Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to cook food quickly and healthily. One dish that many people wonder if they can prepare in an air fryer is cubed steak. Cubed steak is a tenderized piece of beef that is typically coated in flour and seasonings before being pan-fried or baked. However, with the right technique, you can achieve a delicious and crispy cubed steak using an air fryer. In this article, we will discuss how to cook cubed steak in an air fryer and provide you with some quick and easy recipes to try.
The Process of Cooking Cubed Steak in an Air Fryer
Cooking cubed steak in an air fryer is a simple process that requires minimal preparation. To begin, you will need the following ingredients:
– Cubed steak
– Flour
– Salt
– Pepper
– Garlic powder
– Paprika
– Cooking spray
Step 1: Preparing the Cubed Steak
Before cooking the cubed steak, it is essential to prepare it properly. Start by patting the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the flour coating adhere to the meat. Additionally, you can season the steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance its flavor.
Step 2: Coating the Cubed Steak
Next, it is time to coat the cubed steak with flour. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix the ingredients well to ensure an even coating. Then, dip each piece of cubed steak into the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour before placing the steak in the air fryer basket.
Step 3: Prepping the Air Fryer
To prevent the cubed steak from sticking to the air fryer basket, it is essential to preheat the air fryer and lightly coat the basket with cooking spray. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Once preheated, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to create a non-stick surface.
Step 4: Air Frying the Cubed Steak
Now it’s time to cook the cubed steak in the air fryer. Place the coated steak pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper airflow and even cooking. If necessary, cook the steak in batches.
Cook the cubed steak at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cubed steak and the desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), while a medium steak should reach 160°F (71°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature for accuracy.
Step 5: Resting and Serving the Cubed Steak
Once the cubed steak is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. While the steak rests, you can prepare any desired side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
After resting, slice the cubed steak into thin pieces. This can be done by cutting against the grain for optimal tenderness. Serve the cubed steak alongside your favorite sides and enjoy!
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Cubed Steak Recipes
Now that you know the basic process of cooking cubed steak in an air fryer let’s explore some quick and easy recipes to try. These variations will add delicious flavors and textures to your cubed steak:
1. Parmesan Crusted Cubed Steak
– 1 cubed steak
– ½ cup bread crumbs
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray
To make Parmesan crusted cubed steak, follow the same steps as outlined above for preparing and coating the cubed steak. However, instead of using plain flour, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Dip each piece of cubed steak into this mixture before placing it in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
2. Spicy Cajun Cubed Steak
– 1 cubed steak
– 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray
To make spicy Cajun cubed steak, season the cubed steak with Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Let the meat marinate in the seasoning mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. Coat the steak with flour as described earlier and cook in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes. The result will be a flavorful and mildly spicy cubed steak that pairs well with rice or vegetables.
3. Lemon Herb Cubed Steak
– 1 cubed steak
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray
For a refreshing and aromatic twist on cubed steak, try the lemon herb recipe. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Place the cubed steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the meat is evenly coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour. After marinating, coat the steak with flour and cook in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes. This lemon herb cubed steak pairs perfectly with a light salad for a well-balanced meal.
In conclusion, cooking cubed steak in an air fryer can be quick and easy with excellent results. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can achieve a delicious and crispy steak that is healthier than traditional cooking methods. Whether you prefer a classic, Parmesan crusted, spicy Cajun, or lemon herb flavor profile, the air fryer provides a versatile cooking option for this popular beef dish. Give it a try and enjoy the convenience and taste of air-fried cubed steak!