Marianne Martinez
Wagyu steak is a premium cut of beef that is both tender and full of flavour. While some people prefer to cook it using a cast-iron pan or grill, it can also be cooked in an air fryer. Air fryers are a convenient way to cook steak, as they can produce a tender and juicy steak in under 10 minutes with minimal cleanup. The key to cooking Wagyu steak in an air fryer is to ensure that the steak is seasoned and dried before cooking, as this will help to create a crispy exterior and prevent the steak from drying out. The air fryer should be preheated to a high temperature, and the steak should be cooked for a short amount of time, depending on the desired level of doneness.
Characteristics and Values Table for Wagyu Steak in an Air Fryer:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak Thickness | 1.25" or thicker |
| Steak Type | Wagyu New York Strip, Ribeye, Sirloin, Striploin |
| Seasoning | Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil, Garlic, Butter, Herbs |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 200-400°F |
| Cooking Time | 7-12 minutes |
| Resting Time | 5 minutes |
| Steak Temperature | 110-135°F for medium-rare |
| Air Fryer Type | With a rack |
| Steak Preparation | Dry steak with paper towel, salt the night before, bring to room temperature |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning and salting the steak
Firstly, decide if you want to season the steak in advance or just before cooking. Some chefs recommend seasoning the steak the night before to allow the salt to dry brine and penetrate the meat. This method also helps to dry out the steak, which is essential for achieving a good sear in the air fryer. If you choose to season in advance, simply sprinkle salt and pepper (or a steakhouse blend) on both sides of the steak and leave it uncovered in the fridge. You can also add other herbs and spices to your seasoning blend to infuse more flavour.
If you prefer to season just before cooking, liberally sprinkle kosher salt on all sides of the steak. Kosher salt is recommended for its coarse texture, which can help absorb moisture and create a crispy crust. Let the steak rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. This step is crucial, as it allows the steak to cook more evenly and ensures a juicy texture.
For those who enjoy a good sear, it is essential to dry the steak thoroughly before placing it in the air fryer. Use a paper towel to blot any excess moisture, and ensure the steak is at room temperature to promote even cooking.
Keep in mind that the air fryer's cooking environment is dry, which can cause the steak's surface to dry out. To prevent this, some chefs recommend brushing the steak with butter before cooking. This step not only adds flavour but also helps maintain moisture and creates a delicious crust.
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Preheating the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking a Wagyu steak. While it may seem unnecessary, it is helpful for a fast-cooking recipe like steak by reducing the time it takes to reach the desired temperature.
Firstly, decide on the temperature setting for your air fryer. Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 245 degrees Fahrenheit on the lowest fan setting for 60 minutes. Others recommend a higher temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit for just 3 minutes. If you like your steak rare, you should preheat your air fryer to a lower temperature of 90–100 degrees Fahrenheit. For a medium-rare steak, remove it from the heat when the internal temperature reaches 110–125 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer your steak medium, cook it to 135 degrees Fahrenheit, and for medium-well, aim for 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are using garlic, place the cloves at the bottom of the basket before preheating. You can also throw in some oil-coated garlic cloves during the preheating process, and they will roast nicely. If you want to add some extra flavor to your steak, brush it with butter before placing it in the air fryer.
Remember, the key to cooking steak in an air fryer is not just the temperature but also the timing. You don't want to overcook it, as this can affect the texture and taste.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for your Wagyu steak in an air fryer will depend on the level of doneness you prefer.
If you like your steak rare, cook it until the centre of the steak reaches 90-125°F. For a medium-rare steak, the temperature should be 125-135°F. A medium steak should be cooked to 145°F, and a medium-well steak to 155°F.
One method for cooking Wagyu steak in an air fryer is to preheat the air fryer to 245°F on the lowest fan setting for 60 minutes. Drizzle oil on both sides of the steak, season with pepper, and place it in the air fryer rack. Set a timer for 10 minutes for your first checkpoint. Flip the steak midway through. Check the temperature every 10 minutes until the centre reaches your desired level of doneness. This usually takes anywhere from 20-40 minutes.
