Air-Fryer Steak Fingers: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Steak fingers are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack or main course. Traditionally, they are deep-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. However, with the rise in popularity of air fryers, it is now possible to achieve the same amazing results with less oil and fewer calories.

Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, giving it a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. This means you can enjoy steak fingers that are healthier, tender and juicy.

Choosing the right cut of meat

Selecting the Right Cut

When choosing the right cut of meat for your steak fingers, opt for a tender cut such as sirloin or ribeye. These cuts are well-marbled with fat, which will melt during the cooking process, adding flavour and moisture to your steak fingers. If you're looking for a more affordable option, cube steak, round steak, sirloin, hanger, flat, or hanger steak can also work well. Cube steak, in particular, is a great choice as it has already been tenderized, making it easier to chew and cook.

Preparing the Meat

Before you start cooking, cut the steak into thin strips, aiming for a width of about 1/2 inch and a length of 2-3 inches. This ensures that the steak cooks evenly and quickly in the air fryer. You can also cut the steak into larger pieces if you prefer, but they will take longer to cook. Once you've cut your steak into the desired size, season it generously with salt and pepper, or a seasoning blend of your choice. You can also marinate the steak strips in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, or your favourite marinade to enhance their flavour and tenderness.

Cooking Tips

When cooking your steak fingers in the air fryer, it's best to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Place the steak fingers in a single layer, leaving enough space between them to allow for proper air circulation. This will help you achieve that crispy, golden brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. For extra crispy results, lightly coat the steak fingers with a thin layer of oil or cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.

Marinating the steak fingers

Firstly, select a suitable cut of beef for your steak fingers. Sirloin, ribeye, and cube steak are all great options, with the latter being a more affordable choice. If you opt for cube steak, which is essentially tenderised round steak, you can purchase it from your local supermarket or directly from a farm.

Next, cut the steak into thin strips, around 1/2 inch wide and 3 to 4 inches long. This ensures that the steak cooks evenly and quickly in the air fryer.

Now it's time to make your marinade. A simple marinade can be made by mixing olive oil or avocado oil with Worcestershire sauce and a generous amount of your favourite steak seasoning. You can also add minced garlic to the mix. Place the steak strips in a bowl or a large plastic bag, and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all sides are coated.

Let the steak fingers marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more intense flavour and tenderness, you can leave them to marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Once the steak fingers have finished marinating, it's time to cook them in your air fryer! Follow the cooking instructions provided in the previous response, and enjoy your delicious, juicy, and tender steak fingers.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you start cooking your steak fingers, it is important to prepare your air fryer to ensure optimal cooking results. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 390-400°F (195-200°C). This step is crucial for even cooking and achieving a crispy exterior. Most recipes recommend preheating for at least one minute, while others suggest a few minutes.
• Grease the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray, such as grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or a non-stick spray. This step prevents the steak fingers from sticking to the basket and makes cleanup easier.
• Arrange the Steak Fingers: Place the steak fingers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded and have enough space between them. This arrangement ensures that the hot air circulates evenly, resulting in even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Avoid Overcrowding: If you have a large batch of steak fingers, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy steak fingers. Cook each batch separately, allowing for proper air circulation.
• Flip During Cooking: To achieve an evenly cooked and crispy exterior, it is recommended to flip the steak fingers halfway through the cooking process. Use tongs or a spatula to gently turn each steak finger.
• Use a Meat Thermometer (Optional): If you want to ensure your steak fingers are cooked to your desired level of doneness, consider using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak finger to check its internal temperature. For medium-rare steak fingers, aim for an internal temperature of 135-145°F (63-71°C).
• Adjust Timing as Needed: Keep in mind that air fryer models can vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keep an eye on your steak fingers during the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

By following these steps, you'll be able to prepare your air fryer for cooking delicious and crispy steak fingers.

Cooking the steak fingers

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to cook your steak fingers! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the steak strips: Start by slicing your cube steak into strips. The exact dimensions can vary, but aim for strips that are around 1 to 1.5 inches wide and 3 to 4 inches long. You can also cut the strips in half to make them more bite-sized. Place the strips in a bowl or on a plate.
• Make the marinade: In a separate bowl, prepare your marinade by mixing together ingredients like avocado oil, Worcestershire sauce, and steak seasoning. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Cajun seasoning for extra flavour.
• Coat the steak strips: Generously coat the steak strips with the marinade, making sure all sides are evenly covered. You can use your hands or tongs to ensure an even coating.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 360-390°F (180-200°C). It's important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Prepare the cooking surface: Lightly coat the air fryer basket or grill pan with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. If using a grill pan, place it inside the air fryer once it's preheated.
• Cook the steak fingers: Place the coated steak strips in the air fryer in a single layer, leaving some space between each strip. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure proper air circulation. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip the steak fingers over. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes for a total cook time of around 6-8 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak strips.
• Prepare the dipping sauce (optional) : While the steak fingers are cooking, you can prepare a dipping sauce if desired. A simple garlic butter can be made by mincing garlic cloves and mixing them with melted butter. Other dipping sauce options include ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or country gravy.
• Rest and serve: Once the steak fingers are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a more tender bite. Serve the steak fingers with your chosen dipping sauce and enjoy!

By following these steps, you'll be able to cook delicious and crispy steak fingers in your air fryer. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and dips to find your favourite combinations. Enjoy your homemade steak fingers!

Serving suggestions

Steak fingers are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even a snack. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your steak fingers and make them even more mouthwatering:

Dipping Sauces

Take your steak fingers to the next level by serving them with a variety of dipping sauces. The classic choice is country gravy, a staple in many diners and a perfect pairing for steak fingers. You can also offer ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing on the side. For an extra kick of flavour, try chimichurri sauce.

Side Dishes

Steak fingers go well with a range of side dishes. For a hearty meal, serve them with French fries and coleslaw. To add some southern flair, pair them with fried green tomatoes, biscuits, spicy cajun fries, roasted okra, or creamy mashed potatoes. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad are also excellent choices to balance out the richness of the steak fingers.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Use the tender steak fingers as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Add some crunch with lettuce and tomato, and don't forget your favourite condiments! You can also toast the bread or warm up the wraps in the air fryer for a few minutes to give them a crispy texture.

Hearty Breakfast

Believe it or not, steak fingers can make a delicious breakfast option. Serve them with scrambled eggs and a side of country gravy for a filling and satisfying start to your day.

Customise Your Steak Fingers

While steak fingers are typically made with beef, you can also experiment with different types of meat. Try using chicken thighs or breasts for a chicken and steak finger combo. Just cut the chicken into strips and follow the same cooking instructions as you would for the beef.

Drinks

A refreshing drink can complement your steak fingers perfectly. For adults, a cold beer or a glass of red wine can be a great pairing. For a non-alcoholic option, a tangy lemonade or an ice-cold glass of milk can hit the spot.

Frequently asked questions