Air Fryer Steak: Medium-Rare Perfection In Minutes

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that perfect sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. It's faster than grilling and creates less mess. The air fryer's high heat ensures your steak is tender, and you can easily adjust the settings to get your desired level of doneness, whether that's rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done.

Choosing the right steak

First, look for a steak with good marbling. Marbling refers to the white flecks of fat within the meat, and it is essential for adding flavour and juiciness to your steak. A well-marbled steak will result in a more tender and juicy final product.

Next, consider the thickness of the steak. For an air fryer, it is best to choose a steak that is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Thinner steaks tend to cook too quickly and may dry out before achieving a nice brown crust. A thicker steak will give you a better sear and allow for more accurate control over the doneness of your meat.

When it comes to the cut of steak, you have several options. Popular choices include ribeye, New York strip, sirloin, T-bone, and filet mignon. Each cut has its unique characteristics and flavour profiles. For example, ribeye is known for its marbling and rich flavour, while sirloin is a leaner option. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preference and what you want from your steak.

It is also important to bring your steak to room temperature before cooking. Take the steak out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before you plan to cook it. This step helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures a more consistent final product.

Finally, pat your steak dry before seasoning it. This step helps to ensure a nice crust forms on the surface of the meat. Use paper towels or a clean cloth to remove any excess moisture from the surface of the steak before adding your chosen seasonings.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to choosing the right steak for your air fryer and achieving that perfect medium-rare doneness.

Getting the temperature right

The key to a perfect medium-rare steak is achieving the right internal temperature. A meat thermometer is the best tool to ensure your steak is cooked to perfection.

For a medium-rare steak, you're aiming for an internal temperature of between 130°F and 140°F. This is the sweet spot that will give you a beautifully pink, juicy steak.

Here's a step-by-step guide to nailing the temperature:

Preheat your Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. This is the ideal temperature for cooking steaks and will give you a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

Use a Meat Thermometer:

Invest in a good meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of your steak. You can get leave-in meat thermometers that you insert into the steak before putting it in the air fryer, or you can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature as it cooks.

Timing is Key:

For a 1-inch thick steak, cook it in the preheated air fryer for about 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer, so it's important to keep an eye on it.

Check the Temperature:

After 10 minutes, insert your instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to check the temperature. If it hasn't reached 130°F-140°F yet, cook it for another minute or two and check again.

Let it Rest:

Once your steak has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate for at least 10 minutes. This resting time is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

Slice and Serve:

After resting, your medium-rare steak is ready to be sliced and served. The resting time also helps ensure that the steak stays nice and warm, so it's ready to be enjoyed!

Remember, the temperature will continue to rise a few degrees while the steak rests, so remove it from the air fryer just before it reaches your desired temperature. With a little practice and attention to temperature, you'll be cooking perfect medium-rare steaks in your air fryer every time!

Preparing the steak

Firstly, you'll want to choose your steak. The best cuts for the air fryer are ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, T-bone, or porterhouse. Make sure your steaks are at least 1 inch thick—thinner steaks will cook too fast and won't brown properly.

Before you start, take your steaks out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. This should take around 20-30 minutes and will ensure more even cooking.

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the steaks to brown properly.

Now, rub or brush a little oil on both sides of the steaks. This will help with browning and ensure a nice crust forms on the outside of the steak. You can use olive oil, or another neutral oil like avocado oil.

Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper, or a steak seasoning blend. You can also add a dry rub to your steaks if they are leaner cuts like sirloin. A simple dry rub could include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure they have enough space around them for optimal airflow.

Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of your steaks and your desired level of doneness. As a guide, for a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping the steaks halfway through.

Use a meat probe or instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steaks. For medium-rare, you're aiming for an internal temperature of 130-140°F.

When your steaks are done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate for at least 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy, tender steak.

Finally, slice your steaks against the grain and serve. Enjoy!

Cooking the steak

Firstly, take your steaks out of the fridge and let them come up to room temperature. This should take around 20-30 minutes. This is a critical step for properly cooked steak.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the fryer is heating up, pat the steaks dry with paper towels and brush both sides with olive oil. This will help the steaks develop a nice crust. Then, season the steaks with salt and pepper, or a steak seasoning blend.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the steaks. Place them in the fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks and your desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10 minutes and flip at the halfway point for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak cooked to medium, cook for a total of 12 minutes.

After removing the steaks from the air fryer, let them rest on a plate for at least 10 minutes. This is a crucial step as it allows the juices to redistribute and the muscle fibres to relax, resulting in a moist and flavoursome steak.

To check if your steak is done to your liking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be between 130°F and 140°F.

Now it's time to serve your juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked air fryer steak! Enjoy it with your favourite sides and sauces.

Resting the steak

It's important to note that the steak will continue to cook for a few minutes after it has been removed from the heat, so it's best to take it out of the air fryer just before it reaches your desired level of doneness. A meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the steak, which should be between 130°F and 140°F for a medium-rare steak.

Before resting, the steak should be loosely tented with foil to prevent it from cooling down too quickly. This will ensure that your steak stays warm and juicy while it rests.

Finally, it is recommended to bring your steak to room temperature before cooking, which will ensure more even cooking. This can be achieved by removing the steak from the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.

Frequently asked questions