Are you in the mood for a delicious, juicy steak but wanting to avoid the excess oil and calories that come with traditional frying methods? Well, look no further because we’ve got you covered with this Air Fryer Flank Steak recipe. This cooking technique locks in the flavors of the steak while ensuring it remains juicy and tender. And the best part is that it requires minimal prep time and effort.
Picture this: a perfectly seasoned flank steak seared to perfection in the air fryer, the aroma of herbs and spices filling your kitchen. The result? A mouthwatering, crispy exterior with a moist, flavorful interior that will leave your taste buds dancing. So why not shake things up a bit and try out this new way of cooking your favorite cut of meat? With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your own home.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this deliciously juicy and healthy Air Fryer Flank Steak recipe.
Choose the Right Cut
Cooking flank steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious and flavorful meal. However, choosing the right cut of meat is essential to ensure that your air-fried dish comes out perfect. Flank steak is an excellent choice for air frying because of its thinness and rich flavor.
It is also a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, making it a great option for those on a budget. Before cooking, it is essential to marinate the steak to add more flavor and tenderness. When it comes to seasoning, you can go as simple or as complex as you like.
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are simple seasoning options that work well with this dish. With a bit of preparation and the right cut of meat, cooking flank steak in an air fryer will become a go-to meal for a quick and delicious dinner.
Choose a Flank Steak at Least 1 inch Thick
When it comes to grilling up a delicious flank steak, choosing the right cut is key. For the best results, opt for a flank steak that is at least 1 inch thick. This thickness ensures that the steak will cook evenly and stay juicy on the inside while developing a flavorful crust on the outside.
A thin or unevenly cut flank steak can easily overcook and become tough and chewy, ruining your meal. So, be sure to ask your butcher or grocer for a thick, evenly cut flank steak to ensure you get the most succulent and tasty results possible.
Marinate to Infuse Flavor
When it comes to marinating your meat to infuse flavor, choosing the right cut is key. Some cuts, like skirt steak or flank steak, are naturally tougher and benefit greatly from marinating to tenderize them. Other cuts, like filet mignon or ribeye, are already tender and don’t necessarily need to be marinated.
However, a flavorful marinade can still enhance the taste of any cut of meat. It’s also important to choose a marinade that complements the flavor of the meat you’re using. For example, a sweet marinade may be great for chicken or pork, while a savory marinade may pair better with beef.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different marinade combinations until you find your favorite. Just remember to marinate your meat for at least a few hours, or even overnight, to really allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. By choosing the right cut and marinade, marinating can take your grilled meat to the next level of deliciousness.
Searing to Seal in Juiciness
If you’re looking to cook up a juicy, flavorful flank steak, using an air fryer might be just the trick you need. Searing your steak before placing it in the air fryer is the key to sealing in all of its natural juices and creating a crispy outer layer. Simply season your steak with your favorite herbs and spices, then heat up a cast iron skillet until it’s smoking hot.
Place your steak in the skillet and let it cook for a few minutes on each side until a crust forms. Once the steak is seared to perfection, transfer it to your air fryer and cook it at high heat until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Using an air fryer not only yields tasty results, but it also cooks your steak quickly and with minimal effort.
Give this method a try for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Pat Dry the Steak
Before searing your steak, it is important to pat it dry with paper towels. This not only helps to remove any excess moisture on the surface but also promotes better browning. When you sear a wet steak, the moisture begins to steam and boil, preventing the development of a proper crust.
By patting it dry, you allow for even heat distribution and the formation of that delicious, golden-brown color on the outside of your steak. Think about it like trying to crisp up soggy bacon. If you don’t dry the slices properly before cooking, they won’t get that desirable crispiness that we all love.
Similarly, if you don’t remove the moisture from your steak’s surface, you won’t achieve the same level of caramelization or that mouthwatering sizzle sound when it hits the pan. So, don’t skip this crucial step in searing your steak for the perfect crust and juicy interior.
Spray Air Fryer Basket with Non-Stick Cooking Spray
When it comes to cooking with your air fryer, one important step is to make sure you spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray before using it. Not only does this help prevent your food from sticking to the basket, but it also makes cleanup a breeze. Another helpful tip is to sear your meat before cooking it in the air fryer.
Searing creates a crust on the outside of your meat, which not only adds flavor but also helps to seal in the juices. This ensures that your meat will be tender and juicy on the inside, while still having a nice crispy outer layer. So next time you’re cooking with your air fryer, remember to spray the basket with non-stick spray and try searing your meat first.
Your taste buds will thank you!
