Tiffany Haney
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender steak with a seared outside. The high heat of the air fryer means that the steak cooks fast, and the lack of preheating means there is very little preparation time required. The air fryer is ideal for cooking steak as the less time the steak spends cooking, the more tender it will be. The air fryer is also a convenient way to cook steak as there is no splatter or mess.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Striploin, ribeye, strip steak, sirloin |
| Steak thickness | 1-inch thick |
| Steak temperature | Bring to room temperature |
| Air fryer temperature | 400°F |
| Air fryer preheat time | 2 minutes |
| Cooking time | 10-14 minutes |
| Cooking time for medium-rare | 10 minutes |
| Cooking time for medium | 12 minutes |
| Cooking time for medium-well | 14 minutes |
| Cooking time for thicker steaks | Add 1-3 minutes |
| Cooking time for thinner steaks | Check after 4 minutes |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic butter, soy sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Letting the steak come to room temperature before cooking
Allowing your steak to come to room temperature before cooking is a critical step in achieving a properly cooked steak. Not only does it ensure that your steak is less tough, but it also helps it cook more evenly. Aim to remove the steak from the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes before cooking, giving it ample time to reach room temperature. During this time, you can prepare side dishes or even make herb butter to elevate your steak experience.
Bringing the steak to room temperature is a hands-off task that requires no active preparation. This extra time allows you to focus on other aspects of your meal, such as seasoning the steak or preparing side dishes. It's a great opportunity to pat the steaks dry, brush them with olive oil, and sprinkle your favourite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, or steak seasoning blends. This step ensures that your steak is ready for the air fryer once it reaches the desired temperature.
The process of letting the steak come to room temperature is about more than just convenience. It's a key factor in ensuring your steak cooks evenly. When you place a cold steak into the hot air fryer, it can result in uneven cooking, with the outside burning before the inside is fully cooked. By allowing the steak to reach room temperature, you mitigate this issue and promote a more consistent cooking process.
Additionally, this step can enhance the texture and flavour of your steak. A steak that is closer to room temperature before cooking will be less tough and more tender. It will also cook more evenly, resulting in a steak that is juicy and flavourful throughout. This simple step can significantly impact the overall quality and enjoyment of your steak.
In summary, letting the steak come to room temperature before cooking is a crucial step in the air fryer steak process. It ensures even cooking, improves texture and flavour, and allows you to prepare other components of your meal. By giving your steak this extra time, you'll be rewarded with a better-cooked steak and a more enjoyable dining experience.
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Preheating the air fryer
To preheat your air fryer, start by setting the desired temperature. For cooking steak, a temperature of 400°F (200°C) is typically recommended. Turn on your air fryer and let it heat up for a few minutes until it reaches the set temperature. Different models may have varying preheat times, so referring to your air fryer's instructions manual can be helpful.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest heating the air fryer for just 2 minutes at 200°C, while others recommend preheating to 400°F without specifying a time. This discrepancy may be due to variations in air fryer models and their heating capabilities. As such, it is advisable to consult your air fryer's manual or follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for the most accurate preheating instructions for your specific model.
Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed to the next steps of preparing your steak for cooking, such as seasoning the steak and adding oil or butter for additional flavor and moisture. Remember to allow your steak to come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer, as this helps ensure even cooking.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for your steak in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness.
Firstly, it is important to bring your steak to room temperature before cooking. Take your steak out of the refrigerator 10 to 30 minutes before cooking. This will ensure your steak cooks evenly and helps it to be less tough.
For a 1-inch steak, cooked to medium-rare, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you prefer your steak cooked to medium, cook for 12 minutes, again flipping halfway through. For a steak cooked to medium-well, cook for 14 minutes.
If your steak is thicker than 1 inch, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For thicker steaks, add an additional 1 to 3 minutes. For thinner steaks, start checking as early as 4 minutes to ensure you do not overcook your steak.
It is important to note that every air fryer model is different and cooks food fast, so it is always a good idea to check on your steak early. You can use a meat probe or an instant-read thermometer to test the doneness of your steak. Take your steak out 5 degrees early as the temperature will continue to rise as it rests.
Finally, always let your steak rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and the muscle fibres to relax, resulting in a moist and flavoursome steak. Cover your steak loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
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Resting the steak after cooking
Allow the steak to rest for at least 5 minutes for thinner cuts, and up to 10 minutes for thicker cuts. During this time, the juices will redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavourful steak. The resting period also allows the muscle fibres to relax, resulting in a more tender steak.
While the steak is resting, you can prepare any toppings or sides. For example, you can make herb butter by mixing butter with shallots, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and herbs. You can also use this time to prepare a side salad, roasted vegetables, or potatoes.
Finally, after the steak has rested, it is ready to be sliced. Be sure to slice the steak against the grain to cut the meat fibres for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then, top the steak with your desired toppings and enjoy!
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Sides and toppings
There are many different side dishes and toppings that go well with a steak cooked in an air fryer.
For side dishes, simple vegetable dishes are best. Some options include salads, potatoes, asparagus, green beans, and French fries. If you want to cook your potatoes in the air fryer, you can make baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, or mashed potatoes. You can also make sweet potato fries in the air fryer, tossing them in sweet smoked paprika, Cajun, or BBQ seasonings.
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, mac and cheese is a great option to pair with steak. You can also serve your steak with roasted acorn squash and mushroom gravy.
When it comes to toppings, a pat of garlic butter or compound butter is a great option. You can also make a garlic-herb butter by mixing butter with garlic, parsley, chives, and rosemary. Another option is to top your steak with your favorite sauce, such as chimichurri or creamy horseradish.
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Frequently asked questions
While air fryers are great for quick and easy cooking, you can slow cook your steak by following these steps:
- Set your steak out on the counter 10-30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Pat the steaks dry and brush both sides with olive oil or canola oil.
- Season the steaks with salt and pepper or your favourite blend of seasonings.
- For a 1-inch steak, air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway, for medium-rare.
- Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
To get the best results when slow cooking steak in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of your steak, rather than relying on time alone.
- Make sure your steaks are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks will cook faster and may not get a chance to brown.
- Use a meat probe to test your steaks and take them out 5 degrees before your desired doneness, as the meat temperature will continue to rise as it rests.
There are many great side dishes that go well with air fryer steak. Here are some options:
- Baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, or mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans, asparagus, sauteed mushrooms, or grilled Brussels sprouts
- Salad, such as a seasonal green salad or Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Sweet potato fries
