Air Fryer Steak: Medium-Well Perfection In Minutes

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender, and flavourful steak with a delicate texture. It is also healthier than traditional methods, cutting the cooking time and fat content in half without sacrificing flavour. This guide will teach you how to make a medium-well steak in an air fryer.

Choosing the right cut of steak

The most tender cuts of steak come from the back of the cow, away from the "hoof and horn." These cuts, such as ribeye, strip, tenderloin, and T-bone, are less worked during the cow's life, resulting in more tender meat. The ribeye, in particular, is a popular choice for steak lovers due to its excellent marbling, flavour, and tenderness. The strip steak, also known as the New York Strip, is another option, known for its marbling and deep flavour.

If you prefer a more tender steak, the tenderloin, or filet mignon, is a good choice. While it lacks the flavour of other cuts due to its lack of marbling, its tenderness makes up for it. For a larger cut that offers both tenderness and flavour, the T-bone steak is a great option, as it combines the strip steak and fillet in one.

When selecting a steak, it's also important to consider the grading system. Prime cuts, which come from young, well-fed cows, have the most marbling and are considered superior. Choice beef is still high-quality but has less marbling than prime cuts, while select beef is the leanest option. Additionally, the dry-aging process can improve the tenderness and flavour of the meat, making it a special treat for occasions.

Finally, the thickness of the steak is crucial. For a perfect medium-well steak, choose a steak that is at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly and not allow for the desired doneness.

Preparing the steak

Before you begin, take your steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Then, pat the steak dry and rub it with olive oil on each side. You can also add your choice of seasoning. Some common options include salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and steak seasoning.

Once your steak is prepared, you can place it in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, put the steak in the fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. For a medium-well steak, you'll want to aim for an internal temperature of 150-155°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

When your steak is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak.

Air frying the steak

Air frying the perfect medium-well steak is an easy and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparation:

Firstly, take your steaks out of the refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature for around 30 minutes. This is a critical step as it ensures the steak cooks evenly. For the best results, use steaks that are at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too fast and become chewy.

Seasoning:

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Then, rub or brush the steaks with olive oil on each side. This helps the steaks brown better. Next, season the steaks with salt and pepper on each side. You can also add a dry rub of garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or any other spices and seasonings of your choice.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space between them for optimal airflow.

For a medium-well steak, cook the steaks for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks and your desired level of doneness.

Resting:

After air frying, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak.

Serving:

Slice the steak against the grain and serve. For an extra flavour punch, top the steak with a pat of garlic herb butter.

Tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure your desired level of doneness. For a medium-well steak, aim for an internal temperature of 150-155°F.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the steaks in batches if needed.
• For optimal browning, spritz the steaks with a little oil before air frying.
• If you like a crispy crust, add a pinch of sugar to the seasoning.

Resting the steak

After cooking your steak in the air fryer, remove it and place it on a plate or a board. It is important to note that you should not leave the steak in the air fryer basket as it will continue to cook. Tent the steak loosely with foil to prevent it from cooling down too quickly. The steak should rest for at least 10 minutes.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces to accompany your meal. You could also make a herb butter to add an extra punch of flavour to your steak. This can be made by mashing butter with a variety of herbs and spices, such as garlic, shallots, chives, parsley, thyme, tarragon, rosemary, salt and pepper.

Once the steak has rested, you can slice it and serve. It is important to slice the steak against the grain to cut the meat fibres, ensuring your steak is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Serving suggestions

A juicy, tender, air-fried steak is a mouth-watering prospect, but what to serve it with? Here are some ideas for side dishes to accompany your perfectly cooked steak.

Salads

A fresh, crunchy salad is a great way to balance out your meal. Try a Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, a Strawberry Spinach Salad, or a Lemon Sea Salt Arugula Salad. If you're feeling adventurous, why not whip up a Spicy Lemon Salad Dressing to really impress your guests?

Vegetables

Roasted asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, grilled Brussels sprouts, or green beans are all excellent choices to accompany your steak. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try oven-roasted broccoli or pan-fried sweet plantains.

Potatoes

Steak and potatoes are a classic combination for a reason. Baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even French fries will all pair perfectly with your air-fried steak.

Risotto

For a more indulgent side dish, try a creamy mushroom risotto or a beet risotto. This will add a touch of elegance to your meal and is sure to impress your dinner guests.

Other Sides

If you're looking for something a little different, why not try instant pot mashed potatoes, Hasselback potatoes, or oven-roasted butternut squash?) Or, if you're feeling extra adventurous, spice things up with some chilli popcorn shrimp on the side.

Whatever you choose, don't forget to finish your steak with a delicious herb butter or garlic butter to take it to the next level!

Frequently asked questions