Sear Your Steak in Air Fryer for 2-3 Minutes on Each Side
If you’re looking for a way to sear your steak to perfection, look no further than your air fryer! Searing your steak is a crucial step in achieving the perfect cook, but it can be difficult to do just right. With an air fryer, however, you can easily sear your steak for 2-3 minutes on each side to seal in all of the delicious juiciness. Not only is it easy, but using an air fryer for searing also means you’ll get a nice, crispy crust on your steak without the need for any extra oil.
Just be sure to preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature before adding your steak, and use tongs to carefully flip it over after a couple of minutes. With this handy kitchen appliance, achieving a perfectly seared steak has never been easier!
Cook to Perfected Temperature
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to cook flank steak, you should definitely try making it in an air fryer! Not only will it cook your steak evenly and quickly, but the high heat of the air fryer will also give your meat a beautifully caramelized crust. But how do you make sure your steak is cooked to perfection? The key is to check the temperature using a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare steak, you’ll want to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
For a medium steak, aim for 135-145°F. Be sure to let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain. This will prevent all the juices from escaping and ensure a tender and juicy piece of meat.
So next time you’re in the mood for a steak dinner, give your air fryer a try and cook your flank steak to perfection!
Set Air Fryer to 400°F
Setting your air fryer to 400°F is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked food. This temperature preheats the air fryer and allows your food to cook evenly without overcooking or undercooking. Whether you’re preparing chicken wings, french fries, or even baked goods, setting your air fryer to 400°F is the way to go.
Make sure to also monitor the cooking time and flip your food halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides. With this temperature setting and a little bit of attention, your air fryer creations will come out crispy and delicious every time. So go ahead and experiment with your favorite recipes and see the magic that comes with setting your air fryer to 400°F!
Place the Flank Steak in Air Fryer, Close and Cook for 8 to 10 Minutes
If you’re a fan of flank steak and want to cook it in a quick and easy way, then air frying might be the perfect option for you. To start, place the flank steak in the air fryer and close it, then set the timer for 8 to 10 minutes. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and size of your steak.
It’s essential to cook it to the perfect temperature for the best flavor. For medium-rare, cook it to 135°F, medium to 145°F, and well-done to 160°F. A meat thermometer can help you check the temperature accurately.
When it’s done, take it out of the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This way, you allow the juices to redistribute and keep it juicy and tender. Additionally, you can season it with your favorite herbs and spices while it’s resting.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked flank steak!
Resting for Tenderness
Cooking flank steak in an air fryer is a great way to get a perfectly tender and juicy steak. To make sure the meat is cooked thoroughly, it’s important to preheat the air fryer before cooking. Once the heat is at the right temperature, season the steak with salt and pepper and place it in the air fryer basket.
Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the steak. However, resting the steak after cooking is just as important as the actual cooking process. Allow the steak to rest for about 5-10 minutes to let the juices settle and the meat to become more tender.
This will also help prevent the juices from spilling out when cutting into the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and delicious meal. With this simple and easy method, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked and tender flank steak straight from your air fryer.
Remove from Air Fryer, Let Rest for 5 Minutes Before Serving
Resting for tenderness is an essential part of air frying. When food is being cooked, the heat causes the moisture within the food to move away from its interior, leaving the surface dry. During the resting period, the moisture redistributes throughout the food, resulting in a more tender and evenly cooked dish.
Therefore, it is critical to let your air-fried meal rest for at least five minutes before serving. This time allows the heat to distribute evenly throughout the food, making it more succulent and flavorful. Just like how we need to rest after a workout to let our muscles recover and gain strength, allowing your meal to rest ensures the meat fibers have time to relax and soak up all the delicious juices, keeping your dish juicy and tender.
So, before digging into your perfectly crispy and mouthwatering air-fried food, let it rest for a few minutes to ensure you achieve the best texture possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cooking flank steak in an air fryer is like having a culinary superhero at your fingertips. It saves time, delivers perfectly cooked meat, and leaves your taste buds craving more. So why settle for ordinary grilling when you can take your steak game to the next level with the air fryer.
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FAQs
What is a flank steak?
Flank steak is a lean and tough cut of beef that comes from the underside of a cow.
How long should I cook a flank steak in an air fryer?
It usually takes about 10-12 minutes to cook a flank steak in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the steak.
What temperature should I set my air fryer to when cooking a flank steak?
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the flank steak.
How should I season a flank steak before cooking it in an air fryer?
You can season the flank steak with a rub or marinade of your choice before cooking it in an air fryer to add flavor and tenderize the meat.
Can I cook other types of meat in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook a variety of meats in an air fryer, including chicken, pork, and fish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat and its thickness.
