Air Fryer Steak: Juicy Perfection Every Time

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to achieve a juicy steak with a crispy crust. The air fryer's small space and fan ensure a consistent temperature, so your steak will be cooked to perfection every time. This method is also healthier than traditional cooking methods, cutting down on cooking time and fat without sacrificing flavour.

To cook a juicy steak in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat the air fryer to a high temperature (around 400 degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius) and season your steak with oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add herbs and spices for extra flavour. Place the steak in the air fryer and cook for around 10-12 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to ensure the juices are reincorporated into the meat.

The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of steak cuts, including ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you don't have time to preheat an oven or grill, and it produces minimal mess.

Choosing the right cut of steak

Thickness

It is important to choose a steak with the right thickness for air frying. Steaks that are too thin, less than 1 inch thick, tend to overcook quickly and become chewy. Aim for steaks with a thickness of around 1 to 1.5 inches, such as a porterhouse or sirloin steak. These cuts require less attention during cooking and are perfect for the set-it-and-forget-it nature of air frying.

Marbling

Marbling refers to the flecks of fat within the steak, which adds flavour and juiciness. Cuts like ribeye, also known as "the beauty steak," are well-marbled and excellent choices for air frying. The fat content keeps the steak moist and tender during the cooking process.

Bone-in vs. Boneless

Bone-in steaks, such as a T-bone or bone-in ribeye, can add more moisture and flavour to your steak. However, they can also be a bit more challenging to cook in the air fryer, especially if you're a beginner. Boneless steaks, on the other hand, are easier to work with and still provide a juicy and flavourful result.

Lean vs. Fatty

While fatty cuts like ribeye are popular for their rich flavour, leaner cuts can also be excellent choices for air frying. For example, the flank steak is very lean but has a tender texture and an approachable taste. It's essential to note that leaner cuts may benefit from marinating to enhance their flavour and tenderness.

Doneness

The desired doneness of your steak can also influence your choice of cut. For example, flank steak is best enjoyed rare, medium-rare, or medium, as it can become chewy when overcooked. On the other hand, cuts like filet mignon, known for their soft texture and mild flavour, can be cooked to a wider range of doneness levels while remaining tender.

In summary, when choosing the right cut of steak for your air fryer, consider factors such as thickness, marbling, bone-in vs. boneless, lean vs. fatty, and your desired doneness. With the right cut and proper cooking techniques, you'll be well on your way to a juicy and tender air-fried steak.

Preparing the steak

Next, rub a little olive oil onto both sides of the steaks. You can also add melted butter to the steaks at this stage for extra flavour. Once the steaks are coated, season them generously with salt and pepper, or your chosen seasoning. If you're using a compound butter, now is the time to add it.

After seasoning, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Once preheated, place the steaks inside the air fryer basket and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, and for a well-done steak, aim for 12 to 15 minutes. Remember to flip the steaks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

When the steaks are done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

If desired, top the steaks with additional butter or garlic herb butter before serving.

Cooking the steak

Firstly, remove your steaks from the fridge and allow them to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This is critical for properly cooked steak.

Next, rub a little olive oil on both sides of the steak and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, garlic, rosemary, thyme, or parsley.

Now it's time to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, place the steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes. If you like your steak well done, it will take around 12 to 15 minutes.

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to reincorporate back into the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

Finally, top your steak with a slice of herb butter or garlic butter for an extra decadent touch. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, juicy steak!

Resting the steak

After removing your steak from the air fryer, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This is the minimum amount of time needed to let the steak rest, but you can also leave it for up to 10 minutes. Cover the steak loosely with foil to keep it warm. This will ensure that your steak is perfectly juicy.

If you have cooked your steak to medium-rare, it will continue to cook for a bit after you take it out of the air fryer. So, if you want a medium-rare steak, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reads 130°F on a meat thermometer. It will then rest up to 135°F, so that when you slice it, it will be a perfect medium-rare.

If you are making herb butter to go with your steak, this is a great time to finish preparing it.

Serving the steak

Once your steak is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate or board to rest. It is important to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes, and up to 10 minutes, before serving. Cover the steak loosely with foil to keep it warm. This resting period is critical to achieving a juicy steak as it allows the juices to reincorporate back into the meat.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare the garlic herb butter. In a small bowl, mix butter, parsley, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and salt until thoroughly combined. Place the mixture in the centre of a piece of plastic wrap and roll it into a log shape. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap together to keep it tight and refrigerate until hardened, which should take around 20 minutes.

After the steak has rested, top it with a slice of the garlic herb butter. If you prefer your steak well-done, you can cook it for longer and add an extra pat of butter on top.

Your juicy air-fried steak is now ready to serve. It is best enjoyed with a potato side, such as mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, and a vegetable side, such as green beans, asparagus, or a salad.

Frequently asked questions