Ella Walter
Cooking sirloin steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, tender, and juicy steak. The air fryer is a convenient way to cook steak, especially when outdoor grilling is not an option. It is also less messy than pan-searing steak. The cooking time will depend on the desired level of doneness, with a rare steak needing around 6 minutes, medium-rare about 8–10 minutes, medium 10–12 minutes, medium-well 12–15 minutes, and well-done 15 minutes. The temperature should be set to 400°F/200°C, with the steak placed in the centre of the basket or tray. It is recommended to let the steak reach room temperature before cooking and to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak Type | Sirloin |
| Steak Thickness | 1-1.5 inches |
| Steak Temperature | Bring to room temperature before cooking |
| Steak Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Montreal seasoning |
| Steak Topping | Garlic herb butter |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 400°F |
| Air Fryer Preheat Time | 3-5 minutes |
| Steak Cook Time | 6-15 minutes, depending on desired doneness |
| Steak Doneness | Rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, well-done |
| Steak Internal Temperature | 125-160°F |
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What You'll Learn
Allow the steak to reach room temperature before cooking
Allowing your sirloin steak to reach room temperature before cooking is a crucial step in achieving the perfect air-fried steak. This technique ensures that your steak cooks evenly throughout, preventing overcooked or dried-out edges. By letting the steak sit out for 15 to 30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer, you allow the center to warm up gradually, resulting in a more consistent cook. This step is especially important if you're aiming for a juicy, tender steak with a beautiful sear.
While it may be tempting to cook your steak straight out of the fridge, doing so can lead to uneven cooking. The steak's center will remain cold, requiring a longer cooking time, which can result in overcooked edges. By letting it reach room temperature, you create a more uniform cooking environment, ensuring that the exterior and interior cook at a similar rate. This technique is essential for thicker cuts of steak, as it helps prevent the outside from overcooking while waiting for the center to reach the desired doneness.
Additionally, bringing your steak to room temperature allows for better browning and searing. When you place a cold steak into a hot air fryer, the temperature difference can impact the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for the desirable browning and flavor development. By allowing the steak to warm up slightly, you create the ideal conditions for this chemical reaction to occur, resulting in a more flavorful crust.
Moreover, letting your steak reach room temperature improves food safety. Cooking a steak that is still cold in the center can lead to uneven heat distribution, potentially resulting in undercooked areas. By ensuring that your steak starts at room temperature, you reduce the risk of harmful bacteria surviving the cooking process, providing peace of mind for you and your family.
While waiting for your steak to reach room temperature, you can prepare side dishes or even make a compound butter to top your steak. This step doesn't have to be idle time; it's an opportunity to enhance the flavors and textures of your meal. Whether you're roasting vegetables, baking potatoes, or whipping up a classic wedge salad, the time your steak spends reaching room temperature can be productively used to create a well-rounded and delicious meal.
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Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature
Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak is a good way to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The internal temperature of your steak will depend on how well done you like it. For a rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 125–130 °F; for medium-rare, 135 °F; for medium, 140–150 °F; for medium-well, 150–160 °F; and for well-done, 160 °F.
It's important to note that the steak's temperature will continue to rise by about 5–10 °F as it rests, so you should take it out of the air fryer just before it reaches your desired internal temperature. For example, if you want a medium-rare steak, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 130 °F, as it will continue to cook and rise to 135 °F as it rests.
The time it takes to reach your desired internal temperature will depend on the thickness of your steak. Thicker cuts will need more time, while thinner cuts should be checked for internal temperature much earlier. As a general rule, a 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium-rare in a preheated air fryer will take about 10 minutes, but this time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the model of your air fryer.
To ensure your steak cooks evenly, it's recommended to let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the steak to warm up and ensures that it cooks evenly throughout, preventing overcooked edges and a dried-out centre.
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Adjust cooking time based on the steak's thickness
The cooking time for sirloin steak in an air fryer depends on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. It is recommended to use steaks that are at least one inch thick to avoid tough or dry meat. Thicker cuts will need more time in the air fryer, while thinner cuts should be checked for internal temperature much earlier. For example, a 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium-rare should be cooked in a preheated air fryer for around 10 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. For a thicker steak, the cooking time should be increased, and for a thinner steak, the cooking time should be decreased.
It is important to note that all air fryers are different and may cook at different rates, so it is necessary to keep an eye on the steak and use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure the desired doneness is achieved. The steak temperature will continue to rise by 5-10 degrees as it rests, so it is recommended to remove the steak from the air fryer 5 degrees before the desired doneness temperature is reached.
When cooking a sirloin steak in an air fryer, it is suggested to let the steak come to room temperature before cooking, which can improve the texture and flavor and help the steak cook more evenly. This can be done by removing the steak from the fridge 15 to 30 minutes before cooking. Additionally, patting the steak dry with a paper towel and seasoning it with salt and pepper, or a seasoning mix, before placing it in the air fryer can enhance the flavor and browning.
To achieve the desired level of doneness, it is crucial to monitor the steak's internal temperature using a meat thermometer. For a rare steak, an internal temperature of around 125 degrees F is recommended, while for medium-rare, the temperature should be around 135 degrees F. A medium steak should have an internal temperature of 140-150 degrees F, and for medium-well, the temperature should be 150-160 degrees F. Finally, a well-done steak should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
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Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking your sirloin steak. It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer for around 3 to 5 minutes at 400°F/200°C. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, simply turn it on at your desired temperature for the same amount of time. This will ensure that your steak gets a good sear on the outside and stays juicy and tender on the inside.
It is also important to ensure that your steak is at room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. This will help the steak cook evenly throughout. Depending on the source, it is recommended to let your steak sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking. This will also improve the texture and flavor of your steak.
Additionally, you should pat your steak dry with a paper towel before preheating your air fryer. This will help remove any excess moisture, which can cause steaming instead of browning. You can also brush your steak with a small amount of oil, which will improve browning and help your seasonings stick to the steak.
When preheating your air fryer, it is also essential to consider the size and power of your appliance. If you are using a smaller air fryer with less power, it may not produce the best flavor and searing. Air fryers with at least 1800 watts tend to brown steaks the best.
Finally, while preheating your air fryer is important, you should also be mindful of the cooking time and temperature for your steak. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. Thicker steaks will need more time, while thinner steaks should be checked earlier to avoid overcooking.
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Rest the steak for 10 minutes before serving
Resting your steak is an essential step in the cooking process. Once your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak is tender and juicy. Cover the steak loosely with foil to keep it warm.
While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides. Try roasted vegetables like butternut squash, green beans, or broccolini. You could also cook some air fryer potatoes for 1-2 minutes to crisp them up. If you're feeling fancy, why not pair your steak with air fryer lobster tail or crab legs for a surf and turf meal?
If you're using compound butter, now is the time to take it out of the refrigerator so it's ready to serve at room temperature. You can also use this time to prepare a simple salad, like a classic wedge salad, to accompany your steak.
Finally, after resting, slice your steak against the grain. This will give it a restaurant-quality presentation. Your steak is now ready to serve!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 3-5 minutes.
The cooking time depends on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare, 12 minutes for medium, and 15 minutes for well-done. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner steaks.
Remove the steak from the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. Pat the steak dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper or your preferred steak seasoning.
