Air Fryer Steak: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender steak with a crispy crust. It's healthier than traditional methods, cutting the cooking time and fat content in half without sacrificing flavour.

To cook a steak in an air fryer, preheat the fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Rub the steak with oil and season with salt and pepper, or a dry rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Put the steak in the fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes and serve with garlic butter.

Choosing the right steak cut

Choosing the right cut of steak is essential for a perfect air fryer steak. While personal preferences play a role in selecting the right cut, some options are more suitable for air frying than others. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right steak cut:

Thickness

Steaks that are at least one inch thick are ideal for air frying. Thinner steaks tend to cook too quickly and may become dry and chewy. A thicker steak provides a better sear and allows for more control over the cooking process, resulting in a juicy and tender steak.

Type of Steak

Different types of steak can be used for air frying, including ribeye, New York strip, sirloin, T-bone, top sirloin, filet mignon, and porterhouse. These cuts require minimal preparation and produce excellent results. For instance, ribeye and New York strip steaks have excellent marbling, which adds flavour and moisture to the meat. Sirloin is a leaner option that benefits from a dry rub to enhance its flavour and colour.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice of steak cut depends on individual taste and preferences. Some people prefer the robust flavour of a ribeye, while others may opt for the leaner profile of a sirloin. Consider your desired level of marbling, fat content, and overall texture when selecting the right cut.

Doneness

The desired doneness level of your steak is another critical factor in choosing the right cut. Rare steaks should have an internal temperature between 125°F and 130°F, while medium-rare steaks should fall between 130°F and 140°F. Medium steaks are in the range of 140°F to 150°F, and well-done steaks are cooked to 160°F. Adjusting the cooking time based on your desired doneness is essential to achieving the perfect steak.

Customization

When air frying steak, you have the option to customize the flavours and enhance the overall experience. You can use a store-bought steak rub or create your own marinade for an extra punch of flavour. Adding a pinch of sugar can balance the salty flavours and promote a gorgeous caramelized crust. Fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, thyme, or oregano can also be used to elevate the taste of your steak.

In summary, choosing the right steak cut for your air fryer involves considering the thickness, type of steak, personal preferences, desired doneness, and customization options. By selecting the right cut and following the appropriate cooking techniques, you can achieve a perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavourful steak every time.

Preparing the steak

The next step is to season the steak. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is often recommended, but you can also add other spices and herbs to taste. For example, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, Italian seasoning, paprika, or a store-bought steak rub. You can also marinate the steak in a liquid marinade or dressing for extra flavour. If you wish to add a dry rub, it is best to pat the steak dry with paper towels first to remove any excess moisture.

Once the steak is at room temperature and seasoned, the air fryer should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Some recipes suggest greasing the air fryer basket with a little oil first. Then, the steak can be placed inside the air fryer. For a medium-rare steak, cook for around 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a medium steak, cook for around 12 minutes, and for a well-done steak, 12-15 minutes. The thicker the steak, the longer the cooking time. It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the thickness of the steak, so it is always good to keep an eye on it.

Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This is an important step as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak.

Air-frying the steak

Air-frying steak is a quick and easy way to cook a juicy and tender steak without the mess of splattering oil. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried steak:

Step 1: Choose Your Steak

Select a steak cut that suits your preference. Popular options include ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, porterhouse, t-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon. Ensure your steak is at least 1 inch thick; thinner steaks may overcook and become chewy.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

Take the steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This step is important as it helps the steak cook evenly and stay juicy. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub a little olive oil on both sides of the steak; this step is optional but adds flavour. Season the steak generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or a steak rub of your choice.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Greasing the air fryer basket with a little oil is recommended but optional.

Step 4: Air-Fry the Steak

Place the steak in the air fryer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. For a rare steak, cook for a shorter duration, and for a well-done steak, increase the cooking time. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. You can also top the steak with garlic herb butter or your favourite steak sauce for extra flavour.

Tips for the Perfect Air-Fried Steak:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to achieve your desired doneness.
• Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your steak. Thinner steaks will cook faster, while thicker steaks may require a longer cooking time.

Resting the steak

The resting time can vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. For thinner steaks, a shorter resting time of around 5 minutes may be sufficient. For thicker steaks or if you prefer a well-done steak, you might want to let it rest for closer to 10 minutes.

During the resting period, the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise slightly, so it's important to take it out of the air fryer a few degrees before your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F-140°F, while for a medium steak, you're looking at 140°F-150°F.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces to accompany your meal. This could include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a delicious garlic herb butter to take your steak to the next level.

Remember, the resting time is just as important as the cooking time when it comes to preparing the perfect steak in your air fryer. This step ensures your steak is juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection.

Serving the steak

Once your steak is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This will ensure your steak is juicy and tender. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.

You can top your steak with garlic butter. To make this, mix butter, parsley, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and salt until thoroughly combined. Place the mixture in parchment paper and roll it into a log shape. Refrigerate until you're ready to use it.

You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavours and give the steak a caramelised crust. Or, cover it in creamy sauces, like alfredo sauce, cheese sauce, or gravy.

Serve your air fryer steak with any vegetable and starchy side combo that you like. Here are some suggestions:

• Salads, e.g. caesar salad, spinach salad, or arugula salad
• Potatoes, e.g. mashed sweet potatoes, baked potatoes, or french fries
• Green vegetables, e.g. green beans, asparagus, or broccoli

Frequently asked questions