How To Heat Up Steak In Air Fryer

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

When it comes to cooking a perfectly juicy and tender steak, there are a multitude of methods to choose from. One cooking method that has gained popularity in recent years is using an air fryer. With its ability to quickly and evenly cook food, an air fryer can be a convenient tool for heating up steak leftovers or giving a fresh cut of steak that sizzling sear.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of heating up a steak in an air fryer, ensuring that you can enjoy a deliciously cooked steak without the hassle of firing up the grill or turning on the oven. So, let’s get started!

Step 1: Preparing the Steak

Before you start cooking, it’s important to properly prepare your steak for the best results. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This allows the steak to cook more evenly and ensures a tender result.
2. If the steak has any excess moisture, pat it dry with paper towels. This helps with browning and prevents steaming.
3. Trim any excess fat from the steak, if desired. Too much fat can lead to flare-ups in the air fryer and result in uneven cooking.
4. Season the steak with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasoning blends or marinades according to your preference.

By properly preparing your steak, you can ensure that it is ready to absorb and retain the flavors during the cooking process.

Step 2: Preheating the Air Fryer

Before placing your steak in the air fryer, it’s important to preheat it to ensure even and consistent cooking. Follow these steps to preheat your air fryer:

1. Plug in your air fryer and set the temperature to the desired cooking temperature. For steak, a temperature of 400°F (200°C) is recommended for a medium-rare to medium doneness.
2. Allow the air fryer to preheat for a few minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.
3. Some air fryers have a preheating indicator light that will turn off once the desired temperature is reached.
4. While the air fryer is preheating, you can use this time to gather any additional ingredients or utensils you may need.

Preheating the air fryer ensures that the cooking process starts off at the right temperature, allowing your steak to sear and cook evenly. This step is essential for achieving a perfectly cooked steak.

Step 3: Seasoning the Steak

Seasoning your steak is a crucial step in adding flavor and enhancing the taste. Here’s how you can season your steak for optimal results:

1. Remove the steak from its packaging and place it on a clean plate or cutting board.
2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. A dry surface ensures better browning and prevents steaming.
3. Sprinkle both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper. This helps to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
4. Feel free to experiment with other seasonings and spices according to your taste preferences.
5. Gently rub the seasoning into the steak, ensuring that it is evenly coated on all sides.

Allowing the steak to rest for a few minutes after seasoning will help the flavors penetrate the meat.

Remember, seasoning is an opportunity to get creative and experiment with different flavors. Don’t be afraid to try different spices or marinades to add an extra dimension to your steak.

Step 4: Placing the Steak in the Air Fryer

Now that your steak is seasoned and your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to place the steak in the air fryer basket. Follow these steps:

1. Open the air fryer and carefully place the seasoned steak on the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for proper airflow.
2. If you’re cooking multiple steaks, avoid overcrowding the basket. It’s better to cook them in batches for even cooking and browning.
3. Close the air fryer and make sure it’s securely latched.

By properly placing the steak in the air fryer, you ensure that it’s positioned for optimal cooking and browning on all sides.

Now, it’s time to move on to the next step and start the cooking process!

When heating up steak in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and then place the steak in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes for medium-rare or 5-7 minutes for medium, flipping halfway through. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 5: Cooking the Steak in the Air Fryer

With the steak positioned in the air fryer, it’s time to cook it to perfection. Follow these steps to ensure a deliciously cooked steak:

1. Set the air fryer to the recommended cooking temperature for steak, which is typically around 400°F (200°C).
2. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your steak and your preferred level of doneness. As a general guide, for a 1-inch thick steak, aim for around 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, 12-14 minutes for medium, and 14-16 minutes for medium-well.
3. Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model, so it’s best to keep an eye on the steak and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
4. If you prefer a more well-done steak, you can increase the cooking time accordingly. Just be mindful not to overcook it, as it can lead to a tougher texture.
5. During the cooking process, you can open the air fryer and flip the steak halfway through for even browning on both sides, if desired.

Remember, these cooking times are just guidelines, and it’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches your preferred level of doneness.

Now that the cooking process is underway, let’s move on to the next step to check the doneness of the steak.

Step 6: Checking the Steak’s Doneness

Checking the doneness of your steak is crucial to ensuring it is cooked to your liking. Follow these steps to determine if your steak is cooked to perfection:

1. Carefully remove the steak from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula and place it on a clean plate or cutting board.
2. Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. The temperature will give you an accurate indication of its doneness.
3. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should read around 135°F (57°C). Medium steak should have an internal temperature of about 145°F (63°C), while medium-well steak will have a temperature of around 150°F (66°C).
4. Remember that the steak’s temperature will continue to rise slightly as it rests, so you may want to remove it from the air fryer when it is a few degrees below your desired doneness.

If the steak hasn’t reached your desired level of doneness, you can return it to the air fryer for a few more minutes and continue to monitor the temperature.

By checking the steak’s doneness, you ensure that it is cooked to perfection and meets your preferences. Now, let’s move on to the final step of resting and serving the steak.

Step 7: Resting and Serving the Steak

Once your steak has reached the desired doneness, it’s important to allow it to rest before serving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a tender and flavorful steak. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Transfer the cooked steak to a clean plate or cutting board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. This allows the steak to rest without losing too much heat.
2. Let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat, ensuring a moist and tender texture.
3. While the steak is resting, take the opportunity to prepare any additional side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with your steak.
4. After the resting period, remove the foil and carefully slice the steak against the grain to maximize tenderness.
5. Serve the steak on a plate, along with your preferred side dishes and sauces.

By allowing your steak to rest, you ensure that it is juicy and flavorful when you take that first bite. The resting period is just as important as the cooking process itself.

Now, it’s time to enjoy your expertly cooked steak from the air fryer!

Conclusion

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to enjoy a perfectly cooked piece of meat. By following these steps, you can elevate your steak-cooking game and achieve delicious results every time.

From preparing the steak with seasonings to preheating the air fryer, each step plays a crucial role in creating a flavorful and tender steak. Taking the time to properly season, preheat, and cook the steak ensures that it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Checking the steak’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer is key to achieving the perfect doneness. Whether you prefer a juicy medium-rare steak or a well-cooked medium-well steak, monitoring the temperature ensures you achieve your preferred level of doneness every time.

Lastly, allowing the steak to rest before serving is essential. This step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

So, the next time you’re craving a juicy steak, consider using your air fryer to achieve delicious results. With the right preparation, cooking techniques, and attention to detail, you can savor a restaurant-quality steak in the comfort of your own home.

Now, it’s time to fire up that air fryer and enjoy a mouthwatering steak that will leave you craving for more!