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

Skirt steak is a versatile, juicy, and tender cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos to salads. Cooking skirt steak in an air fryer is a quick, simple, and convenient way to prepare a delicious meal without having to grill or use a stovetop. With just a handful of seasonings and a few minutes of cooking, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked steak that is juicy and tender. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make the perfect air-fried skirt steak, including preheating the air fryer, preparing the steak, cooking time, and serving suggestions.

Choosing the right cut of skirt steak

Skirt steak is a long, thin cut of beef with a rich, beefy flavour. It is known for its chewy texture and comes from the underside of the cow, near the diaphragm. There are two types of skirt steak: the outside skirt and the inside skirt. The outside skirt is the more desirable option as it is more tender and flavourful. It is also the more expensive option and can be harder to find. The inside skirt, on the other hand, is wider and less thick, yielding a chewier bite.

When choosing a skirt steak, it is important to look for a cut that is tender and flavourful. The outside skirt steak is the better option if you can find it. It is important to also look for a skirt steak that is not too fatty, as this can be difficult to cook in an air fryer. You should also ensure that your steak is at room temperature before cooking, as this will help to create a nice char.

Before cooking, you should pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help to create a nice crust on the steak. You should also preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. Cut the steak into equal-sized pieces that will fit in your air fryer, and season with your choice of spices and oil.

Now you're ready to cook your skirt steak in the air fryer!

Marinating the skirt steak

To prepare the marinade, you will need a combination of ingredients such as olive oil, lemon or lime juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and various herbs and spices. Place the skirt steak in a plastic bag or a gallon-size zipper bag, and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and massage the steak to ensure it is evenly coated.

After marinating, remove the steak from the bag and allow it to come to room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This step is crucial, as adding a cold steak to a hot air fryer will result in a significant drop in temperature.

Pre-heating the air fryer

Pre-heating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making skirt steak. While some people may think it's unnecessary, it's worth the extra time, especially if you want a nice high heat to start cooking your steak. By pre-heating, you can get a good sear on your steak, which is what you want to achieve when cooking something like steak.

To pre-heat your air fryer, simply turn it on and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding your steak. Most recipes recommend pre-heating your air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes. However, you can adjust the temperature and time depending on your air fryer model and your desired level of doneness for your steak.

While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare your steak by brushing it with oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, and seasoning it with spices like cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. You can also cut the steak into smaller pieces to fit in the air fryer basket or tray.

It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket or tray. If needed, work in batches to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Once the air fryer is pre-heated, you can add your steak and follow the cooking instructions for your desired level of doneness.

Cooking the skirt steak

Skirt steak is a great option for a quick, easy, and tasty meal. It's versatile, juicy, and can be cooked in an air fryer in just a few minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you cook the perfect skirt steak:

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by bringing your steak to room temperature. This is an important step as it ensures even cooking. You can also trim any excess fat from the steak, but a good amount of fat will add flavour. If you're using a marinade, place the steak in a plastic bag or bowl and cover it with the marinade. Leave it to soak for at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps create a nice sear on the steak. While the air fryer is heating up, you can brush or rub both sides of the steak with oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil.

Step 3: Season the Steak

Combine your desired seasonings in a small bowl. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, or steak seasoning blends. Rub the seasoning mixture over both sides of the steak, ensuring it's evenly coated.

Step 4: Cut the Steak

If needed, cut the steak into smaller pieces to fit in your air fryer basket or tray. You can cut it into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Steak

Place the steak pieces into the preheated air fryer, leaving some space between them for proper air circulation. Cook the steak for about 3-5 minutes for a medium-rare steak, and 6-10 minutes for a medium steak. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness.

Step 6: Rest and Slice the Steak

Once the steak is cooked to your desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover it loosely with aluminium foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Finally, slice the steak against the grain for the most tender results.

Your air fryer skirt steak is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with your favourite sides, such as salads, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Resting and slicing the skirt steak

Resting the skirt steak is an important step in the cooking process. Once you've cooked the steak to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Cover the steak with aluminium foil to keep it warm.

Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender. It also gives the steak time to finish cooking, as the internal temperature will continue to rise slightly as it rests. This is called "carryover cooking".

When you're ready to slice the skirt steak, use a sharp knife to cut against the grain. This will keep the steak tender. If you cut with the grain, the steak can become excessively chewy.

Finally, serve the skirt steak with your choice of sides and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions