Air Fryer Steak: Medium-Rare Perfection In Minutes

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender, and flavoursome steak with a delicate texture and a crispy crust. It is also healthier than traditional methods of cooking steak, as it cuts down on cooking time and fat content without sacrificing flavour.

To make a medium-rare steak in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, pat your steak dry, rub it with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place the steak in the air fryer for 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Once cooked, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes.

The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare or 12 minutes for medium. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 130°F and 140°F.

Choosing the right cut of steak

Thickness:

Aim for steaks that are at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks are more likely to overcook and may not get a chance to brown properly. A thicker cut will help you achieve a good sear on the outside while maintaining a pink, medium-rare centre.

Marbling:

Marbling refers to the white lines of fat running through the steak. While you don't want excessive fat, a nice amount of marbling will give your steak tenderness and flavour. Look for steaks with thin lines of marbling rather than large chunks of fat.

Part of the Cow:

The most tender cuts of steak come from the back of the cow, away from the "hoof and horn." Cuts closer to the legs and shoulders, such as brisket and beef shanks, are tougher due to the constant movement of those muscles. Tender cuts like ribeye, strip, tenderloin, and T-bone are ideal for a juicy medium-rare steak.

Personal Preference:

Remember, the "best" cut of steak is subjective and depends on your taste preferences. Some popular options for medium-rare steak include ribeye, strip steak (also known as New York Strip), tenderloin, and T-bone.

Grading:

Consider the USDA grading system, which categorises beef as prime, choice, or select. Prime cuts have the most marbling, followed by choice, and then select. Prime cuts tend to be more expensive but will give you a juicier and more flavourful steak.

Dry-Aging:

Dry-aged steaks have been exposed to controlled temperatures and air for 30 to 45 days, resulting in improved flavour and tenderness. They are more expensive but can be worth the splurge for a special occasion.

Preparing the steak

To prepare the perfect medium-rare steak in an air fryer, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, choose your steak cut. Popular options include ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, or porterhouse. Ensure your steak is at least 1 inch thick; thinner steaks tend to overcook quickly and become chewy.

Take your steak out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. This step is crucial for achieving even cooking. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can prevent browning.

Next, rub or brush a small amount of olive oil onto the steak. This helps the steak develop a nice crust. You can also add a dry rub or seasoning of your choice. A simple combination of salt and pepper works well. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought steak rub or a marinade for extra flavour.

Now, it's time to air fry! Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the steak in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness.

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period is essential, as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak.

Finally, slice your steak against the grain. Cutting the meat fibres this way ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

And that's it! You've prepared a delicious medium-rare steak in your air fryer. Enjoy it with your favourite sides, like salad, roasted vegetables, or potatoes.

Air-frying the steak

Air-frying steak is a quick and easy way to cook a juicy and tender steak with minimal effort and mess. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect medium-rare steak using an air fryer:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Steak

Select a steak cut that requires minimal babysitting, such as a porterhouse or sirloin steak. Ensure your steak is at least 1 inch thick; thinner steaks tend to overcook quickly and become chewy. For a medium-rare steak, choose a steak weighing around 8-10 ounces.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to a high temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. It is essential to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and to achieve a nice crust on the steak.

Step 3: Prepare the Steak

Take the steak out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and let it come to room temperature. This step is crucial for even cooking and achieving the desired doneness. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can prevent browning. Rub both sides of the steak with olive oil or any neutral oil. This helps the steak develop a nice crust. Season generously with salt and pepper, or use a steak rub or your favourite blend of spices and herbs. You can also add a pinch of sugar for a gorgeous caramelized crust.

Step 4: Air Fry the Steak

Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare or 12 minutes for medium. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner steaks.

Step 5: Rest the Steak

Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate for at least 10 minutes. This step is critical, as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender steak. Cover the steak loosely with foil to prevent it from continuing to cook.

Step 6: Check Doneness and Serve

For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 130°F and 140°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Slice the steak against the grain and serve with your choice of sides, such as salad, vegetables, or potatoes. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air-fried steak!

Resting the steak

• Remove the steak from the air fryer: Once your steak has reached the desired internal temperature, take it out of the air fryer. Use a meat thermometer to check if it's done. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature between 130°F and 140°F.
• Let it rest on a plate: Place the steak on a clean plate and let it rest. Don't cover it tightly with foil or any other material, as you want the steak to breathe. Covering it too tightly will continue the cooking process and affect the steak's texture.
• Rest time: Allow the steak to rest for at least 10 minutes. This time ensures that the juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
• Tent loosely with foil: You can loosely tent the steak with foil to prevent excessive heat loss. However, make sure the foil doesn't touch the steak's surface to allow it to breathe.
• Don't rest it in the air fryer: Resting the steak in the air fryer will result in continued cooking due to the residual heat. Always remove the steak and let it rest on a separate plate or cutting board.
• Slice against the grain: After resting, use a sharp knife to slice the steak against the grain. This ensures a tender eating experience.
• Resting time depends on steak thickness: The thicker the steak, the longer the resting time. For a 1-inch steak, 10 minutes is sufficient. For thicker cuts, you might need to rest them for a few extra minutes.
• Don't rest for too long: While resting is crucial, avoid resting the steak for too long, as it will start to lose its heat and the dining experience will be affected. 10-15 minutes is generally enough for a 1-inch steak.
• Rest before slicing: Avoid the temptation to slice the steak immediately. Letting it rest ensures the juices redistribute, and slicing it too early will cause those juices to escape.
• Resting before serving: If you're making a compound butter or herb butter to serve with the steak, prepare it while the steak is resting. This way, you can serve the steak with melted butter on top as soon as it's rested.

Serving suggestions

A juicy, tender, air-fried steak is a delicious meal, but it can be made even better with some tasty side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your steak:

• Salads: Try a Caesar salad, or a Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, or a Strawberry Spinach Salad.
• Vegetables: Sauteed mushrooms, roasted asparagus, grilled Brussels sprouts, or garlic butter green beans are great choices.
• Potatoes: Baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, mashed potatoes, or homemade sweet potato fries are classic pairings with steak.
• Risotto: For a more indulgent side, try mushroom risotto or beet risotto.
• Other sides: If you want to keep it simple, just add some baked or grilled vegetables like broccoli or zucchini. Or, for something more substantial, serve your steak with a baked potato or French fries.

When it comes to drinks, a good red wine is always a great choice with steak. But if you're looking for something non-alcoholic, a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade can also be a nice option.

And don't forget the condiments! Some garlic butter or herb butter can really take your steak to the next level. So, whether you're enjoying a quiet dinner at home or hosting a dinner party, don't be afraid to get creative with your sides and condiments to make your air-fried steak even more delicious.

Frequently asked questions