Air Fryer Steak Strips: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cooking steak strips in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that perfect crisp on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside. With minimal ingredients and an easy clean-up, this method is a convenient alternative to grilling or pan-frying. The cooking time depends on your desired level of doneness, but it typically takes around 4-5 minutes for two to three intervals, or 10-15 minutes in total. You can also add your favourite seasonings and spices to elevate the flavour.

Choosing the right steak cut

Tenderness:

The tenderness of the steak is an important factor to consider. Cuts like filet mignon are known for their exceptional tenderness, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. If you prefer your steak with a more tender texture, go for options like filet mignon or ribeye.

Flavour:

Each steak cut has its own unique flavour profile. For instance, ribeye steaks are renowned for their marbling, which ensures a juicy and flavourful result. The fat renders during cooking, creating a delicious exterior. If you prioritise flavour, ribeye or New York strip could be excellent choices.

Balance of Flavour and Price:

If you're looking for a balance between flavour and price, consider sirloin steak. Sirloin offers a good combination of flavour and affordability. It is a relatively lean cut but stays juicy, making it a versatile option for air frying.

Thickness:

When choosing a steak cut for the air fryer, it's important to select a steak that is at least one inch thick. This ensures optimal cooking and helps prevent overcooking. Smaller, thinner pieces of meat tend to overcook in the air fryer before developing a nice crust. Go for cuts like ribeye or porterhouse that offer a good thickness for air frying.

Marbling and Fat Content:

The fat content of the steak plays a crucial role in the cooking process. Well-marbled steaks with higher fat content tend to remain juicy, even when subjected to the high, dry heat of the air fryer. If you prefer a juicier steak, opt for cuts like ribeye or New York strip, which have a higher fat content.

Remember, the key to choosing the right steak cut is understanding your preferences and the unique attributes of each cut. Consider factors like tenderness, flavour, price, thickness, and fat content to make an informed decision. With the right cut and proper preparation, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious air-fried steak.

Preparing the steak strips

Next, you'll want to cut the steak into bite-sized pieces or strips. If you're aiming for a medium-rare steak, cut the steak into larger pieces, as smaller pieces may cook through too quickly. It is recommended that you don't cut the steak into pieces smaller than 1 inch, as the centre may cook faster than the exterior.

Before cooking, you can season the steak. You can do this up to two days in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to cook. A simple seasoning blend includes avocado or olive oil, salt, and black pepper. You can also add spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning for extra flavour. If you want to get creative, you can marinate the steak strips in a mixture of olive oil, salt, garlic powder, cumin, jalapeño chile powder, chilli powder, and coriander.

Once you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or 420°F, depending on your desired level of doneness and the model of your air fryer. Some recipes recommend cooking at 390°F and flipping the steak halfway through. For a 1-inch steak bite cooked at 400°F, cook for 6 minutes for medium-rare, 8 minutes for medium, and 10 minutes for well-done. If you're cooking at 420°F, cook for about 7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking steak strips in an air fryer depend on your desired level of doneness. Steak strips can be cooked in an air fryer at temperatures ranging from 390°F to 420°F for 4 to 15 minutes.

For a 1-inch thick steak, air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes for medium-rare, 8 minutes for medium, and 10 minutes for well-done. If you want your steak to be crispy on the outside, air fry at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice. For a 1-inch thick medium-rare steak, air fry at 390°F for 6 minutes, shake, and then cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. If you are using a compound butter, spread it on top of the steaks while they are still warm, and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.

The size of the steak pieces and their temperature before cooking will also affect the cooking time. Smaller pieces will cook faster, and it is recommended that pieces be no smaller than 1 inch to prevent overcooking. If your steak is at room temperature before cooking, it will take less time to cook than if it is chilled.

Seasoning and toppings

Seasoning

A good seasoning blend can make your steak strips more flavourful. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and Montreal Steak Seasoning. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your preferred taste.

Oil

Using oil is essential to ensure your steak strips don't stick to the air fryer basket and to help the seasonings stick to the meat. Avocado oil is a popular choice, but you can also use olive oil or butter.

Marinade

Marinating your steak strips before cooking can add extra flavour and moisture. Try combining olive oil with seasonings like salt, garlic powder, cumin, jalapeño chile powder, chili powder, and coriander. Place the steak strips in a resealable plastic bag with the marinade and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Toppings

There are several toppings you can add to your steak strips to take them to the next level:

• Butter: A compound butter, such as garlic butter or chive butter, can be spread on top of the warm steak strips, adding moisture and flavour.
• Cheese: Blue cheese crumbles are a popular choice for steak. Add them to the steak after cooking and allow them to slightly melt, adding a tangy sharpness.
• Herbs: Simmer some herbs in melted butter and pour this mixture over your steak strips for added flavour.

Side dishes

Steak strips cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

Spanish Rice

This is a great option if you're looking for something hearty and filling. Spanish rice is a flavorful dish that pairs well with the steak strips. It's a simple dish to prepare and can be cooked in the same air fryer as the steak, saving time and effort.

Fajita Steak Bowl

Create a fajita steak bowl by serving the steak strips with Spanish rice, sautéed onions, and bell peppers. You can also add other ingredients like guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cheese. This bowl is a tasty and satisfying option that combines a variety of textures and flavors.

Garlic Butter

For a rich and indulgent side dish, serve your steak strips with garlic butter. Melt some butter with garlic, creating a savory and aromatic sauce to drizzle over your steak or use as a dipping sauce. This option is perfect for those who enjoy the classic combination of garlic and steak.

Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri sauce is an herb-based sauce originating from Argentina. It is made by blending fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, and cilantro, resulting in a vibrant and flavorful sauce. Serve it as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over your steak strips for a refreshing and tangy twist.

Roasted Vegetables

Air fryers are excellent for cooking vegetables to perfection. Consider roasting some asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower florets. Season them with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil before placing them in the air fryer. This cooking method will give you tender, slightly charred vegetables that make a delicious and healthy side dish to your steak strips.

Frequently asked questions