Craving a juicy, flavorful steak but short on time? Forget the grill and say hello to your air fryer! This recipe delivers restaurant-quality strip steak with incredible ease and speed. It's a perfect example of how easy and delicious healthy meals can be, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or impressive weekend dinners. Get ready to experience the best of homemade cooking, without the fuss!
Ingredients:
- 2 (8-ounce) strip steaks, about 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Steaks: Pat the strip steaks dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures a beautiful sear. Season generously on both sides with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Air Fryer Magic: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Air frying in batches is recommended for optimal results.
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Cook to Perfection: Cook for 8-10 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. For medium, cook for 10-12 minutes, and for well-done, aim for 12-14 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your steaks and your air fryer model. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steaks reach your desired internal temperature. Medium-rare is around 130-135°F (54-57°C), medium is 140-145°F (60-63°C), and well-done is 160°F (71°C) or above.
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Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Air Fryer Steak Success:
- Don't overcrowd the basket: This prevents even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure your steak is cooked to your liking.
- Pat the steaks dry: This is essential for achieving a good sear.
- Let the steaks rest: This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender steak.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Garlic lover?: Add minced fresh garlic to the seasoning mix for an even more intense garlic flavor.
- Citrus zest: A little lemon or lime zest adds a bright, fresh note.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
This air fryer strip steak recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. It's a perfect example of a healthy meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights or a delicious weekend treat. Enjoy!