Can You Cook a London Broil in an Air Fryer Fast Easy Delicious

Yes, you can cook a London broil in an air fryer quickly and easily, achieving a juicy, flavorful result in under 20 minutes. The air fryer’s high heat sears the steak perfectly, locking in juices while creating a delicious crust—ideal for busy weeknights. Just season, broil, and slice against the grain for a tender, restaurant-quality meal.

Key Takeaways

• Cook London broil in air fryer: Achieve tender, juicy results in under 20 minutes.
• Preheat for best results: Ensures even searing and locks in juices effectively.
• Use high heat (400°F+): Quickly caramelizes the crust for restaurant-quality flavor.
• Flip halfway through: Promotes uniform doneness and prevents overcooking one side.
• Rest before slicing: Let it sit 5+ minutes to retain moisture and tenderness.
• Marinate for extra flavor: Enhances taste and tenderness in just 30 minutes.

Can You Cook a London Broil in an Air Fryer? Fast, Easy, and Delicious

Let me start with a confession: I used to think London broil was one of those fancy cuts of meat reserved for weekend grilling sessions or restaurant visits. I’d see it on menus, hear friends rave about it, but never quite felt confident tackling it at home. Then, one rainy Tuesday, I found myself with a London broil in the fridge, no grill access, and a craving for something hearty and flavorful. That’s when I asked myself: Can you cook a London broil in an air fryer?

Spoiler alert: Yes, you absolutely can — and it might just be the fastest, easiest way to get that rich, smoky flavor with a perfectly seared crust and tender interior. I was skeptical at first. After all, London broil is traditionally grilled or broiled, right? But after testing it in my air fryer, I was blown away. Juicy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. No smoke, no mess, no standing outside in the cold. Just a delicious, restaurant-quality meal made right on my countertop. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from what London broil actually is to how to cook it in your air fryer, with real tips, timing tricks, and flavor ideas that actually work.

What Is London Broil (And Why the Air Fryer Works So Well)

Before we dive into cooking, let’s clear up a common confusion: London broil isn’t a specific cut of meat — it’s a cooking method. Traditionally, it refers to marinating a tough, lean cut (usually flank steak, top round, or sirloin) and then searing it over high heat. The result? A deeply flavorful, tenderized steak with a charred crust and juicy pink center. The key is the marinade and the high-heat sear — and that’s exactly where the air fryer shines.

Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for London Broil

Air fryers use rapid, superheated air to crisp and brown food from all angles — just like a convection oven, but faster and more intense. Here’s why that matters for London broil:

• High heat searing: Air fryers can reach 400°F (205°C) quickly, creating a beautiful Maillard reaction — that golden-brown crust we all crave.

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• Even cooking: The circulating air ensures the steak cooks evenly, reducing the risk of overcooking the edges while leaving the center raw.
• No smoke or mess: Unlike grilling, you won’t set off your smoke alarm or have to clean greasy grill grates.
• Speed: No preheating the grill or waiting for coals. Just season, place, and press “start.”

I remember the first time I tried this. I used a flank steak, marinated it for an hour, and set my air fryer to 400°F. In 12 minutes, I had a steak that rivaled any restaurant version — and my kitchen smelled amazing, not like a grease fire.

Common Cuts Used for London Broil

While “London broil” is a method, the cut matters. Here are the most common and air-fryer-friendly options:

• Flank steak: My personal favorite. Long, flat, and full of beefy flavor. Tends to be lean but tender when sliced correctly.
• Top round (inside round): Leaner and slightly less tender, but more affordable. Works well with longer marinating.
• Sirloin tip steak: A bit more marbling, which adds juiciness. Great for air frying because it holds up to high heat.

Pro tip: Always look for steaks that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thinner cuts can dry out; thicker ones may need longer cooking or flipping.

How to Prepare London Broil for the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

Prepping your London broil properly is the secret to success. It’s not just about throwing meat into the air fryer — it’s about maximizing flavor and tenderness. Here’s my go-to method, tested over dozens of meals.

Step 1: Choose and Trim the Steak

Start with a good-quality cut. Look for uniform thickness and minimal fat (though a little marbling is fine). Trim any large silver skin or connective tissue — these won’t soften during air frying and can make the steak chewy. I once skipped this step and ended up with a steak that was tough to cut, even after slicing against the grain. Lesson learned.

Step 2: Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness

Marinating isn’t just for flavor — it helps break down tough muscle fibers. Here’s a simple, effective marinade I use:

• 1/4 cup olive oil (adds richness and helps browning)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for umami and salt)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (adds depth)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (tenderizes and adds tang)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (balances acidity and aids caramelization)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that “grilled” flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Place the steak and marinade in a zip-top bag or container. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2–4 hours. I’ve gone up to 12 hours in the fridge with great results — just don’t over-marinate (more than 24 hours can make the texture mushy).

Quick marinade tip: If you’re in a rush, use a store-bought marinade (I like Stubbs or Lawry’s). Just check the sodium content — some are very salty, so you may want to reduce added salt in other steps.

Step 3: Pat Dry and Season (Yes, Season Again!)

After marinating, pat the steak dry with paper towels. This is crucial. Wet meat won’t sear — it’ll steam. Then, give it a final sprinkle of salt and pepper. Even if your marinade was salty, a light touch of salt before cooking enhances flavor. I also like to add a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder for extra savoriness.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer (Yes, It Helps!)

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3–5 minutes. This ensures the steak starts searing immediately, not just warming up. I’ve skipped this step before, and the first few minutes of cooking felt sluggish — the crust wasn’t as crisp.

Air Fryer Cooking Times and Techniques (With Real Examples)

Now for the main event: cooking. Timing depends on thickness, air fryer model, and your preferred doneness. But here’s a reliable method that works across most models.

General Cooking Guide

Steak Thickness	Rare (125–130°F)	Medium-Rare (130–135°F)	Medium (135–145°F)	Medium-Well (145–155°F)
1 inch	8–9 minutes	9–11 minutes	11–13 minutes	13–15 minutes
1.25 inches	10–11 minutes	11–13 minutes	13–15 minutes	15–17 minutes
1.5 inches	12–13 minutes	13–15 minutes	15–18 minutes	18–20 minutes

Note: Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Internal temperature is the only reliable way to ensure doneness.

Step-by-Step Air Frying Process

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (3–5 minutes).
2. Place steak in the basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd — if your steak is long, you can cut it in half (but don’t overlap).
3. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip. This ensures even browning on both sides.
4. Continue cooking for the remaining time based on thickness and desired doneness.
5. Check temperature in the thickest part. Remove when it’s 5–10°F below your target (carryover cooking will raise it 5–10°F while resting).
6. Rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This is non-negotiable — it keeps the juices inside.

I tested this with a 1.25-inch flank steak. I cooked it for 12 minutes (flip at 5), then checked the temp: 132°F. Perfect medium-rare. After resting, it was juicy and tender — no dry edges.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use a meat thermometer: I use a digital instant-read thermometer. It’s a game-changer. No guessing.
• Flip halfway: Even with air circulation, flipping ensures both sides develop a crust.
• Don’t overcook: London broil is lean. Overcooking = dry, tough steak. Medium-rare is ideal.
• Use the crisper plate (if included): Some air fryers come with a raised tray to elevate food. Use it — it improves airflow and browning.
• Spray with oil (optional): If your steak looks dry after marinating, a light spritz of cooking spray before cooking can help with browning.

One time, I forgot to flip and left it in for 15 minutes. The bottom was charred, the top pale. Not ideal. Flipping is worth the 10-second effort.

How to Slice and Serve Your Air Fryer London Broil

You’ve cooked the perfect steak — now don’t ruin it with bad slicing. How you cut it makes all the difference in texture.

Always Slice Against the Grain

Flank and round steaks have long muscle fibers. If you slice with the grain, each bite will be tough and chewy. But if you slice perpendicular to the grain, you cut the fibers short, making the steak tender and easy to chew.

Here’s how to do it:

1. After resting, place the steak on a cutting board.
2. Look at the surface — you’ll see long, parallel lines (the grain).
3. Turn the knife so it’s at a 90-degree angle to those lines.
4. Slice into thin strips (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick).

I once served a steak sliced with the grain. My guest politely chewed and chewed. I felt terrible. Now, I always check the grain direction — it’s that important.

