Mastering The New York Strip Steak In An Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook a New York strip steak – they're convenient, they're quick, and they can produce a tender, juicy steak with a nice sear on the outside. Here's a step-by-step guide to making the perfect New York strip steak in an air fryer.

Choosing the right steak

Look for the Right Cut

The New York strip steak is a specific cut of beef that comes from the short loin, which is the most tender part of the loin. It is boneless and is the steak on one side of a T-bone or Porterhouse, opposite the filet mignon. This cut is known for its bold, beefy flavour and medium texture. When purchasing, ensure it has been cut properly without a long tail of fat on the end, as this will not render into the meat and add flavour.

Check for Marbling

Look for a webbing of fat within the steak, as this will cook down and naturally flavour the meat. The New York strip is leaner than other cuts like the ribeye, but it should still have some marbling for a robust flavour and a juicy texture. This marbling is key to the steak's flavour, so don't be afraid of a little fat!

Thickness Matters

For the best results, choose a New York strip steak that is at least 1.5 inches thick and between 8-10 ounces. This thickness ensures the steak cooks evenly and results in a juicy, tender bite. Thinner steaks will cook faster and may not give you the desired doneness.

Freshness Counts

Always check the freshness of the steak. If possible, buy it from a trusted butcher or a reputable grocery store. Look for grass-fed, organic options if available. You can also order from small farms online or source from local farms to ensure the highest quality and freshness.

Bring it to Room Temperature

Before cooking your New York strip steak, remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes ahead of time. Dry it with a paper towel and let it come to room temperature. This step is important because it helps the steak cook more evenly, resulting in a perfect medium-rare or medium doneness without overcooking the exterior.

Remember, when choosing the right New York strip steak, look for a well-marbled cut with the right thickness from a trusted source. Bringing it to room temperature before cooking ensures the best results. Now you're ready to cook the perfect New York strip in your air fryer!

Preparing the steak

First, remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 to 45 minutes before you are ready to cook it. The steak should be about 1- to 1 1/4-inch thick. Pat the steak dry with paper towels, and sprinkle a generous amount of salt on both sides. Allow the steak to rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes.

Just before cooking, spray the steak with cooking oil on both sides, and add any remaining seasonings, such as minced onion, black pepper, or steak seasoning. You can also brush the steak lightly with avocado oil, or use ghee (clarified butter).

Next, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the manufacturer's instructions. When the air fryer is fully preheated, carefully place the steak in the heated basket on top of the tray insert using tongs.

If you are cooking more than one steak, it is important not to let the pieces of steak touch. This will ensure that they cook evenly and crisp along the outside.

Air fryer settings

The air fryer is a great alternative to grilling or pan-frying your New York strip steak. It's faster, easier to clean up, and requires less oil. Plus, you get a juicy, tender, and flavourful steak without the mess.

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Take the steak out of the refrigerator 15-30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. If your steak is very thick, you can slice it in half. Brush or rub both sides of the steak lightly with avocado oil or olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like steak seasoning, garlic, rosemary, or thyme.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If your air fryer doesn't reach 400 degrees, you can cook the steak at 375 or 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a slightly longer time.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Place the steak in the air fryer basket. If using a crisper plate, put the steak on the plate inside the basket. For a medium-rare steak, cook for about 10 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. For a medium steak, cook for 11-12 minutes, and for medium-well, cook for about 13 minutes. If you prefer your steak well-done, cook for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

After cooking, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. For an extra boost of flavour, spread some compound butter on top of the steak while it's still warm.

Tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it's cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• If using frozen steak, add a couple of minutes to the cooking time to account for the thawing process.
• Pick steaks of even thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer; cook one or two steaks at a time for best results.
• Slice your steak against the grain to make it more tender.
• Use a simple basket air fryer for the best sear and results.

Cooking time

The cooking time for a New York strip steak in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.

For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping the steak once halfway through. For a thicker cut of meat, you may need to add a minute on each side, checking the internal temperature at the halfway point.

If you prefer your steak more well-done, increase the cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes. For a well-done steak, cook for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

It's important to note that the steak will continue to cook after it's been removed from the air fryer, so it's best to remove it when it's 5°F below your desired temperature.

If you're cooking from frozen, the steak will take longer to cook, around 15-20 minutes for a medium-rare steak and up to 22 minutes for a well-done steak.

Serving suggestions

A perfectly cooked New York strip steak is a delicious meal in itself, but you can elevate the dish with some creative variations and sides. Here are some serving suggestions to make your steak even more mouthwatering:

• Compound Butter: Create a compound butter by mixing softened butter with ingredients like garlic, herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme), or freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Top your steak with a pat of compound butter, allowing it to melt and add a rich, creamy dimension to every bite.
• Grilled Vegetables: Accompany your steak with a side of tender grilled vegetables. Toss asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill them alongside the steak for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
• Red Wine Sauce: Prepare a decadent red wine reduction sauce by simmering a dry red wine with shallots, garlic, and beef stock until thickened. Drizzle this sauce over your steak for a burst of flavour and a beautiful presentation.
• Butter Lettuce Salad: A simple salad of fresh butter lettuce can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak.
• Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for steak, and for good reason. They provide a creamy, comforting complement to the hearty meat. Try Boursin mashed potatoes for an extra touch of flavour.
• Air-fried Vegetables: If you're already using your air fryer for the steak, why not prepare some vegetables in it as well? Air-fried sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans make excellent, healthy sides.
• Steak Sides: For a more indulgent treat, serve your steak with sides like air-fried potatoes, mozzarella alfredo sauce, or bang bang brussels sprouts. These additions will make your meal truly memorable.

Remember, the beauty of a New York strip steak is its versatility. You can keep it simple with just a pat of butter and a sprinkle of herbs, or go all out with a compound butter and an array of sides. The key is to choose accompaniments that complement the flavour and texture of the steak, creating a well-balanced and satisfying dining experience.

Frequently asked questions