The air fryer uses rapid air circulation to quickly prepare a perfectly cooked steak, mimicking the results of deep-frying or grilling. This method offers a fast and convenient way to achieve a tender, juicy interior and a desirable exterior crust. Understanding the specific preparation, temperature, and timing is necessary to consistently produce a steak cooked exactly to your preference. The air fryer’s ability to maintain a high, consistent temperature makes it an efficient tool for achieving a great sear without the mess of a stovetop pan.
Essential Prep Work for Air Frying Steak
Proper preparation begins by removing the steak from the refrigerator and allowing it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This promotes more even cooking, preventing the exterior from overcooking while the center remains cold. Next, use paper towels to pat the entire surface of the steak completely dry, which helps develop a crisp, brown crust during the air frying process.
Once the surface is dry, lightly coat the steak with a neutral oil, such as avocado or canola, and season generously with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. The oil helps the seasoning adhere and assists in the browning reaction. Finally, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least five minutes before placing the steak inside. Preheating ensures the steak hits a high-heat environment immediately, which is necessary for achieving a good sear.
Air Fryer Steak Cooking Times and Temperatures
The standard cooking temperature for air fryer steak is 400°F (200°C), which is high enough to create a flavorful exterior crust quickly. The total cooking time is highly dependent on the steak’s thickness and the desired level of doneness. For a standard 1-inch thick steak, the cooking time will range from approximately 8 to 15 minutes.
For a medium-rare steak (130°F), a 1-inch cut typically requires about 8 to 10 minutes of total cooking time. If you prefer a medium steak (140°F), the cook time extends to approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
A medium-well steak, reaching 150°F, will need around 12 to 14 minutes in the air fryer. It is necessary to flip the steak halfway through the total cooking time to ensure both sides are exposed evenly to the circulating hot air and promote uniform browning. Thicker cuts, such as a 1.5-inch steak, will require an additional two to four minutes of cooking time, while thinner cuts will need less time. Relying on a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to determine doneness, as air fryer models can vary in their actual heat output.
The Critical Post-Cook Steps
The final steps after removing the steak from the air fryer are important for achieving a tender and juicy result. Immediately after cooking, the steak must be transferred to a cutting board and allowed to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period is necessary because the high heat of cooking forces the meat’s internal moisture toward the center.
During the rest, the constricted muscle fibers relax, allowing the concentrated juices to redistribute evenly throughout the entire cut of meat. If the steak is sliced too soon, these juices will spill out onto the board, resulting in a drier piece of meat.
The steak’s internal temperature will also continue to rise a few degrees during this time, a phenomenon known as carryover cooking. To account for this, remove the steak from the air fryer when it is about 5°F below your target final temperature. For example, to achieve a final medium-rare of 130°F, pull the steak when the thermometer reads 125°F. Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak to confirm the temperature.