Air frying steak is a quick and convenient way to prepare a delicious and juicy steak without the need for excessive oil or the hassle of grilling. Here’s a simple air fryer steak recipe along with some important notes:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the air fryer is hot and ready for cooking.
- Prepare the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This helps the steak to sear better. If desired, season the steaks with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs. Rub the olive oil over the steaks to coat them evenly.
- Place the Steaks in the Air Fryer: Carefully place the seasoned steaks into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there’s some space around each steak to allow for proper air circulation.
- Air Fry the Steaks: Cook the steaks in the preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness and the thickness of the steaks. Here’s a rough guide for cooking times:
- Rare: 8-10 minutes
- Medium-Rare: 10-12 minutes
- Medium: 12-14 minutes
- Well-Done: 14-16 minutes
Keep in mind that the exact cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so it’s essential to monitor the steaks as they cook and use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For rare, aim for 125°F (51°C); medium-rare, 135°F (57°C); medium, 145°F (63°C); and well-done, 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Once the steaks reach your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes on a cutting board. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy steak. Then, slice and serve.
Notes:
- Steak Thickness: The thickness of your steak will affect cooking time. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thinner or thicker steaks.
- Seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. You can use marinades or other spices you prefer.
- Preheating: Preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving a good sear and even cooking.
- Checking Doneness: Invest in an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
- Resting: Don’t skip the resting step. It’s essential for juicy and flavorful steak.
- Experiment: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different steak cuts and seasonings to find your favorite combination.
Remember that air fryer models can vary, so it’s a good idea to check your air fryer’s manual for specific guidelines on cooking steak. With practice, you’ll become more skilled at using your air fryer to cook the perfect steak to your liking.
- Thaw Steak: If your steak is frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator before air frying. Cooking frozen steak directly in the air fryer can result in uneven cooking.
- Room Temperature: For even cooking, let your steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before air frying. Cold steak can take longer to cook and may result in uneven results.
- Oil Spray: Instead of rubbing olive oil directly on the steak, consider using a cooking oil spray to lightly coat the steak’s surface. This can help achieve a more even and crisp sear.
- Flip Halfway: If you’re using a basket-style air fryer, flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides. For a tray-style air fryer, you may not need to flip.
- Add Butter or Herbs: During the last minute or two of cooking, you can add a pat of butter or some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the top of the steak. This will add extra flavor and richness.
- Resting Period: When the steak is done cooking, allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute and ensures a juicy steak.
- Sauce or Pan Juices: After removing the steak, consider deglazing the air fryer basket or tray with a little wine, broth, or stock to create a simple pan sauce to drizzle over the steak.
- Cleaning: Cleaning your air fryer promptly after use is essential. Remove the basket or tray and wash it along with any other removable parts. Wipe down the interior to prevent any residual oil or food particles from affecting the flavor of future dishes.
- Safety: Be cautious when handling the air fryer basket or tray after cooking, as they will be hot. Use oven mitts or tongs to avoid burns.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuts of steak, such as New York strip, filet mignon, or sirloin, to find your personal favorite. Each cut may require slightly different cooking times.
Remember that the best way to perfect your air fryer steak is through practice. Pay attention to the details, keep track of cooking times, and adjust based on your preferences. Enjoy your delicious air-fried steaks!
