can you cook steak in an air fryer

Can You Cook Steak In An Air Fryer? Make Perfectly Seared Steaks Tips

Share your love

Are you curious if you can cook a steak in an air fryer? Not only is it possible, but it’s also a quick and convenient way to achieve a perfectly seared and juicy steak hassle-free.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the process of cooking steak in an air fryer and share some tips to ensure the best results. Whether it’s for a daily meal or a gathering event, cooking steak in an air fryer is definitely worth a shot. Check further!

Key Takeaways:

  • Cooking steak in an air fryer is possible and yields delicious results.
  • Air frying allows you to achieve a perfect sear on the outside while keeping the center juicy and tender.
  • Choosing the right steak, like ribeye or sirloin, is important for optimal cooking in an air fryer.
  • Properly prepping and seasoning your steak before air frying enhances flavor and texture.
  • Cooking times may vary based on steak thickness and desired doneness.


Can You Cook Steak In An Air Fryer? Air Frying Advantages

Yes, you can cook steak in an air fryer. Cooking steak in an air fryer offers several advantages. 

It allows you to achieve a perfect sear on the outside of the steak while keeping the center juicy and tender. The hot circulating air in the air fryer creates a crisp crust on the steak, similar to the results achieved through traditional cooking methods.

The Perfect Sear And Juicy Center With Air Frying

  • When you cook steak in an air fryer, the intense heat generated by the circulating air crisps up the surface of the steak, creating a mouthwatering sear. 
  • This sear locks in the juices, resulting in a tender and flavorful center that is sure to impress your taste buds. 
  • The air fryer’s rapid cooking time ensures that the steak is cooked evenly from edge to edge, eliminating any risk of overcooking.

Health Benefits: Cutting Down On Oil Without Losing Flavor

One of the major advantages of using an air fryer to cook steak is the reduced need for oil

  • Traditional frying methods often require a significant amount of oil, which can add unnecessary calories and fat to your meal. 
  • With an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. This makes air-fried steak a healthier option without sacrificing flavor and texture.

Cook Times For Steak In An Air Fryer

DonenessCook Time
Rare8-10 minutes
Medium Rare10-12 minutes
Medium12-14 minutes
Medium Well14-16 minutes
Well Done16-18 minutes

These cook times are approximate and may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the specific model of your air fryer. It’s always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the desired internal temperature.


Prepping Your Steak For The Air Fryer

Prepping your steak before cooking it in an air fryer is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture. Follow these steps to ensure your steak is perfectly prepped:

1. Choosing The Right Steak For Your Air Fryer

  • Choosing the right steak is essential for achieving the best results in an air fryer. 
  • While you may choose any steak cut that you prefer, certain cuts work exceptionally well in an air fryer. 
  • Ribeye and sirloin are two popular choices due to their marbling and tenderness. 
  • These cuts of steak will cook evenly in an air fryer and result in a flavorful and juicy steak.

2. Bringing Steaks To Room Temperature

  • Before cooking your steak, allow it to come to room temperature. 
  • This step is essential because it ensures more even cooking. 
  • Remove the steak from the refrigerator.
  • Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour.

3. Drying & Seasoning: Setting The Stage For Flavor

  • Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help achieve a better sear. 
  • Season the steak generously with salt and pepper or your preferred steak seasoning. 
  • The salt will help enhance the flavor and create a delicious crust on the steak.

4. Oil, Herbs, and Spices: Tips For A Flavorful Steak

  • Use a high smoke point oil like avocado oil or grape seed oil. 
  • These oils can withstand the high temperatures of air frying without burning. 
  • Brush or drizzle a small amount of oil on both sides of the steak to prevent it from sticking and to enhance the flavor.
  • Consider adding herbs and spices to your steak for extra flavor, include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary, and thyme. 
  • Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavors.
best steak for air frying
Prepping Your SteakSteps
Bringing Steaks To Room TemperatureRemove the steak from the refrigerator.
Let it sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes.
Drying and Seasoning: Setting The Steak for FlavorPat the steak dry with paper towels.
Season the steak with salt and pepper or preferred steak seasoning.
Oil, Herbs, and Spices: Tips For A Flavorful SteakUse a high smoke point oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Brush or drizzle a small amount of oil on both sides of the steak.
Consider adding herbs and spices for extra flavor.


Cooking Your Steak To Perfection In The Air Fryer

Cooking your steak to perfection in the air fryer requires careful timing and the right setting. This will depend on the thickness of the steak and the level of doneness you prefer.

1. The Right Cook Time For Desired Doneness

Generally, the cook time for a steak in an air fryer will range from 8 to 15 minutes. However, the internal temperature of the steak is the most reliable indicator of doneness.

  • Rare steak: 125°F (52°C), cook the steak for about 8 minutes.
  • Medium-rare steak: 135°F (57°C), cook the steak for about 10 minutes.
  • Medium steak: 145°F (63°C), cook the steak for about 12 minutes.
  • Medium-well steak: 155°F (68°C), cook the steak for about 15 minutes.

It’s important to note that these cook times are approximate and can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the specific model of your air fryer. It is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the desired internal temperature.

2. Flipping Your Steak In The Air Fryer

  • Flipping the steak halfway through the cooking process will help to ensure even browning on both sides of the steak. 
  • Use a pair of tongs to carefully flip the steak, taking care not to pierce or lose any juices. 
  • Once flipped, continue cooking the steak for the remaining cook time.

3. Resting Your Steak: An Essential Step

  • After cooking your steak in the air fryer, it is crucial to let it rest before slicing and serving. 
  • Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat. 
  • Let your steak rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting into it. Cover the steak loosely with aluminum foil to retain heat during the resting period.

By following these tips for cooking steak in an air fryer, you can achieve a perfectly cooked steak with a delicious sear on the outside and a juicy center.

cooking steak in air fryer


Bottom Line

Overall, when cooking steak in an air fryer, the results are absolutely delicious. With the right techniques and timing, you can achieve a perfectly cooked steak that is searing on the outside and juicy on the inside. The hot circulating air in the air fryer creates a crisp crust on the steak while maintaining its tenderness and flavor.

Experiment with different cuts of steak, seasonings, and cook times to find your preferred method. Whether you prefer ribeye or sirloin, a classic seasoning blend or a bold marinade, the air fryer allows you to customize your steak to perfection.

With the convenience and flavor of air-fried steak, you can enjoy this restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. So grab your air fryer and get ready to indulge in a delicious air fryer steak experience.

Happy cooking!

AirfryerAid

Source Links

Share your love