Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and efficient way to achieve a perfectly cooked medium well steak. This method locks in the juices while creating a delicious crust on the outside.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a flavorful steak dinner any night of the week.
Cooking Techniques for a Perfect Medium Well Steak
Achieving a medium well steak requires attention to detail and the right cooking method.
Using an air fryer is an efficient way to lock in juices while creating a satisfying crust on the outside.
This technique allows for even cooking and can yield a beautifully seared steak with a slight pink center.
Preparation Steps
Before cooking, it’s essential to prepare the steak properly.
Start by patting the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Next, season the steaks generously with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
If you enjoy a hint of smokiness, adding smoked paprika can enhance the flavor profile.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer is a crucial step that should not be overlooked.
Set it to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to warm up for about 5 minutes.
Once preheated, place the seasoned steaks in the basket in a single layer.
Cook the steaks for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
This ensures that both sides develop a golden-brown crust while maintaining a juicy interior.
Resting the Steak
After cooking, it’s important to let the steaks rest for about 5 minutes.
This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful bite.
Cutting into the steak too soon can lead to a loss of those delicious juices.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, presentation matters.
Slice the steak against the grain for tender pieces and garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Pairing the steak with roasted vegetables and a baked potato creates a hearty and satisfying meal.
Consider adding a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of sea salt over the vegetables for extra flavor.
This combination not only looks appealing but also balances the richness of the steak.
Nutritional Information
This medium well steak recipe serves two and is relatively light on calories, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner.
With approximately 350 calories per serving, it contains 30g of protein and 25g of fat, providing a fulfilling meal without excessive carbohydrates.
Enjoying this dish can be a delightful experience, especially when shared with someone special.
The combination of flavors and textures makes it a memorable dining option.
Easy Air Fryer Steak Recipe
This air fryer steak recipe yields a juicy medium well steak with a slightly pink center. The cooking process takes about 20 minutes from start to finish and serves 2 people.
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Season the Steaks: Rub both sides of the steaks with olive oil and season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Steaks: Place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 150°F (65°C) for medium well.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Slice the steaks against the grain and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 1g