Another method is to preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Brush the steak with butter, then place it in the basket as close to the top as possible. Cook at 400°F for 7 minutes without flipping for medium-rare. For other levels of doneness, adjust the cooking time as needed. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
You can also try reverse searing, which involves drying out the exterior of the steak before the final sear. First, season the steak with salt and let it rest on the countertop for about 30 minutes to bring it to room temperature. Then, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the steak in the air fryer for 2.5 minutes on each side. After that, put the steak in a cast-iron pan with truffle-infused olive oil for 1.5 minutes on each side, adding butter, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan and basting the steak with a spoon. Finally, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving.
It's important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the thickness and size of your steak, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.
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Using a cast iron pan
Wagyu steak is a premium cut of beef that is both tender and full of flavour. While some people prefer to cook it using a simple method to allow the flavour of the beef to shine, others like to use a cast iron pan to achieve a good sear.
If you want to use a cast iron pan to cook your Wagyu steak, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure your steak is at room temperature before cooking. This can be achieved by letting it sit on the counter for around 35-40 minutes. You can also season the steak and leave it uncovered in the fridge for a few hours or even a few days in advance, which will help to dry brine the meat and allow the flavours to penetrate. If you have the time, you can also let the steak come to room temperature after removing it from the fridge.
Next, dry the steak with a paper towel. You can then add oil to the steak; options include avocado oil, truffle-infused olive oil, or regular olive oil. At this stage, you can also add other seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic, coriander, mustard, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and onion.
Now, heat your cast iron pan to a high temperature. When the pan is hot, place the steak in the pan and cook for a few minutes on each side, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, cook until the centre of the steak reaches 90-100°F (32-38°C). For medium-rare, cook to an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C). For medium, cook to 145°F (63°C).
Finally, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy, tender steak.
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Resting the steak
Firstly, it is essential to season the steak before resting it. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is often preferred, but you can also experiment with other herbs and spices. Some people choose to season the steak the night before to enhance the flavour and dry brine the meat. This step is entirely optional but can add depth to the flavour of the wagyu steak.
After seasoning, the steak should be allowed to rest at room temperature for a period of time. The ideal duration for resting wagyu steak before cooking is between 30 minutes to one hour. This gives the steak time to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking. During this time, the steak should be kept on a countertop or a drying rack, uncovered.
Once the steak has been cooked in the air fryer, it is essential to let it rest again. This time, the resting period is much shorter, usually around 5 minutes. This final rest allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the steak retains its moisture.
While resting the steak, it is crucial to keep it in a warm place. Covering it with foil can help retain heat, but it is important to ensure that the steak does not cool down too much. It is also worth noting that wagyu steak cooked in an air fryer may not require the same intermittent resting as other cooking methods due to the even circulation of hot air.
In summary, resting the steak is a vital step in cooking wagyu steak in an air fryer. It involves seasoning, bringing the steak to room temperature, and allowing it to rest after cooking. These steps ensure that the steak is juicy, tender, and full of flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Season the steak with salt and pepper and let it sit in the fridge for a few days, or at least an hour. You can also add other seasonings like herbs, garlic, coriander, mustard, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and onion. Then, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Brush the steak with butter and place it in the basket, cooking for 7 minutes without flipping for medium-rare.
The steak should be at least as thick as your largest knuckle, around 2 inches or more.
You can finish your Wagyu steak in a cast-iron pan to get a good sear. First, pat the steak dry with a paper towel. Then, cook the steak in a cast-iron pan with truffle-infused olive oil for 1.5 minutes on each side, basting with butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, cook the steak for around 7 minutes at this temperature for medium-rare. You can cook it for longer if you prefer your steak more well-done.
Wagyu sirloin steak is a good option as it is affordable, tender, and full of flavor. American Wagyu beef is also more affordable than purebred Japanese Wagyu.
