Air-Fryer Minute Steak: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Minute steak, also known as cube steak, is a cut of beef that is usually inexpensive and easy to cook. It is often pre-tenderized and can be bought at most grocery stores. If you can't find it, you can make your own by pounding a piece of rump roast with a meat mallet until it is about 1/2 inch thick.

Cooking minute steak in an air fryer is a great way to get a delicious and juicy steak with minimal clean-up. The air fryer's quick cooking time and even heat distribution make it ideal for this cut of meat.

Ingredients:

- 4 cube steaks (minute steaks)

- Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional: additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or steak seasoning

Instructions:

1. If desired, marinate the cube steaks in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

2. Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (190-200°C) for 5 minutes.

3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with foil.

4. Place the cube steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being sure to not overlap them.

5. Air fry at 380-400°F (190-200°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

6. Check the internal temperature of the steaks; they are done when they reach 145°F (63°C).

7. Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Your minute steaks are now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, broccoli, or a simple salad.

Choosing the right cut of meat

First, let's understand what minute steak is. Minute steak, also known as cube steak, is a cut of beef that is typically taken from the top or bottom round, near the rump of the cow. This area of the cow can be tough, so the meat is usually tenderized by pounding it with a meat mallet to create deep indentations. This process also gives it its characteristic "cube" shape. You can buy cube steak pre-tenderized at most grocery stores, or you can tenderize it yourself at home.

When selecting minute steak for your air fryer, look for meat with a good amount of marbling. Marbling refers to the small white flecks of fat within the muscle. This fat will help keep the steak moist and juicy during the cooking process. Choose steaks that are about 1/2 inch thick, as this is the ideal thickness for air frying.

If you can't find pre-tenderized cube steaks, you can make your own by placing a 4-ounce piece of rump roast on a cutting board and covering it with plastic wrap. Then, use a meat mallet to pound the steak until it reaches the desired thickness. You can also use other cuts of steak, such as top sirloin, but avoid expensive options like filet mignon.

When it comes to quantity, plan on one steak per person. Minute steaks are typically sold in packages of four, and each steak should weigh around 4-6 ounces.

Finally, consider buying extra cube steaks to store in your freezer for future meals. To freeze, wrap each steak several times in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. When you're ready to cook, simply thaw the steaks overnight in the fridge before preparing them in your air fryer.

Marinating the steak

Firstly, gather your ingredients for the marinade. A simple marinade can be made with olive oil, Worcestershire Sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought marinade or create your own unique blend with additional ingredients such as avocado oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, or garlic powder.

Next, prepare the marinade by mixing the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk or stir the ingredients together until they are well combined. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences.

Now, it's time to add the cube steaks to the marinade. Place the steaks in a shallow baking dish or pan and coat them generously with the marinade. Ensure that all sides of the steaks are well covered. You can use your hands or a brush to rub the marinade onto the meat.

Once the steaks are coated, it's important to let them marinate for a sufficient amount of time. Aim for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator. The longer you marinate, the more tender and flavourful your steaks will be. If you're short on time, even a quick 30-minute marinade will enhance your steaks.

While the steaks are marinating, you can prepare the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that your steaks will cook evenly and efficiently.

After the steaks have finished marinating, remove them from the marinade, allowing any excess sauce to drip off. You can blot the steaks gently with a paper towel if needed.

Now, you're ready to place the steaks in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, working in batches if necessary. If desired, you can line the air fryer with foil before adding the steaks.

Finally, it's time to cook your marinated minute steaks in the air fryer! Follow the cooking instructions provided by your specific air fryer model, aiming for a final internal temperature of 145°F for the steaks. As a guide, cooking times typically range from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your steaks and the model of your air fryer.

Remember to let your steaks rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you begin cooking your minute steak in the air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow to ensure optimal results. Firstly, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for even cooking and can be done by running the air fryer at 400°F if your model lacks a preheat function. Additionally, it is important to prepare the air fryer basket by spraying it with a non-stick cooking spray or coating it with vegetable or olive oil. This step ensures that your steak doesn't stick to the surface and makes cleanup easier.

When placing the steaks in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the steaks in batches. For best results, allow any excess marinade to drip off the steaks before placing them in the air fryer.

It is also worth noting that some recipes suggest lining the air fryer basket or tray with foil, although this is not mandatory. If you choose to do so, simply place the foil in the basket or tray before adding the steaks.

By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to cooking minute steak in your air fryer!

Cooking the steak

Firstly, you'll want to get your steaks ready. If they're frozen, place them in the fridge overnight to thaw out. If you're using regular steaks, place them between two pieces of parchment paper and pound with a meat tenderizer on both sides.

Next, prepare your marinade or seasoning. A simple option is to rub olive oil onto both sides of the steaks and sprinkle with salt and pepper, or a seasoning of your choice. For a more complex flavour, try a marinade of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for the best results.

Now it's time to cook your steaks. Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for 5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, simply run it at the desired temperature for 5 minutes. Place your steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.

Cook your steaks for 5-7 minutes at 380-400°F. If you want your steak to be cooked medium-rare, aim for a cooking time of around 5 minutes. For a well-done steak, 6-7 minutes should be sufficient. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that your steak has reached an internal temperature of 145°F.

Once your steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help keep the steaks moist and tender.

Resting and serving the steak

Resting the steak is an important step in the cooking process. Once you've removed the steak from the air fryer, let it rest for around 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will ensure the steak remains moist and tender, and will also give the juices a chance to settle, so they don't run out of the steak when you cut into it.

You can use this time to make a sauce or gravy to accompany your steak. A peppery white gravy or a compound butter are classic choices, but you could also serve it with a side of steak sauce, or a simple salad.

If you're making a sauce, you could also add some vegetables to it, such as mushrooms or caramelized onions. Alternatively, serve your steak with a side of vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. Potato wedges, baked potatoes, or mashed potatoes also make great sides.

Finally, when you're ready to serve, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. It should have reached at least 145°F.

Frequently asked questions