Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of juicy and tender braising steak, you might be wondering how to achieve those same delicious results using an air fryer. The good news is that cooking braising steak in an air fryer is not only possible, but it can also be a quick and convenient method.
Braising steak is a tough cut of meat that requires slow, moist cooking to break down its connective tissues and become tender. Traditionally, this would involve hours of stovetop or oven cooking, but air fryers offer a more efficient alternative. With their powerful convection heating mechanism, air fryers can cook the steak evenly and quickly, resulting in a moist and flavorful end product.
So, how long should you cook braising steak in an air fryer? The exact cooking time will depend on various factors, including the thickness of the steak, the air fryer’s temperature settings, and your desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, it’s recommended to cook braising steak at a temperature of 180°C (360°F) for approximately 20 minutes. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly if your steak is thicker or if you prefer it more well-done.
Prepare the Steak
Before cooking the braising steak in the air fryer, it’s important to properly prepare the meat. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and tender result:
- Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the meat to come to an even temperature, ensuring more even cooking.
- Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add any other desired spices or herbs to enhance the flavor.
- If desired, marinate the steak for a few hours or overnight to add extra flavor. A simple marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce can work well.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help achieve a nice sear and prevent steaming in the air fryer.
- Optional: Preheat the air fryer to the desired cooking temperature. Some air fryers recommend preheating, while others do not require it.
Once the steak is prepared, it’s ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Follow the recommended cooking time and temperature for braising steak, and enjoy a tasty and tender meal!
Choose the Right Cooking Time
When cooking braising steak in an air fryer, it’s important to choose the right cooking time to ensure that the meat is tender and perfectly cooked. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness and size of the steak, as well as personal preference for doneness.
Factors to Consider
Before determining the exact cooking time for your braising steak, here are some factors to consider:
- Thickness: Thicker cuts of steak will require a longer cooking time to reach the desired doneness.
- Size: Larger steaks will also require more time to cook evenly throughout.
- Doneness: The cooking time will vary depending on whether you prefer your steak rare, medium, or well done.
Cooking Time Guidelines
While the exact cooking time will depend on the factors mentioned above, here are some general guidelines to help you get started:
- Rare: For a rare braising steak, cook for about 8-10 minutes at a high temperature (around 200°C).
- Medium: For a medium steak, cook for approximately 10-12 minutes at a medium temperature (around 180°C).
- Well Done: For a well-done steak, cook for about 12-15 minutes at a lower temperature (around 160°C).
Remember, these are just rough guidelines, and it’s important to monitor the cooking progress to ensure that the steak is cooked to your liking. Additionally, using a meat thermometer can help you determine the exact doneness of the steak.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Before cooking your braising steak in the air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance. Preheating helps to ensure even cooking and crispy results. Here is how to preheat your air fryer:
- Plug in your air fryer and place it on a heat-resistant surface.
- Set the temperature dial or control panel to the desired preheating temperature. This can vary depending on the recipe, but typically, a temperature of 400°F (200°C) is suitable for preheating.
- Allow the air fryer to preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This will give it enough time to reach the desired temperature.
- Once the preheating time is up, you can proceed with cooking your braising steak in the air fryer.
Preheating the air fryer before cooking ensures that your braising steak will be cooked thoroughly and evenly. It also helps to achieve a nice crispy exterior on the steak.
Cooking the Steak
Once the steak is marinated and ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature according to the appliance’s instructions.
1. Place the marinated braising steak in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. If necessary, cook the steak in batches.
2. Set the cooking time and temperature according to your desired level of doneness. As a general guide, cook the braising steak at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, or 12-15 minutes for medium.
3. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and cooking. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn the steak over.
4. Keep an eye on the steak as it cooks and adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.
5. Once the cooking time is complete, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to become more tender.
6. Slice the steak against the grain and serve it with your favourite side dishes or accompaniments.
7. Enjoy your perfectly cooked braising steak made in the air fryer!
Check the Internal Temperature
One of the most important steps in cooking braising steak in an air fryer is to check the internal temperature to ensure it is cooked properly. This will help you determine if the steak is done and ready to be served. Here are a few guidelines to follow:
1. Use a Meat Thermometer
Start by using a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the braising steak. Insert the probe of the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, making sure it doesn’t touch any bone or fat. This will give you an accurate reading of the steak’s internal temperature.
2. Cook to the Desired Temperature
Depending on your personal preference, you can cook the braising steak to different internal temperatures. Here are some guidelines for different levels of doneness:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C) – The steak will be red and cool in the center.
- Medium Rare: 135°F (57°C) – The steak will have a warm red center.
- Medium: 145°F (63°C) – The steak will have a warm pink center.
- Medium Well: 155°F (68°C) – The steak will have a slightly pink center.
- Well Done: 160°F (71°C) and above – The steak will be cooked throughout with no pink.
Remember that the steak will continue to cook after it is removed from the air fryer, so it’s best to take it out when it’s a few degrees below your desired temperature.
3. Let it Rest
After cooking, allow the braising steak to rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
By checking the internal temperature of the braising steak, you can ensure that it is cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Remember to use a meat thermometer and allow the steak to rest before serving for the best results.
Rest the Steak
After cooking your braising steak in the air fryer, it’s essential to let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the meat fibers to relax and reabsorb some of the juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Remove the steak from the air fryer basket or tray and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes, although 10 minutes is even better.
Why is resting important?
Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. When you cook the steak, the heat causes the juices to move away from the center and towards the outer edges. Resting helps the juices to redistribute back towards the center, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful steak.
How to rest the steak properly?
Make sure not to cut into your steak immediately after cooking. This will cause the juices to spill out, resulting in a drier steak. Instead, cover it with foil and let it sit undisturbed on the cutting board. This resting period also gives you time to prepare any additional sides or sauces to serve with your steak.
Once the steak has rested, you can proceed to slice it against the grain. This ensures a more tender bite. Serve your perfectly cooked and rested braising steak with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Serve and Enjoy
Once your braising steak has finished cooking in the air fryer, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious meal. Here are a few tips for serving and enjoying your braising steak:
Rest the steak: Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and make the steak more tender and flavorful.
Slice it up: Slice the braising steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. Use a sharp knife to cut thin slices.
Pair it with sides: Serve your braising steak with your favorite sides. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Sauces and condiments: Enhance the flavor of your steak by serving it with a delicious sauce or condiment. Some classic options include mushroom gravy, horseradish sauce, or a tangy chimichurri.
Garnish: Add a final touch to your dish by garnishing it with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme. This will add a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
Remember, your braising steak will be hot when it comes out of the air fryer, so be careful when handling it. Enjoy your meal!
Q&A
How long should I cook braising steak in an air fryer?
The cooking time for braising steak in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness and desired level of doneness, but a general guideline is to cook it for about 10-12 minutes at 180°C (356°F).
What temperature should I set my air fryer to cook braising steak?
The recommended temperature for cooking braising steak in an air fryer is around 180°C (356°F). However, you can adjust the temperature based on your preference and the thickness of the steak.
Can I cook braising steak in an air fryer?
Yes, you can definitely cook braising steak in an air fryer. It is a great alternative to traditional cooking methods and can result in a tender and juicy steak.
How do I know if braising steak is cooked properly in an air fryer?
To ensure that braising steak is cooked properly in an air fryer, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, the temperature should be around 60°C (140°F). You can also check the doneness by cutting into the steak and checking the color of the meat.
Can I marinate braising steak before cooking it in an air fryer?
Yes, marinating braising steak before cooking it in an air fryer can add extra flavor and tenderness to the meat. You can marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
