Air-Fryer Strip Steak: A Quick, Crispy, Juicy Delight

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to get a tasty, juicy, and tender steak without the hassle of grilling or frying. This method is especially useful if you don't have access to a grill or stove and want to avoid the mess of splattering oil. Air fryers also allow you to cook steak without having to flip it, making the process even more convenient.

To cook a strip steak in an air fryer, you'll first want to take the steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. You can then season the steak with salt, pepper, and other spices or rubs of your choice. Some recipes also suggest brushing the steak with oil or butter before placing it in the air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) and then place the steak inside. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness, but for a medium-rare steak, about 10 minutes should be enough. It's a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check if your steak is done to your liking.

Once the steak is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can also top it with a pat of butter or garlic butter for some extra flavor.

Choosing the right cut of steak

First, consider the type of steak you prefer. Popular options for air frying include New York strip, ribeye, sirloin, T-bone, and filet mignon. These cuts tend to have a good balance of marbling (speckles of white fat) and tenderness, making them ideal for the air fryer.

Next, think about the thickness of the steak. Steaks that are at least one inch thick are best for air frying. Thinner steaks can overcook quickly and become chewy, while thicker steaks may require longer cooking times. Aim for a steak that is between 1 and 1.5 inches thick for the best results.

It is also important to consider the doneness level you prefer. Rare steaks will have an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F, while medium-rare steaks will be 130°F to 140°F. Medium steaks range from 140°F to 150°F, and well-done steaks are cooked to 160°F. Adjust your cooking time accordingly to achieve your desired level of doneness.

When choosing a steak for the air fryer, look for a piece of meat that is smooth, with a deep red color, and feels firm to the touch. The fat marbling will add tenderness and flavor, so don't be afraid of a little fat on your steak.

Finally, consider the size of your air fryer. Larger cuts of steak, such as a Porterhouse or a T-bone, may not fit in a smaller air fryer. Make sure to choose a steak that will fit comfortably in your air fryer with some space around it for even cooking.

By following these tips, you can choose the right cut of steak for your air fryer and enjoy a delicious, perfectly cooked meal.

Preparing the steak for air frying

While you can simply season your steak with salt and pepper and start air frying, there are a few extra steps you can take to enhance the flavour and texture of your steak.

If you have a few days before you plan to cook your steak, season it with salt and pepper, place it on a plate, and leave it in the refrigerator, uncovered. Flip the steak every 12 hours or so and blot the liquids with a paper towel. This process will help the salt penetrate the meat and flavour it from the inside out, while also tenderising it. It will also help the steak lose some liquid, intensifying the flavour.

If you don't have a few days to prep, don't worry! Even a few hours will help. If you don't have time to spare, just make sure to salt the steaks right before cooking as this will help draw out moisture and prevent browning.

Before cooking, remove your steaks from the fridge 30 minutes to an hour beforehand and let them sit at room temperature. Blot the steaks with a paper towel to ensure they are dry, as this will help them brown.

Brush the steaks with butter or oil before placing them in the air fryer. This will prevent the meat from drying out and add flavour.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing of your air fryer steak will depend on your desired level of doneness. As a guide, a medium-rare steak will take around 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer, while a well-done steak will take around 15-20 minutes.

For a medium-rare steak, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the steak for around 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The internal temperature of the steak should reach 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak to be more well-done, cook it for an additional 2-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium. For a well-done steak, cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak. A thicker steak will take longer to cook, so adjust your timing accordingly. Additionally, different air fryers may have varying temperature settings, so refer to your air fryer's instructions for the optimal temperature and timing.

To ensure accurate doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the steak to get an accurate reading.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer before cooking, while others recommend cooking the steak without preheating. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for your air fryer and your preference.

Resting the steak

During the resting process, it is important to keep the steak in a warm place. You can loosely tent it with foil to prevent excessive heat loss. This will help to maintain the temperature of the steak while it rests. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook slightly during this time, so take this into account when determining the ideal resting time for your desired doneness.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces that you plan to serve with it. This could include roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, or a compound butter to elevate your steak's flavor. If you are serving garlic butter with your steak, you can add a pat of it to the steak while it rests, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Once the resting time is complete, you can slice the steak against the grain and serve it immediately. Keep in mind that the steak will lose heat quickly once it is sliced, so it is best to have your sides and sauces ready before slicing. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer strip steak!

Serving suggestions

A juicy strip steak cooked in an air fryer is a delicious meal in itself, but you can elevate it with some tasty side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your steak:

• Potatoes – Whether it's a simple baked potato, air fryer roasted potatoes, hasselback potatoes, parmesan-crusted potatoes, or mashed potatoes, spuds are a classic steak side. For something extra special, try Boursin mashed potatoes.
• Salad – A butter lettuce salad is a great light option to balance out your meal.
• Vegetables – Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus go well with steak. For something different, try bang bang Brussels sprouts or air fryer roasted brussels sprouts.
• Mushrooms – Boursin stuffed mushrooms or Portobello mushrooms are a tasty addition to your plate.
• Cheese – Air fryer steak with a side of air fryer halloumi or parmesan crust is a match made in heaven.
• Pasta – Carbs and steak are a winning combination. Try mozzarella alfredo sauce or pasta with shrimp and pistachio pesto.
• Other sides – Air fryer steak is also delicious with garlic butter, truffle butter, or chimichurri sauce on top. For something extra indulgent, serve it with a side of garlic bread.

Frequently asked questions