Air-Fryer New York Strip: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to cook New York strip steak – they're fast, easy, and require minimal clean-up. This cooking method also produces a juicy, tender, and flavoursome steak without the need for a grill or a lot of oil. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious New York strip steak in an air fryer, along with some expert tips for the perfect steak.

Choosing the right cut of steak

Thickness:

Aim for a steak with a thickness of around 1 inch. This will ensure even cooking and allow you to achieve the desired doneness. If your steak is thicker, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Type of Steak:

For New York Strip steak, look for a cut from the short loin of the cow. This is a tender and flavourful option that is perfect for air frying. You may also see it labelled as a strip steak or Kansas City strip steak. If you're feeling adventurous, other suitable options for air frying include ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon, and T-bone.

Quality:

When it comes to quality, USDA prime is typically the best option, but it can be expensive. Good alternatives are USDA choice or grass-fed options, which still offer great flavour and texture.

Preparation:

Before cooking, pat your steaks dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat. Season generously with salt and pepper, or a steak seasoning blend of your choice. You can also brush the steaks with avocado oil or olive oil to promote browning and add a little extra flavour.

Temperature:

For the best results, it is recommended to let your steaks come to room temperature before cooking. This can help to ensure even cooking and a tender texture. Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook them.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect cut of steak for your New York Strip in the air fryer.

Preparing the steak for cooking

The first step in preparing your New York strip steak for the air fryer is to remove it from the refrigerator. Place the steak on a plate or cutting board and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes to bring it to room temperature. This step is important because it helps the steak cook more evenly.

Once the steak has reached room temperature, it's time to pat it dry with paper towels. This step will help the steak form a nice sear in the air fryer. After patting the steak dry, brush both sides of the steak lightly with oil. You can use avocado oil, extra-virgin olive oil, or another variety of your choice.

Now it's time to season the steak. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides of the steak. You can also add any other seasonings you like. Some popular options include steak seasoning, rosemary, garlic, or thyme. Be sure to season the steak to your taste preferences.

If you want a more tender steak, you can lightly pound the meat before seasoning. This step is optional but can help create a more tender texture.

At this point, your steak is almost ready for the air fryer. If you want to add a flavour boost, you can top the steak with a pat of butter or a compound butter, such as chive garlic butter. This step is completely optional but can enhance the flavour of the steak.

Finally, if you are using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the steak. This will help you monitor the internal temperature of the steak as it cooks, ensuring your desired level of doneness.

Cooking the steak

Firstly, remove your steaks from the refrigerator and place them on a plate or cutting board for approximately 15-30 minutes before air frying. This allows them to come to room temperature, which helps the steaks cook more evenly.

Next, pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and brush or rub both sides with olive oil or avocado oil. Season the steaks generously on both sides with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings you like. You can also add a pat of butter to the top of the steaks before air frying for added flavor.

Now you're ready to cook the steaks. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and place the steaks in the basket, leaving a small gap between them to allow the air to circulate. Air fry for about 10 minutes for medium-rare, or 15-20 minutes for well-done, flipping the steaks halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steaks.

When the steaks are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle and redistribute, making the steak even juicier. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to your liking. According to the FDA, the proper temperatures for steak doneness range from 125°F (rare) to 160°F (well done).

Finally, slice the steak against the grain and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Resting the steak

During the resting process, the temperature of the steak will continue to rise. This is something to keep in mind when cooking your steak, as you don't want to overcook it. The temperature can increase by up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit while the steak is resting. This means that if you want a medium-rare steak, you should take it out of the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit, as it will continue to cook and increase in temperature as it rests.

It is best to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of your steak, both while it is cooking and while it is resting. This will ensure that your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, you are looking for an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit, while for a medium steak, you want it to reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces to go with it. Some good side dishes to serve with your air fryer New York strip steak include roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, a simple salad, or steakhouse mushrooms. You could also make a compound butter to spread on top of the steak before serving.

Serving suggestions

There are many different ways to serve your New York strip steak. Here are some suggestions:

• With a side of potatoes: Air fryer roasted potatoes, Hasselback bacon and bleu cheese potatoes, parmesan-crusted potatoes, roasted baked potatoes with sour cream and chives, or hobo roasted potatoes with onions and garlic.
• With other vegetables: Air fryer vegetables, green beans, a simple salad, or grilled vegetables.
• With a side of mushrooms: Boursin stuffed mushrooms, or sautéed mushrooms.
• With other sides: Air fryer corn on the cob, air fryer cheese curds, air fryer stuffed mushrooms, air fryer asparagus, air fryer broccoli, or traditional potatoes.
• With a sauce: Top with herb butter, chive butter, or garlic and herb butter. You could also try a vanilla and cherry sauce, truffle butter, or red wine cream sauce.

Frequently asked questions