Air Fryer Steak: The Perfect, Quick, Juicy Steak

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, tender steak with a juicy inside and a crispy crust. This method is less messy than pan-searing and can produce a more evenly cooked steak than grilling.

Choosing the right cut of steak

Thickness

It is important to choose a steak that is at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks may cook too quickly and won't get a chance to brown properly. A thicker steak will also give you more control over the cooking time, allowing you to achieve the desired doneness.

Type of Cut

Different types of steak have different textures, flavours, and fat content, which will impact how they cook in the air fryer. Here are some popular cuts that are well-suited for air frying:

• Ribeye: This cut is known for its rich, buttery flavour and marbling of fat, which makes it tender and juicy. It cooks quickly and is very versatile in terms of seasoning.
• Sirloin: Sirloin is a leaner cut that is ideal for air frying. It has a hearty flavour and can be seasoned with a dry rub to enhance its colour and taste.
• New York Strip: Also known as a strip steak, this cut has a beautiful texture and rich, beefy flavour. It is usually sold without the bone but can also be found as a bone-in Kansas strip.
• Filet Mignon: This cut is extremely lean and tender, with a mild flavour. It is perfect for the air fryer as it allows you to experiment with different rubs, marinades, butters, and sauces.
• T-bone: This cut offers the best of both worlds, with a more robustly flavoured side and a leaner, more tender side. It is usually quite thick and doesn't require complicated seasoning.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the best cut of steak for the air fryer will depend on your personal preference. Whether you prefer a leaner or fattier cut, a more or less intense beefy flavour, or a specific level of doneness, there is a steak cut that will suit your tastes. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cuts to find your favourite.

Preparing the steak

Firstly, choose your steak. A good cut of steak is essential for achieving that perfect sear and juicy texture. Opt for a porterhouse, ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, T-bone, top sirloin, or filet mignon. Thickness matters, so make sure your steaks are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks tend to cook too quickly and may become chewy.

Before you begin seasoning, it's a good idea to let your steaks reach room temperature. Take them out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes beforehand. This step is crucial for ensuring your steak cooks evenly and reaches the desired doneness.

Now, it's time to season your steaks. Start by patting the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step will help you achieve a nice sear. Then, rub a small amount of olive oil on both sides of the steaks. You can also spritz the steaks with oil for better browning. Next, season generously with salt and pepper, or use a steak seasoning blend like Montreal steak seasoning. If you want to take it up a notch, create a dry rub with spices like garlic powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika. You can even add a pinch of sugar for a gorgeous caramelized crust.

Once your steaks are seasoned, it's almost time to cook! Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare any side dishes or salads to accompany your steak.

Cooking the steak

Firstly, you'll want to take your steaks out of the fridge and let them sit for 30 minutes to reach room temperature. This is a critical step for properly cooked steak.

Next, preheat your WiseUSA air fryer to 400°F.

While the air fryer is preheating, pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will ensure a better sear and crust. Then, rub or brush both sides of the steaks with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper, or a steak seasoning blend of your choice.

Once the air fryer has preheated, it's time to cook the steaks. Place them in the fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes for a 1-inch-thick steak, flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of your steaks. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, and for a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes.

After removing the steaks from the air fryer, let them rest on a plate for at least 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak.

Finally, slice the steak against the grain and serve. Slicing against the grain cuts the meat fibers, resulting in a more tender bite.

Resting the steak

During the cooking process, the juices and moisture in the steak are heated and move towards the centre or the surface of the steak. When you remove the steak from the heat, the juices need time to settle and redistribute throughout the steak. If you cut into the steak immediately after cooking, those precious juices will end up on your cutting board or plate, resulting in a drier and less flavourful steak.

The resting period also gives the steak time to finish cooking. Even after removing it from the air fryer, the steak will continue to cook for a brief period due to residual heat. This is known as carryover cooking. By letting the steak rest, you ensure that it reaches your desired doneness level without overcooking.

To rest the steak properly, transfer it to a plate or cutting board and loosely cover it with foil. This will help retain some heat while still allowing the steak to breathe. It's important not to cover it too tightly, as this can trap the steam and moisture, making the steak soggy and affecting its texture.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces to accompany your meal. This is also a great opportunity to prepare an herb butter, which can be a delicious addition to your steak. Simply mix together softened butter with herbs like thyme, tarragon, parsley, or rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar for a tangy twist.

Finally, when the resting time is up, don't forget to slice your steak against the grain. This cuts the meat fibres, resulting in a more tender bite and a better overall steak experience.

Serving the steak

Once your steak is cooked, it's important to let it rest. Transfer the steak to a plate or board and loosely cover it with foil. This will keep the steak warm without overcooking it. You should let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes.

While the steak is resting, you can make a herb butter to serve with it. This is a simple mix of butter, shallot or chives, garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice or red wine vinegar, and herbs. Mash all the ingredients together in a small bowl and add to the steak just before serving.

To serve, slice the steak against the grain. This will cut the meat fibres for a melt-in-the-mouth texture. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Try a salad, such as a Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, or some vegetables like sauteed mushrooms, roasted asparagus, or grilled Brussels sprouts. Potatoes are also a classic side, with mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or Hasselback potatoes all making a great accompaniment. For a more indulgent side, you could try mushroom or beet risotto.

Frequently asked questions