Tired of tough, chewy cube steak? This air fryer recipe transforms this humble cut of meat into a juicy, crispy delight, ready in a fraction of the time it takes to pan-fry or bake. It's a perfect example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. This quick dinner idea is also a fantastic healthy meal option. Get ready to elevate your cube steak game!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cube steak (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Pat the cube steak dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
Prepare the Marinade (Optional but Recommended):
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
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Place the cube steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This step significantly improves the tenderness and flavor.
Coat the Steak:
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In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
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Dredge each piece of cube steak in the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Air Fry to Perfection:
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Arrange the coated cube steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to cook them in batches.
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Air fry for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the steak is golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your air fryer model.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the cube steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Cooking Tips for Air Fryer Cube Steak Success:
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, resulting in uneven cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures the steak is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker steaks will require longer cooking times.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to add other spices like cayenne pepper for a little heat or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Delicious Variations:
- Mushroom gravy: Top the cooked cube steaks with a rich mushroom gravy for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Peppercorn crust: Add coarsely cracked black pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Garlic herb butter: Melt some garlic herb butter and drizzle it over the cooked steaks.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This air fryer cube steak recipe is a testament to the power of simple, delicious, and healthy meals. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy this often-overlooked cut of beef. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with this surprisingly easy recipe!