Air-Fryer Cube Steak: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cube steak is a thin, inexpensive cut of beef that is usually pre-tenderized. It is a great option for a quick and easy meal that can be made even more delicious with a simple marinade. Cooking cube steak in an air fryer is an excellent way to prepare the meat as it maintains a consistent temperature, requires very little oil, and helps get dinner on the table in a flash.

Marinade ingredients and prep

Cube steak is a relatively inexpensive cut of beef, usually top sirloin or top round, that has been tenderised by pounding with a meat tenderiser.

A marinade is a great way to add flavour to your cube steak and ensure it is extra tender. The best marinade will consist of:

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic, either minced or in powder form
• Salt, preferably kosher salt
• Pepper, preferably freshly ground

You can also add other spices such as onion powder, coriander, cayenne pepper, and dill seed.

To make the marinade, simply whisk or stir all the ingredients together in a medium-sized mixing bowl. You can also add the ingredients to a large Ziploc bag and shake to combine.

Place the cube steaks in a shallow baking dish or pan and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Leave to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, leave for up to 2 hours.

Once the steaks have been marinated, you can start preparing your air fryer. Line the air fryer basket or tray with foil if you wish, and pre-heat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.

Now you are ready to cook your delicious, tender cube steaks in the air fryer!

Air fryer settings

To make cube steak in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. If you are using a marinade, allow the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, before placing it in the air fryer. If you are not using a marinade, season the steak with salt on both sides.

When your air fryer is preheated, place the steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that there is space around each steak. If you are cooking multiple steaks, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cook the steaks for 6-7 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The steaks are done when they are a nice colour on the outside, and the centre is cooked, with only a very slight pinkness remaining. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the steaks has reached 145°F.

Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking times

The cooking time for your cube steak will depend on the thickness of the meat and the model of your air fryer. As a rule of thumb, you should cook your cube steak for around 5-7 minutes in the air fryer, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Be careful not to overcook your steak, as it will become tough.

If you are cooking your steak straight from the fridge, allow it to rest for around 30 minutes before you start cooking. This will ensure that your steak cooks evenly.

When preparing your steak, you should marinate it for at least an hour, or up to 12 hours. This will help to tenderize the meat and ensure it is juicy and full of flavour. If you are short on time, 30 minutes will be sufficient, but for the best results, it is recommended that you marinate for the full two hours.

Once you have finished cooking your steak, it is important to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will ensure that the juices are retained and your steak is tender.

Serving suggestions

Cube steak is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded, delicious, and affordable meal. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your air-fried cube steak:

Starchy Sides

Potatoes are a great option to serve with cube steak. You can prepare them in a variety of ways, such as Air Fryer Potato Wedges, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, or New Potatoes. If you're looking for something more indulgent, mac n' cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.

Vegetables

Green beans, asparagus, broccoli, or corn are excellent choices to pair with your steak. Air Fryer Asparagus or Air Fryer Broccoli are healthy and tasty options. You could also try something different like Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli or Air Fryer Parmesan Green Beans.

Salads

A simple side salad can complement the steak nicely. If you're looking for something more substantial, you can add avocado slices to your salad.

Rice

Rice is a great option to soak up all the delicious juices from the steak. You can serve it plain or try Puerto Rican Rice and Beans for a more flavorful option.

Gravy

A good gravy can take your steak dinner to the next level. Try a peppery white gravy or a compound butter for a luxurious touch. If you're short on time, a simple steak sauce will also do the trick.

Other Suggestions

• Sauteed onions
• Mushroom gravy
• Roasted vegetables
• Lime wedges

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create a meal that suits your taste and preferences. Enjoy your air-fried cube steak!

Storage and reheating

Leftover cube steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It is best to let the meat cool down to room temperature before storing it.

When you are ready to reheat the steak, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 3-8 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. Thicker cuts of steak may need an additional 1-2 minutes. The steak is done when it is warmed through and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F.

Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This ensures the juices are distributed evenly and your steak will not be rubbery.

You can serve the steak with a dollop of butter and your favorite sides, such as baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, or green beans. Alternatively, slice the steak and serve it over a salad, in a sandwich, or as a kabob with vegetables.

Frequently asked questions