Tiffany Haney
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy, tender, and flavorful steak with a crispy exterior. While some people prefer cooking steak on a stovetop or in an oven, an air fryer can produce comparable results with less cooking time and more moisture sealed in. To cook a steak in a power air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, rub the steak with olive oil and seasonings, and then place the steak in the air fryer basket. The cooking time will depend on the thickness and desired doneness of the steak, but for a medium-rare steak, cook for around 10 minutes, and for a medium steak, cook for around 12 to 14 minutes.
How to use a power air fryer to cook steak
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Steak thickness | 1-inch |
| Steak type | Ribeye |
| Steak temperature | 125°F (rare), 135°F (medium-rare), 145°F (medium) |
| Cooking time | 10-14 minutes |
| Seasoning | Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper |
| Oil | Olive oil |
| Sides | Mashed potatoes, melting potatoes, garlic-Parmesan roasted carrots, garlic-herb wedge salad, cacio e pepe Brussels sprouts |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you create the ideal environment for your steak to cook evenly and efficiently. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master the process:
First, ensure your air fryer is set to the correct temperature. Adjust the temperature dial or digital settings to reach 400°F. This temperature is crucial as it allows the air fryer to create a consistent cooking environment. Depending on your air fryer model, the preheating time may vary, but it usually takes around three minutes to reach the desired temperature.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your steak. Start by removing the steak from the refrigerator and letting it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is important because it helps the steak cook more evenly. You don't want the centre of your steak to be cold when you start cooking.
During this resting period, you can also season your steak. Brush both sides of the steak with olive oil, and then sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper generously. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder or paprika, to enhance the flavour.
Once your steak has rested and your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you're ready to move on to the cooking stage. Place the steak into the air fryer basket, ensuring it's in a single layer for even cooking. Now, you can set a timer and let the air fryer work its magic!
Remember, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. If you prefer your steak more well-done, simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you create the optimal conditions for cooking a juicy and tender steak. This step is essential in achieving the perfect steak with a crispy exterior and a delicious, flavourful interior.
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Prepare the steak with olive oil, salt, pepper and seasoning
Preparing the perfect steak can be a daunting task, but an air fryer can make it easier. To prepare the steak with olive oil, salt, pepper, and seasoning, follow these steps:
Firstly, remove your steaks from the refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature for around 30 minutes. This helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures a better final texture. You can also pat your steak dry with a paper towel before cooking to ensure even browning.
Next, brush the steaks all over with olive oil. You can use extra-virgin olive oil for this. Then, rub Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper on each side of the steaks. You can also add other seasonings, such as cayenne, brown sugar, or garlic powder, to create a spice mixture and sprinkle it onto both sides of the steaks.
Finally, place the steaks in the air fryer basket. If you are cooking multiple steaks, arrange them in a single layer. You can now proceed to cook your steaks in the air fryer, adjusting the time and temperature according to your desired doneness and the thickness of the steaks. For a medium-rare steak, cook at 400°F for 7 minutes, then flip the steaks and cook for an additional 3 to 7 minutes, or until the temperature reaches 135°F. For a medium steak, cook at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping the steak after 6 minutes.
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Cook for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway
Now that your steak has been prepared with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, it's time to cook it! Place the steak in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400°F.
The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping at the halfway mark. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway. Well-done steaks will take the longest, requiring 12 to 14 minutes of cooking time, with the steak also being flipped halfway through.
It's important to note that your steak will continue cooking for a short period after you take it out of the air fryer. So, if you're aiming for medium-rare, pull the steak out when it reads 130°F on a meat thermometer, as it will continue cooking to 135°F as it rests. This will ensure your steak is a perfect pink and juicy medium-rare when sliced.
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Use a meat thermometer to check the steak's temperature
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to tell the temperature of your steak. Each cut of steak will continue to cook for a bit after you take it out of the air fryer, so it's important to remove it from the heat source before it reaches your desired temperature. For example, if you're aiming for medium-rare, you should pull your steak out of the air fryer when it reads 130°. It will rest up to 135°, so that when you slice it, it will still be perfectly pink and juicy.
The temperature you should aim for depends on how well done you like your steak. For a rare steak, you should cook it to 125°. For medium-rare, you should aim for 135°. If you prefer your steak medium, you should cook it to 145°.
The time it takes to reach these temperatures will depend on the thickness of your steak. A steak that is 1-inch thick will take 10 to 12 minutes to cook to medium-rare in an air fryer. If you prefer your steak well-done, you should cook it for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. If your steak is thicker than 1 inch, you may need to add 2 to 5 minutes of cooking time.
You can also use a wireless temperature probe to ensure your steak is cooked to the perfect temperature.
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Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before serving
Letting the steak rest for 10 minutes before serving is an essential step in the cooking process. During this time, the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise, ensuring that it reaches your desired doneness. For example, if you are aiming for a medium-rare steak, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F; it will then rest and reach the ideal temperature of 135°F. This technique ensures that your steak is cooked to perfection.
Additionally, resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. This process helps maintain the steak's moisture and ensures that it stays juicy and tender. By giving the steak time to rest, you'll avoid drying it out, resulting in a more flavourful and enjoyable dining experience.
The resting period also provides an opportunity for the steak to relax and the fibres to soften. This step is crucial because it ensures that the steak will be more tender and easier to cut and chew when served. It's a simple step that makes a significant difference in the overall dining experience.
Finally, the resting period gives you time to prepare any side dishes or finalise your meal's presentation. You can use these 10 minutes to cook some melting potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes, or prepare a garlic-herb wedge salad for a complete dining experience. This way, your steak and sides can be served together, hot and fresh.
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Frequently asked questions
First, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, rub your steak with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The cooking time depends on the thickness and your desired doneness level. A 1-inch thick steak will take 10-12 minutes to cook to medium-rare. Adjust the time accordingly if your steak is thicker or if you prefer a different doneness level.
It is recommended to flip the steak halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. However, some people believe that flipping is not necessary due to the air fryer's ability to circulate hot air around the food.
The ideal temperature for cooking steak in an air fryer is 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, remove the steak from the air fryer when it reaches 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit. For medium, cook to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
