Jump to How to Air Fry a Steak
Air fryers have become a very popular staple appliance in many households for their ability to cook food that’s both fast and healthy. While we mainly associate air fryers with chicken wings or crispy French fries, they can also be used for steak.
In fact, they can be used to make a great steak.
Leave it to the chefs at Y. O. Ranch Steakhouse to show you all the reasons to use an air fryer for steak, and then learn how you can make the perfect, quick air-fried steak, every time.
Air Fryer is a Healthier Option
Air fryers require little or no oil, which makes them a healthier option compared to traditional frying methods. Using an air fryer to cook your steak reduces fat and calories without sacrificing flavor. But that’s not all air frying has to offer.
Sheer Convenience of an Air Fryer
Air fryers are designed to cook quickly and evenly, giving you a perfectly cooked steak in just a few minutes. You also don’t need to preheat your oven or wait for your grill to heat up, which speeds things up tremendously.
Very Tasty Results
Air fryers are known for producing delicious, crispy food. Using an air fryer to cook your steak will give you a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Air Fryers are Easy-Clean
Air fryers require very little maintenance. Most of them have dishwasher-safe parts, so you can easily remove and clean them up fast.
Cook Your Whole Meal
Air fryers aren’t just about steak, of course. You can also use them for chicken, vegetables, even desserts. Cookies, donuts and cake are just a few of the options you may not have thought about.
How to Air-Fry Your Steak
Overall, using an air fryer to cook your steak can be a convenient, healthier, and delicious option. Let’s talk about how to get the perfect steak with your air fryer.
Choice Cut of Steak
Choosing the right cut is crucial for air frying. At Y.O. Ranch we recommend using a cut between 1 inch and 1.5 inches thick, like ribeye or sirloin. Thicker cuts of steak work better because they can withstand the high heat and cook more evenly. Make sure you remove the steak from the fridge and let it sit for 30 minutes until it’s room temperature. Like many of the tricks in this article, it’s meant to ensure your steak cooks evenly.
Quick Preheat and Season
First, preheat your fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes while you season your steak with salt and pepper on both sides. You might also add garlic powder, paprika, or other tasty herbs. Once the air fryer is Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, put the seasoned steak in the basket, Make sure you leave space between any pieces so the the hot air can circulate. You can also use a wire rack in the fryer to help with that circulation.
How Long to Cook
As with the conventional method, your cooking time depends on the thickness and desired doneness. Generally you want to cook a 1-inch steak for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, 12-14 minutes for medium, and 14-16 minutes for medium-well. (For a 1.5-inch steak, add 2-3 more minutes to each of those times.) Halfway through, flip the steak over so it cooks evenly.
The Perfect Crust
One of the advantages of air frying steak is the possibility of getting a crispy exterior while the interior stays juicy and tender.
To achieve a crust, spray or brush the steak with a little bit of oil before cooking.
Let Steak Rest
Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. This lets the juices redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meal. You can brush the rested steak with a little melted butter, or chop up some herbs for extra flavor.
Y.O. Ranch Knows Steak Best
So now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about steak and air fryers, you may be getting hungry. We’ve got the answer for that, too. Visit Y.O. Ranch today and savor our award-winning steak, chops, seafood, wild game and more. We’ve been ranching since 1880 and it shows. We partner with Texas artisans to bring you the best flavors and modern techniques, with classic ingredients and a dash of Texas flair.
Reservations are highly recommended, so get a spot at one of our tables today!
