Air-Fried London Broil: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

London broil is a popular dish that can be prepared in several ways, and one modern, convenient, and healthier method is to use an air fryer. This guide will teach you how to make a juicy and tender London broil in an air fryer, with a delightful crust that you can't achieve in an oven.

Choosing the right cut of beef

London broil typically refers to a thick steak cut from the lean, tough muscles of the cow's round (leg) or sirloin sections. The top round, in particular, is considered ideal for London broil as it is relatively tender and flavourful. The flatiron steak, also pricier, is another good option as it has a uniform thickness that makes it easier to cook evenly.

When selecting a cut of beef for London broil, it is important to look for high-quality, 100% grass-fed beef. The steak should have a deep ruby colour, indicating freshness, and a rich, nutty scent. Avoid meat with a dark purple colour, as this can result in a bad texture and an iron-like flavour.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, the flank steak is a good choice. It comes from the belly area of the cow and has a consistent wide grain that makes it perfect for marinating and adding flavour to this lean cut. However, flank steak can be a bit chewier, so proper cooking techniques, such as a nice long rest and thin slicing, are crucial to ensuring tenderness.

In summary, when choosing a cut of beef for London broil, opt for high-quality, grass-fed beef with a deep ruby colour and a rich, nutty aroma. Top round, flatiron steak, and flank steak are all excellent choices, each offering its own unique advantages in terms of flavour, tenderness, and price.

Marinating the meat

Place the London Broil in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour your chosen marinade over it. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to a few hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to infuse. If you're short on time, you can cook the London Broil without marinating, but this step is recommended for the best results.

For added depth of flavour, experiment with optional ingredients like minced garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, or citrus zest. These can be added to your marinade or used as a dry rub on the meat. When marinating, remember to turn the steak occasionally to ensure even flavour distribution.

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons less sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the London broil cooking process. By preheating, you ensure the appliance reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the meat. Here's a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for London broil:

Step 1: Remove the London Broil from the Refrigerator

Take the London broil out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is important as it helps the meat cook more evenly. Allowing it to come to room temperature ensures a more consistent cook throughout the steak.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

While the meat is resting, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to around 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking London broil to achieve that perfect sear and doneness. Different air fryer models may have slight variations in temperature settings, so always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat for Cooking

As your air fryer preheats, you can prepare the London broil. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step helps achieve a better sear in the air fryer by reducing steam. Then, brush the meat with a light coat of olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. This promotes browning and prevents the steak from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Season the Meat (Optional)

If you wish to add more flavour to your London broil, this is the time to season it. Generously season the meat with salt and black pepper to enhance its natural beef flavour. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. Remember, if you're new to cooking London broil in an air fryer, it's best to stick to basic seasonings before exploring more creative options.

Step 5: Marinate for Added Flavour (Optional)

For even more flavour, you can marinate the steak. Place the London broil in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and add your chosen marinade. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and then refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to a few hours. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavour will be. If you're short on time, you can cook the London broil without marinating, but it won't have the same depth of flavour.

Step 6: Final Preheat Check

By now, your air fryer should be preheated to the desired temperature, and your steak should be prepared, seasoned, and ready to go. It's important to ensure that your air fryer has reached the set temperature before placing the meat inside. This ensures that your cooking process starts at the right temperature for accurate cooking times and desired doneness.

Seasoning and preparing the London broil

Step 1: Removing the London Broil from the Refrigerator

Take the London broil out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is important as it helps the meat cook more evenly.

Step 2: Preheating the Air Fryer

While the meat is resting, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures a good sear on the meat.

Step 3: Patting the Meat Dry

Use paper towels to pat the London broil dry and remove any excess moisture. This step helps achieve a better sear in the air fryer by reducing the moisture that can cause steam and affect the cooking process.

Step 4: Brushing with Oil

Lightly brush or drizzle olive oil on the meat. This step promotes browning and helps prevent the meat from sticking to the air fryer basket. It also ensures a crisp exterior.

Step 5: Seasoning the Meat

Generously season the London broil with salt and black pepper. This basic seasoning enhances the natural beef flavour. You can also use your favourite steak seasoning or a rub specifically for London broil. If you want to experiment with other seasonings, it is recommended to stick to the basics first and then explore different options once you are more familiar with the cooking method.

Step 6: Marinating (Optional)

If you want to add more flavour or tenderness to your meat, you can marinate the steak. Place the London broil in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and add your chosen marinade. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to a few hours. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavour will infuse. Remember to turn the steak occasionally to ensure even distribution of the marinade.

You can also add other ingredients to your marinade or use them as a dry rub on the meat. Some options include minced garlic, fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), red pepper flakes for heat, balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist, or citrus zest for a refreshing note.

Cooking and resting times

The cooking time for London Broil in an air fryer will depend on the desired level of doneness, the thickness of the steak, and the specific air fryer model being used. It's important to note that the steak will continue to cook while resting after it is removed from the air fryer, so it is recommended to remove it just before it reaches the desired internal temperature.

For a medium-rare steak, cook for about 8-10 minutes on each side, aiming for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). For a medium steak, cook until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C). If you prefer your steak medium-well, aim for an internal temperature of 150-155°F (65-68°C). Finally, for a well-done steak, cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) or above.

It's worth noting that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (62.8°C) for beef, with a resting time of 3 minutes.

After cooking, it is important to let the London Broil rest for a few minutes. This allows the muscle fibres to relax and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavourful steak. The resting time can be anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. Tenting the steak loosely with aluminium foil can help retain heat during the resting process, but this is usually optional.

Frequently asked questions