Olivia Carter
Grilling steak in an air fryer is a convenient and flavorful way to enjoy a juicy, tender piece of meat. With the right cooking time, you can achieve that perfectly cooked steak with a succulent interior and a deliciously caramelized crust.
So, how long should you grill steak in an air fryer? Well, the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. As a general rule, for a medium-rare steak, you should grill it for about 10 minutes.
However, it’s important to note that air fryers can differ in their cooking capabilities, so it’s always best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance. Additionally, you might need to adjust the cooking time based on your personal preferences and the size of the steak.
When grilling steak in an air fryer, it’s recommended to preheat the appliance to ensure even cooking. This will help to sear the steak and lock in its natural juices. Once the air fryer is preheated, place the steak inside the basket and cook it at the desired temperature, flipping it halfway through for even cooking.
Preparation and Seasoning
Before grilling steak in an air fryer, it is important to properly prepare and season the meat to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
1. Choose the Right Cut
Start by selecting a high-quality steak cut that is suitable for grilling, such as ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip. These cuts are well-marbled and tender, making them perfect for air fryer grilling.
2. Thaw the Steak
If your steak is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Thawing the steak slowly helps retain its moisture and ensures even cooking.
3. Pat Dry
Before seasoning the steak, pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step helps the steak develop a nice brown sear when grilled.
4. Seasoning
Season the steak generously with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to enhance the flavor. Rub the seasonings onto both sides of the steak, ensuring they penetrate the surface.
5. Resting Time
Allow the seasoned steak to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step helps the meat cook more evenly and preserves its tenderness.
By properly preparing and seasoning your steak, you will achieve a delicious and flavorful result when grilling in an air fryer.
Grilling Time and Temperature
Grilling steak in an air fryer requires careful attention to time and temperature to achieve the desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
1. Preheating the Air Fryer
Before grilling your steak, it’s important to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature. This helps ensure that the steak cooks evenly and develops a nice sear.
2. Selecting the Right Temperature
The recommended temperature for grilling steak in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). This high temperature allows the steak to cook quickly and develop a flavorful crust.
3. Determining Grilling Time
The grilling time for steak in an air fryer varies depending on the thickness and desired level of doneness. Here are some guidelines:
- Rare: 4-5 minutes per side
- Medium-rare: 5-6 minutes per side
- Medium: 6-7 minutes per side
- Medium-well: 7-8 minutes per side
- Well-done: 8-9 minutes per side
These times are general estimates and may vary depending on the specific air fryer and cut of steak used. It’s important to check the internal temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired doneness.
Remember to let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
Checking for Doneness
When grilling steak in an air fryer, it is important to check for doneness to ensure that your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Here are a few methods you can use to check for doneness:
- Visual Inspection: One way to check for doneness is by visually inspecting the steak. Cut into the thickest part of the steak and look at the color of the meat. For a rare steak, the interior should be bright red with a cool, red center. For a medium-rare steak, the interior should be pink with a warm, red center. For a medium steak, the interior should be pink with a warm, pink center. And for a well-done steak, the interior should be grayish-brown with no pink or red center.
- Touch Test: Another way to check for doneness is by using the touch test. Using the back of your tongs or a spatula, press down on the center of the steak. If the steak feels very soft and squishy, it is likely rare. If it feels slightly firm and springs back when pressed, it is likely medium-rare. If it feels firm with a little bit of give, it is likely medium. And if it feels very firm with no give, it is likely well-done.
- Meat Thermometer: The most accurate way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, making sure that it is not touching bone or fat. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 125°F (52°C). For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C). For a medium steak, the internal temperature should be around 145°F (63°C). And for a well-done steak, the internal temperature should be around 160°F (71°C) or higher.
It is important to note that the cooking times and temperatures can vary depending on the thickness and cut of the steak, as well as your personal preference for doneness. Therefore, it is recommended to use a combination of these methods to ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your steak is grilled to perfection in the air fryer, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. Follow these tips to make the most of your deliciously cooked steak:
Resting the Steak
Before slicing into the steak, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful piece of meat. Place the grilled steak on a cutting board and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 5 minutes.
Slicing the Steak
After the resting period, it’s time to slice your steak. Use a sharp knife to cut it against the grain into thin slices. Cutting against the grain helps to break up the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and easy-to-chew steak.
| Doneness | Internal Temperature | Visual Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F (51°C) | Bright red center |
| Medium Rare | 135°F (57°C) | Pink and warm center |
| Medium | 145°F (63°C) | Pink center with a hint of red |
| Medium Well | 155°F (68°C) | Thick band of pink in the center |
| Well Done | 160°F (71°C) and above | Grayish-brown throughout |
Remember that these temperatures are for reference only, and personal preferences may vary. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the desired doneness.
Now that your steak is perfectly cooked, serve it alongside your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also top it with a drizzle of chimichurri sauce, a pat of herbed butter, or a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor.
Enjoy your grilled steak from the air fryer as a main course for a hearty meal, or slice it up and use it in sandwiches, tacos, or salads for a versatile and delicious dish.
Questions and Answers
How long should I grill a steak in an air fryer?
It depends on the thickness of the steak and how well-done you want it. As a general guideline, for a medium-rare steak that is about 1 inch thick, you can grill it in an air fryer for about 10-12 minutes.
Can I cook a thick steak in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook a thick steak in an air fryer. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a 2-inch thick steak, you may need to increase the cooking time to about 15-18 minutes for medium-rare.
What temperature should I set my air fryer to grill a steak?
It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before grilling a steak. This high temperature will help sear the steak and lock in the juices, resulting in a tender and flavorful steak.
Should I marinate the steak before grilling it in an air fryer?
Marinating the steak before grilling it in an air fryer is not necessary, but it can enhance the flavor. If you choose to marinate the steak, it is best to do so for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. You can use a simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, or get creative with your own favorite marinade recipe.
Can I grill a frozen steak in an air fryer?
Yes, you can grill a frozen steak in an air fryer. However, you will need to increase the cooking time. It is recommended to grill a frozen steak in an air fryer for about 20-25 minutes for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of the steak.
