Ella Walter
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy and tender steak that is seared on the outside and pink on the inside. There are a few key steps to follow for the perfect air-fried steak. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 200°C. Then, season your steak with salt, pepper, garlic, and any other desired spices or herbs. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-13 minutes for a medium-rare steak, flipping halfway through. For a well-done steak, wrap the steak in tinfoil and cook for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and cook to your preferred level of doneness.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Steak in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak Type | Ribeye, New York strip, sirloin, filet mignon, t-bone |
| Steak Thickness | 1-inch thick or thicker/thinner depending on preference |
| Steak Temperature | Bring to room temperature for 20-30 minutes |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 400°F |
| Air Fryer Preheat Time | 10 minutes or 5 minutes |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, olive oil, avocado oil, butter |
| Cook Time | 10-13 minutes for medium-rare, adjust according to thickness |
| Flip Time | Halfway through cooking |
| Rest Time | 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of steak
First, consider the type of steak you want to cook. Popular options for the air fryer include ribeye, New York strip, sirloin, t-bone, and filet mignon. These cuts are versatile and suitable for air frying. For example, ribeye steaks are known for their marbling, which adds flavour and tenderness. Sirloin steaks, on the other hand, offer a leaner option and are divided into top sirloin, which is more tender, and bottom sirloin, which is larger and slightly tougher.
Second, pay attention to the thickness of the steak. For the best results, choose steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly in the air fryer, resulting in uneven browning. If you are using frozen steaks, allow enough time for them to thaw and reach room temperature before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and improves the texture of the meat.
Third, consider the level of doneness you prefer. Different cuts of steak have varying levels of doneness that suit them best. For example, flank steak is best enjoyed rare, medium-rare, or medium, as it can become chewy if overcooked. On the other hand, New York strip and ribeye steaks are versatile and can be cooked to your desired doneness, whether you prefer them rare or well done.
Lastly, think about the flavour profile you want to achieve. Different cuts of steak have distinct flavours that pair well with specific seasonings and cooking methods. For instance, a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and olive oil can enhance the natural flavours of the meat. If you're using a leaner cut like sirloin, a dry rub with spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes can add colour and depth of flavour.
Remember, the key to choosing the right cut of steak for your air fryer is understanding your preferences and the unique characteristics of each steak type. By considering thickness, desired doneness, and flavour profiles, you can select the perfect steak for a juicy and tender air-fried meal.
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Preparing the steak
Bring the Steak to Room Temperature
Allow your steak to rest and come to room temperature before cooking. Take the steak out of the fridge and leave it uncovered at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. This step helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures a less tough texture.
Pat the Steak Dry
Use paper towels or a clean cloth to pat the steak dry. This step is important as it helps the steak form a nice crust during cooking.
Season the Steak
Brush the steak with a neutral oil like avocado, olive, or vegetable oil. You can also use butter if you prefer. Then, season the steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to enhance the flavour. If you want a more complex flavour profile, consider marinating the steak in a dressing or marinade before seasoning.
Create a Dry Rub (Optional)
If you're using a leaner cut of steak, such as sirloin, consider creating a dry rub. A simple mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika can help improve the overall colour and flavour of the steak.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial, as it ensures the steak cooks evenly and develops a nice crust.
Cook Times and Temperatures
The cooking time and temperature will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. As a general guideline, for a 1-inch thick steak:
- For rare, cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 125°F to 130°F.
- For medium-rare, cook for 10-13 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should be 130°F to 135°F.
- For medium, cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should be 140°F.
Use a Meat Thermometer
To ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to get an accurate reading.
Rest the Steak
After cooking, let the steak rest on a plate tented loosely with foil for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to relax, resulting in a more moist and flavourful bite.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for steak in an air fryer depend on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. It is recommended to use steaks that are at least 1 inch thick, as thinner steaks may cook too fast and not get a chance to brown.
For a medium-rare steak, cook a 1-inch-thick steak in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for 10–13 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature of the steak should be 130–135°F. If you prefer your steak rare, the internal temperature should be 125°F. For a medium steak, the internal temperature should be 140°F.
If you are cooking thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can check the internal temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer. If the steak has not reached your desired temperature, continue cooking and check the temperature every two minutes.
Some people prefer to start with frozen steak to get a crust or sear on the outside by the time the inside is medium-rare. For a 1-inch-thick steak, this would take around 16 minutes in total at 400°F, flipping halfway through.
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Resting the steak
The resting period should be around 5 minutes, but some recipes suggest 10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring the steak is tender and juicy. During this time, the steak's internal temperature will increase by a few degrees, so it's important to remove it from the air fryer before it reaches your desired doneness.
For example, if you're aiming for a medium-rare steak, you should remove it from the air fryer when its internal temperature reaches 130-135°F, as it will continue to cook and increase by a few degrees while resting.
While the steak is resting, you can prepare any toppings or sides, such as seasoned butter, to enhance the flavour.
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Serving suggestions
There are many ways to serve your steak once it's cooked in the air fryer. Firstly, it's a good idea to let your steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute and the fibres relax, ensuring your steak is moist and flavoursome throughout. You can then serve your steak with a side of garlic butter, or herb garlic butter, on top. To make this, place softened butter, garlic, and your choice of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley, in a bowl. Mix until smooth and serve on top of the steak.
You can also serve your steak with a sauce of your choice, or with sides such as chips, a seasonal green salad, or roasted vegetables. Baked potatoes, sweet potato fries, and roasted green beans or asparagus are also great side options. If you have any leftover steak, you can save it for tacos, fajitas, salads, or sandwiches.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking steak in an air fryer is easy! First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, rub oil, salt, and pepper on the steaks. You can also add a dry rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for extra colour. Next, place the steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium. Finally, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
The cooking time depends on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium. For thicker steaks, increase the cooking time accordingly. You can check the internal temperature of your steak with a meat thermometer—the thickest part of the steak should register 125°F for rare, 130 to 135°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium.
Set your air fryer to 400°F. It's important to preheat your air fryer for at least 10 minutes before adding the steaks to ensure a nice, brown sear.
For the best results, bring your steak to room temperature before cooking by letting it sit out for 20-25 minutes. This will help the steak cook more evenly and ensure it's less tough. Additionally, make sure your steaks are at least 1-inch thick, as thinner steaks will cook too fast without browning. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, and leave some space between the steaks for optimal airflow. You can also add a pat of garlic herb butter on top of your steak before serving for extra flavour.
