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The best cuts of steak to cook in your air fryer, ranked from worst to best
If you’re a steak lover, you may be intrigued by the idea of cooking steak in an air fryer. While it may seem unconventional, air frying steak can actually yield delicious results when done correctly. However, not all cuts of steak are suitable for cooking in an air fryer. In this article, we will rank some of the most popular cuts of steak from worst to best based on how well they perform in an air fryer.
12. Eye of the round
The eye of the round is a lean and affordable cut of steak that comes from the rump of the cow. It is one of the leanest cuts of beef and lacks marbling, making it difficult to achieve tenderness when cooked in an air fryer. The hot, dry convection environment of an air fryer can further dry out this already tough cut, so it’s best to avoid cooking eye of round in an air fryer.
11. Skirt
Skirt steak, which comes from the diaphragm of the cow, is known for its lean, beefy flavor. However, it is not well suited for cooking in an air fryer. Skirt steak contains a lot of muscle fibers, and the limited heat capacity of an air fryer makes it difficult to achieve a satisfactory sear without overcooking the meat. In addition, the length of skirt steak makes it difficult to fit in the small basket of an air fryer. It’s best to use other cooking methods such as grilling or pan-searing for skirt steak.
10. Flank
Flank steak is a flavorful cut of beef that requires rapid and intense heat for optimal results. While it is possible to cook flank steak in an air fryer, it’s important to note that the margin for error is very small. Any overcooking can result in a tough and chewy texture. However, if you’re looking for a healthy and lean serving of protein with minimal oil, air frying flank steak can be a viable option. Slicing flank steak into small strips and marinating it before cooking can help enhance its tenderness and flavor.
9. Porterhouse
The Porterhouse steak is known for its impressive size and combination of tenderloin and New York strip. However, cooking a porterhouse steak in an air fryer can be challenging due to its composite structure. The varying thickness and marbling of the tenderloin and strip sides require different cooking temperatures, which is difficult to achieve in the homogeneous temperature environment of an air fryer. It’s recommended that alternative cooking methods such as grilling or broiling be used for Porterhouse steak.
8. Dice
Cube steak, also known as Swiss steak, is a budget-friendly cut from the top or bottom round. It is mechanically tenderized to break down the tough muscle fibers. While cube steak lacks fat and marbling, it can still perform well in an air fryer. Marinating the cube steak and closely monitoring the internal temperature can help produce a tender and flavorful result. Cube steak is a convenient option for quick weeknight dinners.
7. Tri-Tip
Tri-tip steak is a versatile and flavorful cut popularized in California. It offers a generous amount of flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. However, the uneven shape of tri-tip steak can make it difficult to cook in an air fryer. The steak can cook unevenly, and slicing against the grain can be difficult due to the multiple muscle fibers. Despite these challenges, tri-tip steak can still produce delicious results when seared on a grill or cooked on the highest setting of an air fryer.
6. Top Sirloin
Top Sirloin is a tender and flavorful cut that comes from the top of the cow’s subprimal area. It is considered more tender and flavorful than the bottom sirloin. Top Sirloin is a versatile cut that works well in an air fryer. Its tenderness and flavor make it a great option for air frying. Whether you want to enjoy a juicy steak or use top sirloin in other dishes, it can deliver satisfying results in an air fryer.
5. Ribeye
Ribeye steak is known for its rich marbling and intense flavor. While it is a fatty cut, the air fryer can help render the fat and achieve a deliciously crispy exterior. Cooking ribeye in an air fryer allows you to enjoy a juicy and flavorful steak without the mess and smoke associated with grilling or pan-searing. The high heat and circulating air in an air fryer help create a beautifully browned crust and tender interior.
4. T-B
4. T-Bone
The T-bone steak is a classic cut that offers the best of both worlds with a tenderloin and New York strip on both sides of the bone. Cooking a T-bone steak in an air fryer can be a bit challenging due to its thickness and bone-in nature. It’s important to ensure even cooking throughout the steak, so using a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature is highly recommended. With proper attention and cooking techniques, you can achieve a perfectly cooked T-bone steak in an air fryer.
3. Striploin (New York strip)
Striploin, also known as New York strip, is a popular choice for steak lovers. It offers a balance of tenderness and flavor, with a moderate amount of marbling. Cooking striploin in an air fryer can produce a beautifully seared steak with a juicy and tender interior. The high heat and rapid air circulation in an air fryer help create a desirable crust while preserving the steak’s natural juices. Striploin is a fantastic option for air frying.
2. Filet Mignon
Filet mignon is revered for its exceptional tenderness and buttery texture. While it may seem counterintuitive to cook such a prized cut in an air fryer, it can produce impressive results. The gentle and even heat distribution of an air fryer allows you to achieve a perfectly cooked filet mignon with a tender sear on the outside and a tender, medium-rare interior. Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer can be a convenient option, especially when you want to enjoy a restaurant-quality steak at home.
1. Ribeye Cap (Spinalis)
The ribeye cap, also known as the spinalis, is a highly marbled and flavorful cut that comes from the outer edge of the ribeye steak. It is often considered the most tender and delicious part of the ribeye. Cooking the ribeye cap in an air fryer can result in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The intense heat of the fryer helps to render the fat and create a beautifully caramelized crust while preserving the tenderness of the meat. Air frying a ribeye allows you to enjoy the rich flavors and luxurious texture of this exceptional cut.
In conclusion, while not all cuts of steak are suitable for cooking in an air fryer, there are several options that can yield delicious results. From ribeye to filet mignon, different cuts offer unique flavors, textures and cooking challenges. By understanding the characteristics of each cut and using proper cooking techniques, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked steak with your air fryer. Experimenting with different cuts and finding your favorite can enhance your air frying experience and allow you to enjoy a restaurant-quality steak in the comfort of your own home.
FAQS
Can I cook any cut of steak in an air fryer?
Yes and no. While you can technically cook any cut of steak in an air fryer, not all cuts will produce optimal results. Some cuts, such as eye of round or skirt steak, are better suited to other cooking methods that can provide better tenderness and flavor.
Why would I cook steak in an air fryer?
There are several advantages to cooking steak in an air fryer. It helps achieve a beautifully browned crust and juicy interior without the mess and smoke associated with grilling or pan-searing. In addition, air frying can be a healthier cooking option because it requires less oil than traditional methods.
What cooking techniques should I use when air frying steak?
For best results, there are a few key techniques to follow. Preheating the air fryer is essential to ensure even cooking. It’s also a good idea to pat the steak dry, season it well and place it in a single layer in the fryer basket. Monitoring the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and allowing the steak to rest before slicing are also important steps.
Can I get a medium rare steak in an air fryer?
Yes, you can get a medium-rare steak in an air fryer. The hot, dry convection environment of an air fryer allows for precise cooking control. By monitoring the internal temperature of the steak and adjusting the cooking time accordingly, you can achieve a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak.
Are there any cuts of steak that are not recommended for air frying?
Yes, there are certain cuts that may not perform well in an air fryer. Lean cuts such as eye of the round or skirt steak tend to become dry and tough when cooked in an air fryer. In addition, composite cuts such as porterhouse steak, which vary in thickness and marbling, can be difficult to cook evenly in an air fryer.
Can I use frozen steak in an air fryer?
It’s generally recommended to thaw steak before cooking in an air fryer for more even and consistent results. However, some fryer models may have specific instructions for cooking frozen steak. Consult your fryer manual for instructions on cooking frozen steak if you prefer to skip the thawing step.