The steak fingers are a classic dish that has been loved by many for years. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Traditionally, steak fingers are made by deep frying them in oil, which can make them greasy and heavy. However, with the invention of the air fryer, you can now enjoy this delicious dish without all the added calories. In this article, we will guide you through a quick and easy recipe on how to make steak fingers in the air fryer.
Gather the Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, you need to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need the following:
– 1 pound of steak (preferably beef sirloin or flank steak)
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup of milk
– Cooking spray
Prepare the Steak Fingers
Once you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the steak fingers.
Step 1: Cut the Steak
Start by cutting the steak into thin strips. It’s important to cut against the grain to ensure tender steak fingers. Cut the steak into strips that are about 1/2 inch wide.
Step 2: Season the Steak
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the steak strips, ensuring that each strip is well coated with the seasoning.
Step 3: Coat the Steak Strips
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk to create an egg wash. In another shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip each seasoned steak strip into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat it in the flour mixture. Set aside the coated steak strips on a wire rack.
Cook the Steak Fingers in the Air Fryer
Now that the steak fingers are prepared, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that your steak fingers cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
Step 2: Arrange the Steak Fingers
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated steak fingers in a single layer in the basket, ensuring that they are not touching each other. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 3: Air Fry the Steak Fingers
Place the basket in the air fryer and cook the steak fingers for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning. The steak fingers are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once the steak fingers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard. These steak fingers are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even as a main dish paired with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
By using the air fryer, you can enjoy the crispy goodness of steak fingers with less guilt. The air fryer requires little to no oil, making this recipe a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried steak fingers. The cooking process is quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish in no time.
In conclusion, making steak fingers in the air fryer is a simple and effortless way to satisfy your cravings. With just a few ingredients and some cooking time in the air fryer, you can enjoy tender and crispy steak fingers without the extra calories. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a guilt-free indulgence!