Serving Ideas That Shine

London broil is incredibly versatile. Here are my favorite ways to serve it:

• Classic steak dinner: Serve with roasted potatoes, sautéed green beans, and a dollop of horseradish sauce.
• Steak tacos or fajitas: Slice thin, toss with sautéed peppers and onions, and serve in warm tortillas.
• Steak salad: Top a bed of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and blue cheese with warm steak slices. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Sandwiches or subs: Layer on a hoagie roll with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and garlic aioli. Toast in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.
• Steak and eggs (brunch win): Serve with scrambled eggs, avocado, and toast.

One of my favorite meals is steak tacos. I air fry the London broil, slice it thin, and serve it with lime wedges, cilantro, and pickled red onions. It’s quick, fresh, and feels like a weekend treat — even on a Tuesday.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with a great method, things can go wrong. Here are the most common pitfalls — and how I’ve learned to avoid them.

1. Overcooking the Steak

This is the #1 mistake. Lean cuts like flank steak dry out fast. Always use a thermometer. Remember: carryover cooking means the temperature rises after you remove it from the heat. Pull it 5–10°F early.

My fix: Set a timer and check temp 2–3 minutes before the estimated end time.

2. Not Patting the Steak Dry

Wet meat steams instead of searing. A soggy crust is disappointing. Always pat dry with paper towels — even if it feels dry.

3. Skipping the Rest

Cutting into steak immediately releases all the juices onto the plate. Resting allows the muscle fibers to reabsorb moisture. 5–10 minutes is enough.

4. Using a Low-Quality Air Fryer

Not all air fryers are equal. Smaller, cheaper models may not get hot enough or circulate air well. If your steak is pale and undercooked after 15 minutes, your air fryer might not be powerful enough.

My advice: Invest in a mid-range model (like Cosori, Ninja, or Instant Vortex) with at least 1500 watts and good airflow.

5. Overcrowding the Basket

If you have a large steak, cut it in half to fit in a single layer. Overlapping steaks block airflow and lead to uneven cooking.

6. Not Marinating (or Marinating Too Long)

No marinade = bland steak. But marinating beyond 24 hours can break down the meat too much, leading to a mushy texture. Stick to 2–12 hours for best results.

Final Thoughts: Is Air Fryer London Broil Worth It?

Absolutely. Cooking a London broil in an air fryer is fast, easy, and delivers delicious results — often better than grilling, especially if you live in an apartment or hate dealing with charcoal. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests without the stress.

You get that smoky, charred crust, tender interior, and deep flavor — all without smoke, mess, or a long wait. Plus, cleanup is a breeze. Just wipe the basket with a damp cloth or toss it in the dishwasher.

Is it exactly like a charcoal grill? No — nothing beats the flavor of real wood smoke. But for 95% of home cooks, the air fryer is more practical, consistent, and convenient. And when you’re juggling work, kids, and dinner, that’s what matters.

So, can you cook a London broil in an air fryer? Yes — and you should. Try it tonight. Marinate a flank steak, preheat your air fryer, and in under 20 minutes, you’ll have a steak that’s fast, easy, and delicious. Just don’t forget to slice against the grain — your taste buds will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook a London broil in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook a London broil in an air fryer! The high heat and rapid air circulation create a perfectly seared crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy in less time than traditional methods.

How long do you cook a London broil in an air fryer?

Cook a London broil in an air fryer for 10–14 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through. Exact time depends on thickness and desired doneness—use a meat thermometer for accuracy (135°F for medium-rare).

What’s the best way to cook a London broil in an air fryer for maximum flavor?

Marinate the steak for at least 2 hours before air frying, then pat it dry for a better sear. Season generously and cook at 400°F for a delicious, evenly browned crust and moist interior.

Do you need to flip a London broil in an air fryer?

Yes, flipping halfway through cooking ensures even browning and consistent doneness. Use tongs to avoid piercing the meat and losing juices.

Can you cook a frozen London broil in an air fryer?

While possible, it’s best to thaw first for even cooking. If cooking from frozen, increase time by 5–7 minutes and check internal temperature to avoid undercooking.

What temperature should you use to air fry a London broil?

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal results. This high heat quickly sears the exterior while locking in juices, giving you a restaurant-quality finish.