top of the steak.
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a juicy and tender steak with a crispy exterior. It may take a bit of practice to get the timing right, but it's a great method for a high-protein weeknight dinner.
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Making garlic herb butter
To make garlic herb butter to go with your steak, you'll need butter, herbs, garlic, and salt. You can also add in parsley, chives, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and red pepper.
Start with a good-quality butter and let it soften. Then, add in your garlic and herbs, and mix until well combined. You can add in some salt to taste. You can also add in some Worcestershire sauce for a rich and savory flavor. Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl, and let the mixture sit in the fridge while your steaks are cooking.
The garlic herb butter will keep well in the fridge for up to a month and can be frozen for up to three months.
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Serving suggestions
There are many ways to serve your steak cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:
Sides
- Baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, or mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans or asparagus
- Chips
- Seasonal green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Sweet potato fries
Sauces
- Garlic herb butter
- Creamy sauces like alfredo sauce, cheese sauce, or gravy
Steak Toppings
- Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Steak rub
- Dressing or marinade
- Sugar
- Smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper
Other Tips
- For a well-done steak, cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For a medium steak, cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10–11 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For a rare steak, cook for 7 minutes, turning over after 4 minutes.
- Let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
First, allow your steak to come to room temperature before cooking. Then, preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 200°C. Next, rub the steak with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like Italian seasoning or smoked paprika. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, and for a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes. Finally, let the steak rest for 10 minutes before serving.
The cooking time will depend on the desired doneness and thickness of your steak. As a general rule, cook a 1-inch steak at 200°C for about 7 minutes for rare, 9 minutes for medium-rare, 11 minutes for medium-well, and 12 minutes for well-done. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner steaks.
The best way to know when your steak is done is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For rare steak, the internal temperature should be 125°F, for medium-rare 130-135°F, and for medium 140°F.
