Air frying steak is a great way to get a delicious, crispy exterior and a juicy interior without the need for a grill or stovetop. Here’s a simple air fryer steak recipe along with some important notes:
Ingredients:
- 2 steaks (ribeye, sirloin, or your preferred cut)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Garlic powder, dried herbs, or steak seasoning for added flavor
Instructions:
- Prep the Steak:
- Take the steaks out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the steak cook more evenly.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This will help the steak sear better in the air fryer.
- Season the Steak:
- Brush both sides of the steak with a little olive oil. This will help the steak get a nice crust.
- Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or dried herbs if you like.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Steak:
- Place the steaks in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd; cook one or two steaks at a time depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the steaks for 6-10 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness:
- 6 minutes for rare
- 8 minutes for medium-rare
- 10 minutes for medium
- Adjust the time as needed based on the thickness of your steaks and your air fryer’s performance.
- Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time. This will ensure both sides cook evenly.
- Rest the Steak:
- After cooking, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the steak moist.
- Slice and Serve:
- Slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately.
Notes:
- Thickness Matters: The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your steak. Thicker steaks will require more time, while thinner steaks will cook faster.
- Preheating is Essential: Preheating your air fryer is crucial to achieving a good sear and even cooking. Don’t skip this step.
- Oil for Crust: The olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps in creating a crispy crust on the steak.
- Season to Taste: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and rubs to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For precision, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, aim for around 135°F (57°C).
- Let It Rest: Allowing the steak to rest after cooking is essential for juiciness. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
Remember that air fryers can vary in performance, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your specific model. With a little practice, you can achieve perfectly cooked air fryer steaks that are both tender and flavorful.
