Make Perfect T-Bone Steak In Your Air Fryer

Cooking a T-bone steak in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to get a juicy and tender steakhouse-quality meal. It is also a convenient way to cook steak without the need for a grill or other equipment. The air fryer's hot air circulation cooks the meat evenly, including near the bone, resulting in a flavourful and perfectly done steak.

Choosing the right cut of meat

Understand the T-Bone

The T-bone is a unique cut of beef that combines two different types of steak: the tenderloin, or filet mignon, and the strip steak, or New York strip. These two cuts are separated by a T-shaped bone, which gives the T-bone its name. The tenderloin is known for being tender and mild in flavor, while the strip steak has a bolder, beefier taste.

Grade of Meat

When selecting a T-bone steak, consider the grade of meat. In the United States, the USDA grades beef based on the quality, tenderness, marbling (amount of fat), and age of the cattle. The highest grade is USDA Prime, followed by USDA Choice. Prime cuts are typically found in high-end restaurants and offer the best flavor and tenderness. However, for everyday cooking at home, a USDA Choice T-bone is a great option and is more affordable.

Size and Thickness

The size and thickness of the T-bone steak are also important considerations. Avoid cuts that are labelled as "thin-cut" as T-bone steaks should ideally be at least 1-inch thick. Thicker steaks, ranging from 1.5 to 2 inches, are also common and provide a more substantial portion. Additionally, look for a T-bone with a decent-sized tenderloin. By definition, a T-bone must have at least a 0.5-inch thick tenderloin, but a thicker or larger tenderloin will give you more of that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Source and Freshness

Whenever possible, choose a trusted source for your T-bone steak, such as a reputable butcher shop or specialty meat store. This way, you can ensure the meat is fresh and properly handled. Look for bright red meat with marbling (fat evenly distributed throughout the muscle). Avoid T-bones with excessive amounts of fat or those that appear discoloured or dried out.

Cooking Method

Finally, consider your cooking method when choosing your T-bone. If you're cooking on a grill or in an air fryer, look for a steak with a good amount of marbling, as this will help keep the meat moist and juicy. For stovetop cooking, you may opt for a slightly leaner cut, as you can control the heat more precisely to prevent overcooking.

Preparing the steak

Firstly, take your steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This is an important step as it helps the steak cook more evenly. While you're waiting, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.

Now it's time to season your steak. Drizzle or brush both sides of the steak with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like granulated garlic or onion powder if you like.

Once your steak is seasoned and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook. Place the steak in the air fryer basket or tray, and set the timer for 8-10 minutes. For even cooking, you'll want to flip the steak halfway through. If you're using a thicker cut of steak, it may take a little longer to reach your desired doneness.

When the steak is done to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 4-5 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.

And that's it! You're now ready to enjoy your perfectly cooked T-bone steak. Don't forget to pair it with some delicious sides like roasted veggies or a baked potato.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in ensuring your T-bone steak cooks evenly and efficiently. Here is a detailed guide on how to preheat your air fryer for the perfect T-bone steak:

Firstly, it is important to ensure your steak is at room temperature before cooking. Take your steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit for around 15-20 minutes. This is a crucial step as it helps the inside of the steak cook evenly while the outside sears beautifully.

Once your steak has reached room temperature, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F (some recipes recommend 390°F) and preheat for about 5 minutes. This temperature will give your steak a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can rub your steak with olive oil and season it generously with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. You can also add other seasonings like granulated garlic or onion, or a simple dry rub like Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.

After your air fryer has preheated for about 5 minutes, it's time to place your steak in the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure the basket or tray is large enough so that the steak is not overlapping or stacked.

Now, you can set the cooking time for your steak. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 8-10 minutes, and for a medium steak, cook for 10-12 minutes. It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness, so it's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak.

In summary, preheating your air fryer for a T-bone steak involves letting your steak come to room temperature, preheating your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes, seasoning your steak, placing it in the air fryer basket, and then setting the cooking time according to your desired doneness. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to cooking the perfect T-bone steak in your air fryer!

Cooking the steak

Take the T-bone steaks out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This is an important step as it helps the inside cook evenly while the outside sears. Rub both sides of the steak with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket or tray and set the timer for 8-10 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through for even cooking.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak, how well you want it done, and your specific air fryer model. Thicker steaks will take longer to cook, and you should check the temperature regularly with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

When the steak is almost at your desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer, wrap it in foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the steak to gently reach the desired temperature without overcooking and makes it juicier.

Tips for the best results

• Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak.
• For a perfect steak, cook to about 5°F below the desired temperature and then let it rest wrapped in foil for at least 5 minutes. The temperature will rise by about 5-7°F while resting.
• Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.
• Season generously with salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavours of the steak.
• Experiment with different sauces or toppings, such as balsamic glaze, chimichurri, or garlic butter.

Resting the steak

During the cooking process, the juices in the steak are driven to the centre of the cut due to the heat. When you remove the steak from the air fryer, these juices need time to settle and redistribute throughout the meat. If you cut into the steak immediately after cooking, these juices will end up on your plate instead of in the steak, resulting in a drier and less flavourful cut of meat.

To rest the steak properly, transfer it to a plate or cutting board and tent it with foil. This will help keep the steak warm while it rests. Make sure to clean up any juices that flow out of the steak during this process, as they may contain harmful bacteria.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or toppings, such as garlic butter, chimichurri, or a simple garlic herb compound butter. You can also use this time to prepare any sauces or garnishes to enhance the flavour of your steak.

Finally, do not skip the resting step, as it is essential to ensuring your steak is juicy and tender. This step will make a significant difference in the final texture and taste of your steak.

Frequently asked questions