Air-Fryer Carne Asada: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryer, meet carne asada. This delicious dish is simple to make and packed with flavour. It's a quick and convenient way to cook your steak, with a fraction of the prep time and a fraction of the fat. So, how do you make it?

Choosing the right cut of meat

Flank steak and skirt steak are both long, narrow cuts, but they come from different parts of the cow. Flank steak is from the abdominal area under the loin, while skirt steak comes from the diaphragm muscles. Skirt steak is thinner and has more marbling, but it can also be stringier.

When selecting your meat, look for a lean cut with a good amount of marbling. This will ensure that your carne asada is tender and flavourful. If you are using flank steak, keep in mind that it may have a longer cooking time and temperature than skirt steak.

It is also important to note that fresh steak is generally the best choice for air fryer carne asada. Frozen steak tends to release more moisture during cooking, which can result in a less crispy exterior and drier interior. However, if you only have frozen steak, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

For the best results, allow your meat to marinate for at least 30 minutes to help tenderise the steak. You can also marinate it for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer you marinate, the more tender and flavourful your carne asada will be.

Marinating the steak

Firstly, gather your ingredients for the marinade. The specific ingredients and their quantities may vary depending on the recipe you are following. However, common ingredients in a carne asada marinade include olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, pepper, and other spices. You can also add in diced green chiles, cilantro, or the juice of an orange for some extra flavour and citrusy notes.

Once you have your ingredients, combine them in a bowl or measuring cup and mix well. Whisk the ingredients together until you have a smooth, well-blended sauce. You can also use a blender for this step if you prefer.

Now it's time to prepare the steak. Carne asada is typically made with skirt steak or flank steak, but other cuts such as sirloin flap meat or trimmed brisket can also be used. If your steak is too large to fit in the air fryer, cut it into portions that will fit inside. Place the steak in a shallow baking tray or a large zip-top bag.

Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is well-coated. Cover the tray with cling wrap or seal the bag, and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the steak to marinate for at least 4 hours, or even overnight, for the best results. The longer you leave it, the more tender and flavourful it will become. Remember to turn the bag at least once during the marinating process to ensure even coating.

After the steak has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This step is important, as it will help the steak cook more evenly.

Now your steak is ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Simply follow the remaining steps in your chosen recipe for air fryer carne asada, and enjoy your juicy, tender steak.

Cooking the carne asada

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook your carne asada in the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the steak

If your steak is frozen, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. Pat the steak dry on both sides using paper towels. Generously season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasoning.

Step 2: Marinate the steak

In a bowl, combine your chosen marinade ingredients. Common ingredients include olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, and brown sugar. You can also add citrus juices like orange or lemon juice to add a hint of sweetness and help tenderize the meat. Mix the ingredients until you have a smooth sauce.

Place the steak in a gallon-size zipper bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and marinate the steak in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 24 hours, turning the bag at least once. The longer you marinate, the more tender and flavourful the steak will be.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or coat it with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 4: Cook the steak

Place the marinated steak into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the steak into portions or cook it in batches.

Cook the steak for 3 to 5 minutes on one side, then flip it over and cook for an additional 2 to 5 minutes for a medium-rare finish. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness. Remember, it is critical not to overcook skirt steak to prevent the meat from becoming tough.

Step 5: Rest the steak

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent the steak with aluminium foil and let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This step is important as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

Step 6: Slice and serve

After the steak has rested, slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve your carne asada with your choice of sides, such as grilled tortillas, cilantro-lime rice, Mexican corn salad, or avocado fries. Enjoy!

Resting the steak

Firstly, remove the steak from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board or serving platter. Loosely cover it with aluminium foil to keep it warm. The foil doesn't need to be tightly sealed; it's just to help the steak retain some heat while it rests.

Let the steak rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This may seem like a long time, but it's important to be patient. During this time, the juices will redistribute throughout the steak, making it moist and juicy. If you cut into the steak too soon, those delicious juices will end up on your cutting board instead of staying in the meat.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your meal. This is also a good time to wash any utensils or chopping boards that came into contact with raw meat, to avoid cross-contamination.

Once the resting time is up, you can slice into your steak. Remember to cut against the grain for maximum tenderness. This means cutting perpendicular to the lines of muscle fibre that you can see running through the meat.

Finally, serve your carne asada! All that's left to do is enjoy your delicious, juicy steak. Perhaps pair it with some grilled tortillas, cilantro-lime rice, or a Mexican corn salad.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air fryer carne asada. It can be used in tacos, burrito bowls, beef nachos, or a hearty chili con carne. It can also be served with grilled tortillas, cilantro-lime rice, and Mexican corn salad.

For a low-carb option, serve it with avocado fries and sriracha-ranch dip, or frozen jalapeno poppers.

If you want to make your own tortillas, combine 2 cups of flour and 1/2 a teaspoon of salt. Create a well in the centre and add 3/4 cup of water and 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Stir until a rough dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, then divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin, round tortilla shape. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and place a tortilla in it, cooking for 30-60 seconds on each side, until lightly browned and puffy.

You can also serve carne asada with fresh pico de gallo. Combine 2 diced tomatoes, 1/2 a finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup of fresh chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add diced jalapeno, chopped avocado, pineapple, or mango.

Frequently asked questions