Air frying a juicy, flawlessly seared sirloin steak eliminates the need for a grill or stovetop and is a convenient and efficient method of preparing this delectable cut of meat. This method simplifies the steak-cooking process and guarantees a mouthwatering result, whether you’re an experienced chef or a novice in the kitchen. This article, will explain how to cook sirloin steak in air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 sirloin tenderloin, approximately 1 inch thick
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or the culinary oil of your choice)
- pepper and salt to flavor
- Herbs and spices of your choosing (rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, etc.)
How To Cook Sirloin Steak In Air Fryer?
Instruction
1. Preheat The Air Fryer
To make sure the sirloin cooks equally and gets the sear you want, you have to heat up the air fryer first. This usually takes about 5 minutes, but it depends on the type of air fryer you have. For specific directions on how to heat up your appliance, look in the manual.
2. Prepare The Steak
For optimal results, remove the sirloin steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. This ensures that the sirloin cooks uniformly. During this time, you can pat the sirloin dry with paper towels to enhance browning.
Brush the steak with olive or your preferred cooking oil on both sides. This coating will help achieve a good sear and prevent the steak from adhering to the air fryer basket.
Add a lot of salt and pepper to the steak. You can add more herbs or seasonings, like garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, or a sirloin seasoning mix. Make sure to season both sides of the steak to give it flavor.
3. Place In The Air Fryer
Once the air fryer has reached 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius), position the steak in the air fryer basket. Ensure that it is in a single layer with adequate space around it for air circulation. This can lead to inconsistent cooking if you overcrowd the pan.
4. Cook The Steak
Depending on your preferred doneness, cook the tenderloin for 8-12 minutes. Here is a general guideline for cooking durations based on the degree of doneness you desire:
- Rare: 8-9 minutes
- Medium-Rare: 10 minutes
- Medium: 11-12 minutes
- Well-Done: 13-15 minutes
The exact time may change based on how big the steak is and what kind of air fryer you have. For accuracy, you might want to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature inside. For medium-rare, aim for 130–135°F (54–57°C), and for medium, aim for 140–145°F (60–63°C).
5. Flip The Steak
Approximately halfway through the cooking time, cautiously open the air fryer and flip the steak with tongs. This phase ensures even cooking on both sides and is essential for achieving a visually appealing sear.
6. Rest The Steak
Please take the steak out of the air fryer and place it on a plate when it’s done the way you like it. Allow it to rest for some time. Resting is important because it lets the juices move around inside the meat again. This makes the sirloin more delicious and juicy when it’s cut.
7. Slice And Serve
Let the sirloin meat rest for a while, then cut it across the grain. In contrast to fiber, slicing makes things more flexible.
If you like, you can serve your steak with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or your favorite sauces, like garlic butter and chimichurri.
How long do steaks require to cook in an air fryer?
- Medium-Rare Steak: Prepare steaks with a thickness of 1 inch in a preheated air fryer for 12 minutes and turn after six minutes.
- Medium-Rare Steaks: To prepare steaks with a thickness of 1 inch to medium-rare, cook them in a preheated air fryer for 10 minutes and rotate them after 5 minutes.
- Adjust Duration Based on Thickness: For steaks of varying thickness, modify the cooking time accordingly.
What temperature is used to air-sear steak?
Use a meat probe to test the doneness of your steaks, and remove them five degrees before the desired doneness, as the temperature of the meat will rise as it rests.
Rare: 125°F
Medium-Rare: 135°F
Medium: 145°F
Medium Well: 155°F
Well: 160°F
Tips and Variations
- Type of Steak: I used leaner sirloin for this recipe, but any thick steak will work with this method.
- Thickness Matters: Beginning with steaks that are at least one inch thick is essential. Thinner steaks roast too quickly without having the opportunity to brown.
- Room Temperature: Allow your steaks to reach room temperature for 30 minutes before preparing for optimal results.
- Dry Steaks: Pat steaks and pork chops dry with paper towels to prevent them from steaming instead of browning.
- Better Browning: When sprayed with oil, your steaks, ribs, and vegetables will brown more evenly.
- Dry Rub for Leaner Steaks: The addition of a dry rub to leaner sirloin improves their overall color. I used only salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for this recipe.
- Don’t Clutter the Basket: The steaks should have adequate ventilation to brown properly.
- Rest: Take the steaks out of the air fryer and place them on a plate. Cover them lightly with foil to keep them from cooking any more.
Cooking sirloin steak in an air fryer is a convenient and time-saving method to enjoy a tender and flavorful meal. You can consistently achieve a flawlessly cooked steak with a mouthwatering sear by using the proper technique and paying attention to detail. Whether cooking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this method brings restaurant-quality sirloin steak to your kitchen.
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