Air-Fried T-Bone Steak: A Quick And Easy Guide

Cooking a T-bone steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender, and flavourful steak. It's a convenient method that delivers great results without the need for a grill or stovetop pan. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you cook the perfect T-bone steak in your air fryer.

Choosing the right steak

Quality

First and foremost, always opt for high-quality , fresh cuts of meat. Look for meat that is firm and bright red, with an even distribution of fat, known as marbling. This fat will help keep the steak juicy, tender, and full of flavour. Avoid cuts that are soft or have a darker colour, and always check the expiration date and packaging integrity.

Grade

When it comes to steak grades, the USDA grades beef based on quality, which includes tenderness, marbling, and the age of the cattle. The highest grade is USDA Prime, which tends to be the most expensive and is usually found in high-class restaurants. For a special occasion, it may be worth splurging on a Prime cut. However, for an everyday steak dinner, USDA Choice is a great option. It still offers good marbling and plenty of flavour at a more affordable price.

Thickness

For an air fryer T-bone steak, look for cuts that are around one inch thick. Thicker steaks will also work, but avoid cuts thicker than two inches to prevent excessive drying during cooking.

Quantity

As a rule of thumb, one T-bone steak is typically enough for one person. However, if the cut is particularly large, it might be sufficient for two people.

Seasoning

Keep it simple when it comes to seasoning. Salt and pepper are musts, and be generous! The salt will draw out the steak's natural juices, while the pepper adds a spicy kick. If you want to experiment, feel free to try other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or chilli flakes.

Preparation

Before cooking, let your steak come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This ensures even cooking throughout. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel to enhance the seasoning and prevent accidental steaming. It is best to add salt right before cooking, as seasoning too far in advance can draw out moisture, resulting in a less juicy steak.

Seasoning

You can also experiment with additional spices, herbs, or marinades to further elevate the flavour profile. For instance, bold options like garlic and herb marinades, soy-based teriyaki glazes, or even coffee-infused rubs for a smoky twist.

Additionally, you can try butter basting during the air frying process. Adding a pat of butter while the steak cooks will infuse the meat with a luxurious richness as it melts.

Finally, you can serve your steak with a dollop of compound butter. Combine softened butter with herbs, spices, or even caramelised onions for a delightful, custom-tailored flavour explosion.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of cooking a T-bone steak and should not be overlooked. It ensures your steak starts cooking immediately, helping to create a perfect sear on the outside of the meat.

To preheat your air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. Some recipes suggest heating to 390°F, but the higher temperature is more common and ensures a good sear.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your steak by patting it dry with paper towels. This will help the steak to brown evenly and achieve a nice crust. You can also season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred dry rub, during this time. Massage the seasoning into the meat and let it rest for 10-15 minutes so the flavours can meld.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you can place the steak in the basket or on the tray, ensuring it lies flat and is not overcrowded. Leave enough space for air to circulate freely around the steak, which will help with even cooking.

Now your air fryer is preheated and your steak is prepared, you're ready to start cooking!

Cooking the steak

Now that you've chosen a high-quality T-bone steak, it's time to cook it to perfection. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the steak: Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This ensures that the steak cooks evenly throughout. You can also pat it dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better.
• Season the steak: Brush or rub both sides of the steak with olive oil. This enhances the flavour and helps create a crispy exterior. Then, season generously with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning blend. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika. Massage the seasoning into the meat, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes. Some recipes suggest preheating for a shorter time or not at all, but preheating ensures your steak starts cooking immediately and gets a perfect sear.
• Place the steak in the air fryer: Put the steak in the air fryer basket or tray. If desired, brush the steak with extra olive oil or use a spray oil for a more even distribution and a beautiful sear.
• Cook the steak: The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. As a guide, a 1-inch-thick steak will take around 8-10 minutes for medium-rare and 14-15 minutes for well-done. Thicker cuts will take longer. You don't need to flip the steak, but doing so halfway through will ensure even cooking and browning.
• Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding the bone. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, aim for 140-145°F (60-63°C).
• Rest the steak: Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. Tent it loosely with aluminium foil and let it rest for about 2-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavourful steak.
• Serve: After resting, slice the steak against the grain to enhance tenderness. Serve immediately, and enjoy your perfectly cooked T-bone steak!

Resting the steak

During the resting period, the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise by a few degrees, reaching your desired doneness. This means that you should remove the steak from the air fryer a few degrees before it reaches your target temperature. For example, if you're aiming for a medium-rare steak with an internal temperature of 130°F, you should remove it from the air fryer at around 125°F and let it rest until it reaches 130°F.

The resting time also depends on the thickness of your steak. For thinner cuts, 2 to 3 minutes may be sufficient, while thicker steaks may need up to 5 minutes.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or toppings, such as garlic butter, compound butter, or a balsamic reduction.

After the resting period, slice the steak against the grain to enhance its tenderness. Then, serve it immediately to enjoy a juicy and flavourful T-bone steak cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions