Steak cooked in an air fryer - familyguidecentral.com

How to Cook Beef Steak in an Air Fryer (The Complete Guide)

The air fryer is a great way to cook a lot of different foods, but it can be tough to get the hang of it. If you’re looking for a way to make beef in the air fryer, then this blog article is for you!

In this article, we’ll go over how to cook beef in an air fryer so that it comes out tender, juicy, and delicious. We’ll also share some tips on what kind of meat to buy and which seasonings will complement it best.

Key takeaways

  • Resting the steak after air frying is crucial for maintaining its juiciness, allowing the juices to redistribute within the meat and wrapping it in aluminum foil can help retain its heat.
  • Using a marinade or seasoning the steak before cooking can contribute to a juicy outcome.
  • To prevent sticking, ensure the air fryer is clean, avoid overcrowding the basket, and lightly coat the steak with oil if needed.
  • Preheating the air fryer, letting the steak come to room temperature, and flipping it halfway through cooking are important steps to prevent overcooking or burning.
  • Monitoring the internal temperature with a meat thermometer helps achieve the desired doneness (e.g., 135°F for medium-rare) and ensures a properly cooked steak.

How to cook beef steak in an air fryer

Cooking beef steak in the air fryer is easier than you might imagine. It does not take a ton of time and you still get a great, juicy steak.

  1. The first step to cooking a beef steak in the air fryer is to preheat your air fryer. You want to preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is going to help ensure your steak is going to be able to cook and still have a great, crispy exterior.
  2. You are going to next season your steak and get it ready for the air fryer. This is something that is particular to each person but garlic butter is a great option and so is sale and pepper.
  3. You want to cook your steak at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes in total.
  4. Flip your steak over halfway through the cooking process.
  5. After you have cooked your steaks, take them out and let them rest for 10 minutes.
  6. Top with garlic butter and serve.

How to prepare beef steak for air frying?

To make sure that your steak is going to taste great and not be rubbery, you do need to take some time to prepare the steak before you put it in the air fryer.

  1. Make sure your steak fits your air fryer basket. You want to trim so that there is room on all sides of the steak and if you are cooking two, you want to make sure that they are not touching.
  2. You then need to rub the steak with olive oil on all sides, this is going to help crisp up the outside of the steak.
  3. You need to add salt and pepper and any other seasoning to taste.

What is the best way to season steak for air frying?

If you are going to be cooking a steak in an air fryer a simple seasoning is going to be best.

Simple seasoning is going to be best in that it is not going to burn in the air fryer and you can always add things like garlic butter after your steaks are done to add extra flavor.

What is the best cut of beef for air frying?

The best cut of beef for air frying is generally a lean, budget-friendly cut such as a top loin or rolled rib roast.

Other good cuts of beef for air frying include the tenderloin roast, the ribeye roast, and the shoulder petite tender.

Cuts that are not ideal for air frying include rump roast, bottom round roast, and top round roast.

Sirloin is also considered to be an excellent choice when it comes to air-frying beef.

How do I choose the right steak for air frying?

It is always best to choose a steak that has some fat on it when you are cooking in the air fryer.

Using a steak like a ribeye or a New York strip is a great way to get a great, juicy steak in the air fryer.

It is always best to choose a steak that is going to cook well and that is not going to dry out in the air fryer.

You can use leaner cuts, but if you are using a lean steak, you may need to marinate it the night before you are going to fry it to help ensure that it is juicy and tender.

What is the best temperature for air-frying steak?

The best temperature for air-frying steak is 400 degrees Fahrenheit because this ensures the steak will be cooked evenly and quickly.

At this temperature, the steak will be tender and juicy while still being crispy on the outside.

The heat also helps to ensure that all of the seasonings are locked in, giving it a delicious flavor. Wow

Most importantly, at this temperature, you’ll be able to determine the status of your steak while maintaining a crispy outer layer.

Remember that the Department of Health recommends that beef be cooked to a temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

What are the cooking times for air-frying steak?

Steak DonenessCooking Time
Rare8 minutes
Medium Rare10-12 minutes
Medium12-14 minutes
Medium-WellMore than 14 minutes
The table provides approximate cooking times for air-frying steak based on different levels of doneness.

When air frying steak, it is important to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Before cooking, the steak should be brought to room temperature. However, it’s ok for it to be a little cooler.

The cooking time for steak is typically 8 minutes for a rare, 10 to 12 minutes for a medium rare, 12 to 14 minutes for medium, and more than 14 minutes for medium-well-done steak.

Halfway through the cooking process, it is important to flip the steak so that both sides can be cooked evenly.

After cooking, let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.

To ensure maximum flavor and tenderness in the finished product, mix together butter, shallot, salt pepper lemon juice, and herbs before preheating and then finish with a pinch of salt and black pepper after air frying.

What is the Ziploc method for air frying steak?

The Ziploc method is a means of making your steak tender and ensuring that it has plenty of marinade and flavor all over it. To use the Ziploc method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer
  2. Cut your steak into uniform cubes and trim the fat or any gristle that might be present.
  3. Create your marinade or spice rub and put it in a Ziploc bag.
  4. Place the steak in the Ziploc bag and massage it to ensure that every inch is covered and that the marinade or spice rub is evenly distributed.
  5. Take the steak directly from the bag into the air fryer and cook.

What are the advantages of using an air fryer to cook a steak?

Using an air fryer to cook steak offers several advantages. Air fryers produce minimal grease, which makes cleanup easy.

Another advantage is that the steak will be cooked to perfection in as little as 10 minutes (8 minutes for rare, but I would advise against it for obvious reasons), which means it’s much faster than cooking on a stovetop or in the oven.

You don’t have to worry about flare-ups when cooking with an air fryer, which means it’s less likely that you’ll burn your food.

When you cook your meat in an air fryer, there’s no need to add oil or butter (at least, you don’t necessarily have to, but I still recommend it)—which means you can cut down on calories and fat while still enjoying the same great taste!

They also produce great steak bites with minimal effort involved.

Furthermore, air frying is a healthier and more environmentally friendly way to cook beef compared to other methods, such as frying in oil.

Different cuts of steak can also be easily cooked in the air fryer, and again, they are best cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal results.

What herbs and spices are best for air-frying steak?

If you’re not the kind of person who wants to go out and buy those steak-focused seasoning mixes and you want to make them yourself, I have a few suggestions for you.

Different herbs and spices can be used to add flavor to fried steak.

Popular choices include:

  • Rosemary: Known for its aromatic and earthy flavor, rosemary adds a pleasant herbal note to steak. It pairs exceptionally well with beef and helps to enhance its natural flavors.
  • Thyme: With its slightly minty and lemony taste, thyme adds a subtle depth of flavor to steak. It complements the richness of the meat and provides a touch of freshness.
  • Garlic powder: A staple in many savory dishes, garlic powder brings a savory and robust flavor to steak. It adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the overall taste profile.
  • Paprika: This vibrant red spice adds both color and a mild smoky flavor to steak. Paprika can range from mild to hot, allowing you to choose the level of heat you desire in your dish.
  • Oregano: With its slightly bitter and pungent taste, oregano imparts a distinctive Mediterranean flavor to steak. It works well in combination with other herbs and spices, adding complexity to the dish.
  • Black pepper: A classic and versatile spice, black pepper adds a subtle heat and earthy flavor to steak. It complements the meat’s natural flavors and helps to bring out its richness.

Experiment with different combinations to find a rub that suits your tastes.

Don’t forget the salt. Adding salt is also an important part of the air-frying process. This will help draw out the juices and bring out the flavor of the steak.

What is the best way to cook steak bites in an air fryer?

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
  2. Prepare the steak: Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are relatively uniform in size. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, as this helps with browning.
  3. Season the steak: Season the steak bites with your preferred seasoning mix or a combination of herbs, spices, salt, and pepper. You can use pre-made steak seasoning or create your own custom blend.
  4. Preheat the steak bites: If time permits, allow the seasoned steak bites to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This step helps ensure even cooking.
  5. Place in the air fryer: Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, leaving space between each piece to promote even air circulation and browning.
  6. Cook the steak bites: Air fry the steak bites at the preheated temperature for around 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time may vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak bites. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of around 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
  7. Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the steak bites from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to become tender. Serve the steak bites immediately as an appetizer, on salads, or as a main course with your preferred side dishes.

