Air Fryer Steak Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional: Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme) for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Steaks: While the air fryer is preheating, rub both sides of the steaks with olive oil. This will help the seasonings stick to the steak and give it a nice crust.
- Season the Steaks: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the steaks.
- Place in the Air Fryer: Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the seasoned steaks into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there is some space between the steaks to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cook the Steaks: Cook the steaks at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Adjust the cooking time to your preferred level of doneness:
- Rare: 8-10 minutes
- Medium: 12-14 minutes
- Well-done: 14-16 minutes
- Rest the Steaks: After the steaks are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and flavorful steak.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the steaks against the grain for maximum tenderness. You can garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes:
- Steak Thickness: The cooking times mentioned in the recipe are for 1-inch thick ribeye steaks. If your steaks are thicker or thinner, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Temperature Accuracy: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C), for medium, aim for 145°F (63°C), and for well-done, aim for 160°F (71°C).
- Air Fryer Variability: Air fryers can vary in cooking times and temperatures, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your steaks, especially the first time you make them in your specific air fryer. Adjust the cooking time if needed.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the seasoning mix or use your favorite steak rub.
- Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting step. Allowing the steaks to rest ensures they stay juicy and flavorful.
- Steak Quality: The quality of your steak matters. Choose well-marbled cuts like ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Room Temperature: Ideally, let your steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Searing: If you prefer a seared crust on your steak, you can preheat a skillet on high heat with a bit of oil and sear each side of the steak for about 1-2 minutes before transferring it to the air fryer. This adds extra flavor and texture.
- Basting: To enhance the flavor even more, you can baste your steak with melted butter or a herb-infused oil during the cooking process.
- Marinating: If you have time, marinating your steaks for a few hours or overnight can add depth of flavor. Popular marinades include garlic and herb, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar mixture.
- Frozen Steaks: You can cook frozen steaks in the air fryer, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Start with 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for medium-rare and adjust as needed.
- Resting Rack: Placing a rack in your air fryer basket can help prevent the steak from sticking to the basket and allow for better airflow, resulting in a crispier crust.
- Safety: Always handle your air fryer with care, especially when removing the hot steak. Use oven mitts or tongs to prevent burns.
- Cleaning: Clean your air fryer thoroughly after cooking. Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe, but check your manufacturer’s instructions.
- Side Dishes: While your steak is resting, you can use your air fryer to prepare side dishes like roasted vegetables or potato wedges to complete your meal.
Remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to cooking steak in the air fryer. You may need to experiment a bit with cooking times and temperatures to achieve your desired level of doneness, but once you’ve mastered it, you’ll have a quick and convenient way to make delicious steak at home. Enjoy your air fryer steak!
