Air-Fried Sirloin Steak: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a great way to cook steak. They're faster than using an oven or grill, and you get a juicy, tender steak with a crunchy texture and no mess. The high heat helps keep the steak tender, and the circulating hot air ensures the steak cooks evenly.

To cook sirloin steak in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat the air fryer to a high temperature (around 400°F). Then, season your steak with salt and pepper, or a dry rub, and pat it dry with a paper towel. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for around 10 minutes for a medium-rare steak, or 12 minutes for a medium steak. Thicker cuts of steak will need a little longer. Once cooked, let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.

Choosing the right cut of steak

Type of Steak

When it comes to the type of steak, you have a lot of options. Sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, and filet mignon are all great choices for the air fryer. These cuts tend to have a good amount of marbling, which leads to a juicy and flavourful steak. Other options include top sirloin, flat iron, tri-tip, and hanger steak.

Thickness

The thickness of your steak will impact cooking time and doneness. For the best results, choose steaks that are between 1 and 1.5 inches thick. Thinner steaks may overcook quickly, while thicker steaks will require a longer cooking time.

Marbling

Marbling refers to the amount of fat within the meat. A well-marbled steak will have a more robust flavour and will be more tender and juicy. Look for steaks with a moderate to high amount of marbling for the best results.

Weight

Steaks that are between 6 and 10 ounces are ideal for air frying. This size allows for even cooking and ensures that the steak will not be too crowded in the air fryer basket.

Room Temperature

For the best results, take your steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the steak to come to room temperature, which helps it cook more evenly.

Doneness

How you like your steak done is a matter of personal preference. Rare, medium-rare, and medium steaks are the most common doneness levels. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness.

Seasoning

Keep seasoning simple with salt and pepper, or use a steak rub or seasoning mix. You can also brush the steak with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and create a delicious crust.

In summary, choosing the right cut of steak for your air fryer involves considering the type of steak, thickness, marbling, weight, and desired doneness. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a perfectly cooked air fryer steak!

How to season your steak

Seasoning your steak is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here's a detailed guide on how to season your steak perfectly:

Choose the Right Steak:

Select a steak cut that is suitable for air frying. Sirloin steak is an excellent option, but you can also choose other cuts such as ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon. Look for steaks that are at least 1-inch thick, as thinner steaks may cook too quickly and dry out.

Bring to Room Temperature:

Take your steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. This step is important because it helps the steak cook more evenly. If you're short on time, even 15 minutes at room temperature can make a difference.

Pat Dry:

Use paper towels to pat the steaks dry. Removing excess moisture from the surface of the steak will help ensure a better sear and crust during cooking.

Brush with Oil:

Lightly brush all sides of the steaks with olive oil or another high-smoke-point oil. This step will help the seasonings stick to the steak and promote even browning.

Apply Seasonings:

Generously season your steaks with salt and pepper on all sides. You can also use a steak dry rub or your favourite steak seasoning blend. A simple dry rub can be made by combining garlic powder, onion granules, black pepper, paprika, and ginger. Let the steaks sit for a few minutes after seasoning to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer:

When placing the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Proper airflow is essential for even cooking and browning. If needed, cook the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Flip During Cooking:

Halfway through the cooking process, use tongs to flip the steaks. This ensures even cooking on both sides and helps you achieve the desired doneness.

Rest Before Serving:

After air frying, transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before cutting into them. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to be generous and allow the steak to rest after seasoning so that the flavours can truly enhance the meat. Enjoy your perfectly seasoned air-fried steak!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing of your air fryer steak will depend on your desired level of doneness, the thickness of your steak, and the type of air fryer you have.

For a medium-rare steak, you should air fry for around 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 125°F/52°C. For a medium steak, air fry for 8-9 minutes, or 130°F/54°C. For a medium-well steak, air fry for 11 minutes, or 135°F/57°C. And for a well-done steak, air fry for 12-14 minutes, or 145°F/63°C.

However, these timings are just a guide and may need to be adjusted depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your steak. It is always best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

When cooking your steak, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 3-5 minutes. Then, put your steaks in the basket and air fry for the desired time, flipping the steak halfway through. Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a plate, loosely cover them with foil, and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Some air fryers may have different temperature settings, so adjust the temperature and timing accordingly. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your steak while it is cooking to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Resting your steak

During the resting period, it's a good idea to loosely cover the steak with foil. This helps to keep the steak warm without affecting its texture. Additionally, if you're cooking multiple steaks, it's best to rest them in a single layer, rather than stacking them on top of each other, to prevent them from overcooking.

While it may be tempting to cut into your steak immediately after cooking, the resting period is essential for ensuring a juicy and tender steak. This is when the magic happens, as the steak continues to cook gently and the juices settle, resulting in a more flavourful and enjoyable eating experience.

Another benefit of resting your steak is that it gives you time to prepare any side dishes or sauces that you may be serving alongside your steak. This ensures that your meal is ready to be served as soon as your steak has finished resting, creating a well-rounded and delicious dining experience.

Reheating and storing your steak

Leftover steak can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be served cold on a salad or in a wrap, or reheated gently in the air fryer at a low temperature (300°F/150°C) for a few minutes, being careful not to overcook it.

To reheat in the air fryer, place the steak in the basket and heat at 320°F/160°C for 3-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak. You can also reheat steak in the microwave; place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on high power at 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Leftover steak can be used in soups, stews, curries, sandwiches, paninis, and more.

Frequently asked questions