Air-Fried Sirloin: A Quick And Easy Guide

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to achieve a perfectly cooked steak. The air fryer's high convection heat and consistent temperature mean you can get a uniformly seared and juicy steak with minimal clean-up required. This paragraph will tell you how to make sirloin in an air fryer.

Allow the sirloin to reach room temperature before cooking

Allowing your sirloin to reach room temperature before cooking in an air fryer is a crucial step for achieving the desired level of doneness. While it may seem counterintuitive to leave meat out of the fridge, there are several valid reasons for doing so. Firstly, it ensures a more even cook. By bringing the meat closer to room temperature, you prevent the outer edges from getting too hot and crispy while the centre remains undercooked. This technique is especially important for thicker cuts of meat, such as sirloin, as it helps to narrow the temperature gradient between the exterior and interior of the steak.

However, it is important to be mindful of food safety guidelines. Raw meat should not be left out at room temperature for extended periods. According to the USDA, perishable food should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours to avoid the risk of harmful bacteria. Therefore, it is generally recommended to let your sirloin sit out for around 20 minutes to an hour before cooking, depending on its thickness. This will ensure that the meat cooks more evenly without compromising food safety.

Additionally, starting with room-temperature meat can also enhance the flavour and texture of your sirloin. When meat is colder, more energy is required to evaporate moisture from its surface during cooking, which can impact the overall cooking time and texture. By allowing your sirloin to reach room temperature, you reduce the moisture differential and promote a more consistent cook, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak.

In summary, letting your sirloin reach room temperature before air frying is a crucial step for achieving an even cook and the desired level of doneness. By tempering the meat, you can prevent overcooking the exterior while ensuring the centre reaches the desired temperature. Just be mindful of food safety guidelines and avoid leaving the meat out for too long.

Use a meat thermometer to check the steak's temperature

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check the temperature of your steak. This is the most accurate way to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

The temperature you are aiming for will depend on how well done you like your steak. For a rare steak, the temperature should be 125°F, while for medium-rare, you are looking for 130-135°F. A medium steak will be 140-145°F, and a medium-well steak will be 150-155°F. If you prefer your steak well done, it should be cooked to a temperature of 160-165°F.

It is important to note that your steak will continue to cook for a few minutes after you remove it from the air fryer, so if you are aiming for medium-rare, you should take your steak out of the air fryer when it reaches 130°F. It will then rest and the temperature will rise to 135°F.

Using a meat thermometer is a foolproof way to ensure your steak is cooked to perfection.

Season generously with salt and pepper

When seasoning your sirloin steak, be generous with the salt and pepper. This is an important step as the air fryer will create a thick, crunchy crust, which is even tastier when it's well-seasoned.

If you're cooking a thicker cut of steak, like a sirloin, it's best to season it generously with salt and pepper, rather than marinating it. This is because the air fryer will create a delicious, crunchy texture without the need for a marinade.

You can use kosher salt or regular table salt, depending on your preference. Just be aware that if you're using table salt, you might want to add a little less, as it's finer and more concentrated.

If you want to add extra flavour, you can rub the steak with olive oil before seasoning it with salt and pepper. This will help to create a caramelized crust on the outside of the meat.

Once you've seasoned the steak, you can place it in the air fryer and cook it to your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook it for around 10 minutes. For medium, cook it for 12-14 minutes, and for medium-well, cook it for around 14 minutes.

Let the steak rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing

Allowing the steak to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing is a crucial step in the cooking process. This resting period gives the steak time to reabsorb its juices, ensuring that they don't run out onto the cutting board when you cut into it. This step is essential in achieving the desired level of doneness and creating a juicy, tender steak.

During the resting period, the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise slightly, allowing it to finish cooking to perfection. This is especially important if you are aiming for a medium-rare steak, as you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 130°F, and it will rest up to 135°F. This ensures that your steak is perfectly pink and juicy when sliced.

Additionally, the resting period gives you the opportunity to make any desired side dishes or sauces to accompany your steak. Some suggested sides include mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, crispy onions, roasted asparagus, or a salad.

Moreover, resting the steak makes it easier to slice and ensures that the juices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. This results in a more aesthetically pleasing presentation and a better dining experience.

Finally, the resting period allows you to clean up your air fryer and prepare any necessary utensils, ensuring that your meal is served without any mess or distractions.

Serve with traditional steakhouse sides

There are many traditional steakhouse sides that you can serve with your air-fried sirloin. Here are some ideas:

Starchy Sides

Steakhouses often serve potatoes in various forms, such as:

• Mashed potatoes
• Baked potatoes
• French fries
• Scalloped potatoes
• Hash browns
• Twice-baked potatoes
• Chive smashed potatoes
• Potato skins
• Potato wedges
• Sweet potato fries
• Au gratin potatoes

Other starchy sides you may find on a steakhouse menu include:

• Mac & cheese
• Cheesy stuffed baked potatoes
• Baked parmesan broccoli
• Cornmeal parker house rolls
• Golden honey pan rolls

Vegetables

Steakhouses often offer a range of vegetable sides, which can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as:

• Roasted asparagus
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Creamed spinach
• Steamed broccoli
• Green beans (e.g., Green Beans Amandine, Old-Fashioned Green Beans)
• Lemon-garlic mushrooms
• Brussels sprouts (e.g., with rosemary cream sauce, garlic-roasted, or with bacon and balsamic)
• Baked sweet potatoes
• Slow-cooked corn on the cob
• Lemon-roasted broccoli
• Baked parmesan broccoli
• Creamed corn with bacon

Salads

Some steakhouses may also offer salads as a side, such as:

• Wedge salad
• Caesar salad
• Tomato, avocado, and corn salad

Seafood

Additionally, some steakhouses may offer seafood sides, such as:

• Crab cakes
• Shellfish towers
• Oysters Rockefeller

Frequently asked questions