Air-Fried Flank Steak: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking flank steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tender, juicy, and flavourful steak without heating up your kitchen. The air fryer cooks the steak to perfection in just 10 to 15 minutes, making it a convenient option for those who are intimidated by grilling or short on time.

To make flank steak in an air fryer, start by marinating the steak or applying a dry rub with spices like brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, preheat your air fryer to between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the steak for around 4 to 8 minutes on each side, depending on your desired doneness. Finally, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.

Some side dish suggestions to serve with your air fryer flank steak include salads, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and garlicky sauteed mushrooms.

Marinating the steak

Marinating your flank steak is an important step in the cooking process, as it helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour. The longer you can leave the steak to marinate, the better—up to a maximum of 24 hours. However, if you're short on time, an hour or so will still give delicious results.

To begin, create your marinade. A simple combination of olive oil, coconut aminos or soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic will work well. You can also add some spices such as oregano, chilli powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder for extra flavour. Once you have mixed your marinade, place your flank steak in a sealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Remove as much air as possible from the bag, seal, and place in the refrigerator.

While the steak is marinating, you can make some shallow cuts in a crosshatch pattern on both sides of the meat. This step is optional but will help the flavours of the marinade to penetrate the steak.

When you're ready to cook the steak, remove it from the marinade and allow it to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. During this time, preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Now your steak is ready to be cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

Choosing a dry rub

Know Your Flavour Profile

Before you start mixing spices, it's important to determine the flavour profile you want to achieve. Do you prefer a spicy kick, a sweet and savoury blend, or a more subtle hint of smokiness? Knowing your desired flavour profile will guide your spice selection.

Select Your Spices

Once you have a general idea of the flavour profile, it's time to choose your spices. Here are some common spices used in dry rubs for flank steak:

• Salt: A essential seasoning that enhances the natural flavour of the beef.
• Black Pepper: Adds a sharp, pungent flavour.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a sweet and caramelized crust when cooked.
• Paprika: Offers a mild, sweet pepper flavour and a vibrant red colour.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a savoury, garlicky punch without the texture of fresh garlic.
• Onion Powder: Adds a subtle onion flavour without the moisture of fresh onions.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a spicy kick and a touch of warmth.

Experiment and Adjust

Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations and amounts of spices. Start with a small batch and taste it on a small piece of steak or even a piece of bread. Adjust the ratios until you find a blend that suits your taste.

Storage and Freshness

When storing your dry rub, use an airtight container to maintain freshness and keep it in a cool, dry place. Whole spices tend to last longer than ground spices, so if you're using ground spices, aim to use them within a few months for the best flavour.

Applying the Dry Rub

When applying the dry rub to your flank steak, ensure the steak is dry by blotting it with a paper towel. Then, generously rub the spice mixture all over the steak, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Let the steak sit for a few minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat before placing it in the air fryer.

Pre-heating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making flank steak. It ensures that your steak cooks evenly and efficiently. Here is a detailed guide on pre-heating your air fryer for flank steak perfection:

Firstly, it is important to ensure that your air fryer is clean and dry before you begin. Most air fryers have a preheat setting, so you can simply select this option and set the temperature to 400° Fahrenheit. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, don't worry! Simply set the temperature to 400° Fahrenheit and let it heat up for around 5 minutes. This is a crucial step as it ensures your air fryer is at the optimal temperature for cooking flank steak.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your steak by patting it dry with a paper towel and applying your chosen seasoning or marinade. This will ensure the steak is ready to go as soon as your air fryer reaches the desired temperature.

Once your air fryer has preheated, it is a good idea to lightly coat the air fryer basket with non-stick spray to prevent your steak from sticking. You can then place your steak into the basket, ensuring it lies flat and does not overlap with itself.

Depending on your desired level of doneness, you can cook your flank steak for around 7-8 minutes for a 2-pound steak, or 4 minutes on each side for a 1-pound steak. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130° Fahrenheit.

And that's it! By following these simple steps, you will have successfully preheated your air fryer, ready for cooking a delicious flank steak.

Cooking the steak

The key to cooking flank steak is to sear the outside while leaving the middle rare, medium rare, or medium. Then, remove from the heat, cover, and let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Before cooking, you can marinate your steak in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or leave it on the counter if you plan to cook within an hour. You should try to marinate the steak for at least an hour.

If you don't want to marinate your steak, you can use a dry rub instead. To make a dry rub, combine brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, gently tenderize the flank steak with a meat tenderizer and rub the dry rub into the steak with your hands, making sure to cover all sides.

When you're ready to cook the steak, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for around 4-7 minutes, depending on how well done you like your steak. For a medium-rare steak, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F. For a medium steak, aim for an internal temperature of 140-145°F.

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Then, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.

Resting and slicing the steak

Resting the steak is an important step in the cooking process. After removing the steak from the air fryer, cover it with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

When it comes to slicing the flank steak, it is crucial to cut against the grain. This means cutting in the opposite direction of the muscle fibres. By slicing against the grain, you achieve a more tender steak that is easier to chew. The direction of the grain can vary, so be sure to identify it before slicing.

Using a sharp knife, cut the steak into thin slices. The thinner the slices, the more tender the steak will seem. This is because you are breaking apart the muscle fibres with each cut, making it easier to chew and improving the overall texture.

For a 2-pound steak, 7 minutes in the air fryer will typically result in a medium-rare steak, which is the ideal doneness for flank steak. If you prefer your steak more well done, simply increase the cooking time by a minute or two. However, be cautious not to overcook it, as flank steak can become chewy and dry if cooked for too long.

Frequently asked questions