Farberware Air Fryer: Perfect Steak, Every Time

The Farberware Air Fryer is a popular kitchen appliance that uses hot air to fry food, offering a healthier and more convenient alternative to traditional frying methods. With its adjustable temperature control, digital timer, and dishwasher-safe parts, it is an excellent choice for cooking a variety of dishes, including steak.

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a simple and effective way to achieve a juicy and tender steak with a crispy, seared exterior. This guide will walk you through the steps to make a delicious steak in your Farberware Air Fryer, ensuring perfect results every time.

Choosing the right steak

Steak Cut

When it comes to selecting the right cut of steak, you have a variety of options that work exceptionally well in an air fryer. Here are some of the best choices:

• Porterhouse
• Sirloin
• New York Strip
• Ribeye
• T-bone
• Top Sirloin
• Filet Mignon

These cuts offer a good balance between flavour and ease of cooking. For example, porterhouse and sirloin steaks require less attention during the cooking process, making them ideal for the air fryer.

Thickness

The thickness of the steak plays a significant role in achieving the desired doneness. It is recommended to choose steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks tend to cook too quickly, resulting in overcooking and a chewy texture. A thicker steak will give you more control over the cooking process and help you achieve the perfect sear and juicy interior.

Weight

Opt for steaks that are around 1/2 pound in weight. This size is not only satisfying but also ensures even cooking in the air fryer. Steaks that are too large might require longer cooking times, which can impact the overall doneness and texture.

Bone-in or Boneless

Whether you choose a bone-in or boneless steak is a matter of personal preference. However, for the air fryer, it is generally recommended to go for boneless steaks. They tend to cook more evenly and require less time compared to bone-in cuts.

Freshness

Always select fresh, high-quality steaks from a reputable source. Look for steaks with bright red colours and a decent amount of marbling (fat distribution), as this will contribute to the juiciness and flavour of the meat.

Preparation

Before cooking your steak in the air fryer, there are a few preparation steps to consider:

• Allow the steak to reach room temperature about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps in achieving even cooking.
• Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for a proper sear and browning.
• Season the steak simply with salt and pepper, or add a dry rub with spices like garlic powder and paprika for enhanced flavour.
• You can also rub the steak with a small amount of oil, such as olive oil, to promote better browning and a crisp exterior.

Remember, choosing the right steak for your air fryer is a personal decision, and you can always experiment with different cuts to find your favourite. However, following these guidelines will help you achieve consistently delicious results.

Preparing the steak

Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of steak. Look for steaks that are at least 1 inch thick, such as ribeye, New York strip, sirloin, or porterhouse. Thicker steaks will require a longer cooking time, so keep that in mind when planning your meal.

Next, remove the steaks from the fridge and let them come to room temperature. This step is important as it helps the steaks cook more evenly and ensures a juicy, tender texture. Aim for at least 20-30 minutes at room temperature before cooking.

Once your steaks are at room temperature, it's time to season them. Start by patting the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Then, rub a small amount of olive oil on both sides of the steaks. You can also spray the steaks with olive oil or use another neutral oil, such as avocado oil. After oiling, season the steaks generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. You can also add other seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or paprika, to enhance the flavor.

At this point, you can also choose to marinate the steaks. While this step is optional, it can add extra flavor to your dish. If you decide to marinate, use your favorite liquid marinade and let the steaks sit for at least an hour or up to 8 hours. Be sure to return the steaks to room temperature before placing them in the air fryer.

Now, it's time to preheat your Farberware Air Fryer. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it heat up for a few minutes. Preheating is crucial as it ensures that your steaks cook evenly and helps to create that desirable crispy texture on the outside.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can grease the air fryer basket by rubbing a small amount of oil on it. This step helps prevent the steaks from sticking to the basket.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you are ready to place the steaks in the basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can affect the cooking process. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the steaks in batches.

Finally, set the timer on your air fryer, following the recommended cooking times based on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Well-done steaks will require a longer cooking time, around 12 to 15 minutes.

Remember, these cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your steaks and the model of your air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steaks to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to preparing delicious, juicy steaks in your Farberware Air Fryer!

Air frying the steak

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your Farberware Air Fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important step as it ensures that the outside of your steak gets a nice brown colour. It also helps to ensure your steak cooks evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your steak. Choose a cut of steak such as ribeye, New York strip, sirloin, or filet mignon with a thickness of around 1 inch. Remove the steak from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Then, rub a little olive oil on both sides of the steak and season with salt and pepper, or your choice of seasonings.

Step 3: Air Fry

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the steak in the basket, ensuring there is enough space around the steak for optimal airflow. Set the timer for the desired cooking time, depending on your preferred level of doneness. As a guide, cook a 1-inch thick steak for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, and 12-15 minutes for medium to well-done. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak. Finally, top with garlic butter, if desired, and serve.

Tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak to ensure it is cooked to your liking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if necessary.
• Keep your air fryer clean by washing the basket and pan with warm soapy water and drying them thoroughly.

Resting the steak

After removing the steak from the air fryer, transfer it to a plate or cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This is the minimum amount of time needed for the juices to redistribute. If you want to keep the steak warm, you can loosely cover it with foil.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces that you plan to serve with it. For example, a garlic herb butter can be a delicious addition to your steak. Simply mix butter, parsley, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and salt to taste, and you'll have a decadent topping for your juicy steak.

If you're aiming for a specific internal temperature, such as medium-rare or medium, it's important to note that the steak's temperature will continue to rise slightly as it rests. So, if you're aiming for a medium-rare steak with an internal temperature of 130-135°F, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches around 125°F, as the temperature will increase by about 5°F during the resting process.

Finally, once the steak has rested, you can slice it against the grain and serve it with your chosen sides and toppings. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer steak!

Serving the steak

Once your steak is cooked to your liking, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure your steak is juicy and tender. The exact resting time can vary, but generally, it's best to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or garnishes you'd like to serve with it. Some classic side dishes for steak include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. You can also serve your steak with a compound butter, such as garlic herb butter, which can be made ahead of time and adds a delicious burst of flavor to your steak.

To serve, simply place the steak on a plate and top it with a pat of garlic herb butter, if using. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, such as rosemary, parsley, or thyme, for extra flavor and a pop of color.

If you're serving multiple steaks, it's best to transfer them to a large platter or individual plates before bringing them to the table. This will make it easier for your guests to help themselves and will ensure the steak stays warm.

Finally, don't forget to slice the steak against the grain for the most tender bite. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer steak!

Frequently asked questions