What are the best side dishes for fried steak?

The answer depends on your personal preferences—do you want it super light or rich and creamy?

Maybe you’re looking for something spicy or sweet. Maybe you want to go for a classic baked potato, or maybe you want something more exotic, like okra. Whatever your preference, there’s an option here for every taste!

Potatoes are a great option because they can be made in the air fryer and will go with your steak. The same goes for pasta or rice—they can be prepared in an air fryer, and they’ll go well with your steak.

But if you’re looking for something more interesting than those basic options, consider adding mushrooms or asparagus to any of these dishes.

The best side dishes for air-fried steak are:

  1. Mashed potatoes
  2. Fresh steamed vegetables
  3. Garlic green beans

What is the best way to get a perfect sear on a steak?

If you are looking to get a sear on your steak while air frying, there are a few things you can do to ensure that it is there.

  • You can put a sheet of aluminum foil at the bottom of your air fryer to help make for a seared steak when you are cooking. This will provide a solid surface that the outside of the meat can sear on while cooking.
  • If you do not want to use a piece of foil, you can sear your steak before you put it into the air fryer.
  • If you do not want to use either of those methods, you can get an air fryer that does have a sear plate. The Ninja dual heat air fryer does have an upper and lower air frying section and it has a sear plate so that you can sear your steak and get a great sear on your steak, even in the air fryer.

What is the best way to maintain the juiciness of steak after air-frying?

With steak that has been air-fried, or really any steak, the best way to maintain juiciness is to let your steak rest after it is cooked.

You can wrap it in aluminum foil to keep it hot and to help the juices redistribute after the steak is done cooking.

When you heat up a steak, the water or juices in the steak are excited and are moving around a lot. You want to allow them plenty of time to redistribute and go back into the meat before you cut it and before you potentially lose the juice.

You can also make sure that you take the proper steps to marinate and make the steak juicy before you ever cook it.

Using a marinade is a great way to get a juicy steak right from the start.

Finally, right after you’re done air frying your steak, take it out of the air fryer and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.

This means leaving it on the cutting board. If it’s a large cut of beef, you can cover it with aluminum foil. If they are small steak bites, you don’t have to.

The meat’s internal juices will continue to stay inside the meat, adding flavor, until you decide to cut into it and release it.

How do I prevent the steak from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Make sure that your air fryer is clean before using it. Air fryers are great because they have very little oil in them, but that means they can get gunky if they aren’t cleaned regularly.

If it isn’t clean, you may end up with burnt old food, which will cause your steak to stick to the basket.

Avoid overcrowding your basket with too many steaks or a steak that’s just too large. Too much food in an air fryer blocks the circulation of air, and as a result, your steak may not cook evenly on all sides. This can also lead to sticking.

If your steak is sticking, try using a small amount of oil and lightly coating it with it. This will grease up the steak, preventing it from sticking to the basket and tray.

Don’t forget to season your air fryer. Seasoning your air fryer puts a layer of oil between the food and the surface of the basket and tray. This layer doesn’t stick and is safe to eat. It also keeps your air fryer from getting broken.

Don’t overcook your steak. Keep a constant watch over it since it doesn’t take long to cook a steak anyway. To cook your steak evenly and keep it from burning or sticking, you should flip it halfway through the cooking process.

How can I make sure my steak does not overcook or burn when using an air fryer?

To cook the perfect steak in an air fryer, you need to marinate or season the meat first, cut off any connective tissue or large pieces of extra fat, and make sure the air fryer basket isn’t too full when cooking.

It is also important to ensure that you preheat your air fryer before cooking, let the steak come to room temperature before brushing it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then air fry it for 8 minutes until it reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare or 10 minutes with an internal temperature of 145 for medium.

You should also use a meat thermometer to get an accurate reading of how hot the meat is inside.

Lastly, flipping the steak halfway through cooking may be one of the most important things you can do to prevent overcooking.

With most air fryers, the heat starts from the top and moves its way down. Flipping the steak will expose the bottom of the steak directly to the heater and help ensure even cooking from top to bottom.

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