Warm weather is just around the corner, and that means it’s almost time for outdoor barbecues and cookouts. But let’s face it, we still have to deal with rainy spring weather and the hustle and bustle of the school year. So, for a quick and easy alternative to grilling outdoors, why not try making a delicious air fryer steak?
A Rainy Day or Busy Night Favorite
Cooked to perfection on a rainy weekend or a busy school night, these steaks are a breeze to prepare. Simply brush them with oil, sprinkle your favorite seasoning, and pop them in your air fryer. It’s that simple! Adding air fryer steak to your meal rotation will give you a super quick option on busy or rainy days when grilling outdoors is not an option.
Eye of Round: Cheap and Economical
For our recipe, we used an eye of round steak, which is a smaller and thinner cut from the rear quarter of the beef. The round steak is divided into three sections: top round, bottom round, and eye of round. While top round tends to be tougher and requires marinating or tenderizing, the bottom round is less tender than the top round. The eye of round, the cut we are cooking today, is tougher because the animal uses this muscle to walk around. But don’t worry! A great marinade will help soften it up, and the air fryer will do the rest.
Paired with frozen french fries and healthy broccoli, air-fried steak provides a healthier way to cook great-tasting meals when you find yourself pressed for time.
A Ribeye Option
Everyone has their own steak preferences. Some like it rare, while others enjoy it well-done. With thicker cuts like a ribeye, which I prefer medium-well, using a meat thermometer is a good rule of thumb. Cooking a larger steak is different from cooking a thinner slice of meat. The outside should be charred, while the inside should have a pink hue.
Any Steak, Any Time
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the cut. The thinner the cut, the faster your steak will cook. So, if you have a thick steak, I suggest using a kitchen thermometer to achieve the perfect doneness.
- Rare: Coolish red center, internal temperature around 125°F | 52°C.
- Medium Rare: Warmish red center, internal temperature around 135°F | 57°C.
- Medium: Warmish pink center, internal temperature around 145°F | 63°C.
- Medium Well: Slightly pink center, internal temperature around 150°F | 66°C.
- Well Done: No pink or very little, internal temperature around 160°F | 71°C.
Other Delicious Pairings
Looking for side dishes to complement your air fryer steak? Here are some recipes that go well with it:
- Roasted Potatoes
- Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Baked Potato
- Asparagus
- Zucchini, Yellow Squash, and Onion
Tools and Ingredients
To prepare this delicious air fryer steak, you’ll need a few essential tools and ingredients. Here’s what we recommend:
Now that you have all the information you need, why not give air fryer steak a try? It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a tasty meal, whether it’s raining outside or you’re just short on time. Check out Ekilove for more mouthwatering recipes!
