Air Fryer Round Steak (Tender and Juicy)
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Round steak is a budget-friendly cut of beef that can sometimes be challenging to cook because it is naturally lean and can turn tough if not prepared correctly. Air fryer round steak that is tender and juicy and full of flavor is easy to make. It’s one of our favorite air fryer recipes.
The hot, circulating air of the air fryer helps to cook the steak evenly, creating a deliciously browned exterior while keeping the inside moist and succulent. We love our Ninja Foodi Air Fryer oven. It can cook a ton of stuff for toddlers, but also heat fast and air fry like a smaller version. It’s been a game changer in the kitchen for me cooking for 9 people every day.
For more air fryer ideas, check these out:
- Air Fryer Pork Loins
- Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Cornish Hens
- Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Salmon
- Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Chicken Breast
How to cook round steak in air fryer
Cooking round steak in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a tender, juicy, and flavorful result. The air fryer uses circulating hot air to cook the steak evenly, creating a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside moist. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook round steak in an air fryer:
Ingredients:
- 2 round steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer. This helps to ensure the steak cooks evenly and develops a good sear.
- Prepare the Steak. This helps the oil and seasonings adhere better and ensures a good sear. Rub both sides of the steaks with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps the seasonings stick.
- Season the Steak.
- Place in the Air Fryer.
- Cook the Steak. Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your specific air fryer model, so it’s a good idea to check the steak a couple of minutes before the end of the estimated time.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C). Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the air fryer.
- Rest the Steak. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender and flavorful.
- Serve. Slice the steak against the grain to maximize tenderness. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips:
- Marinating the round steak for a few hours before cooking can add extra flavor and help tenderize the meat. A simple marinade with olive oil, garlic, and herbs works well.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add a bit of cayenne pepper for heat or use a steak seasoning blend for a robust flavor.
- If you’re cooking multiple steaks, make sure they do not overlap in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
To get the best result when cooking steak, bring the meat to room temperature. Remember that different air fryers will cook steaks differently. If you want to make air fryer steak bites, check this out. Now let’s get to air frying and get ready to enjoy the perfect steak with just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time to get it to the perfect temperature.
Perfect round steak seasoning
The perfect seasoning for round steak enhances its natural flavors. Here’s a versatile and delicious seasoning blend for steak that you can easily make at home if you want a different flavor profile.
Air Fryer Round Steak Recipe
Tender and Juicy Air Fryer Round Steak
Ingredients
- 2 round steaks about 1 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps to ensure the steak cooks evenly and develops a good sear.
- Pat the round steaks dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the steaks, pressing it in gently to adhere.
- Place the seasoned round steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Make sure there is space around each steak for air to circulate.
- Air fry the round steaks at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes for medium-rare, flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking time.
- Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your specific air fryer model, so it’s a good idea to check the steak a couple of minutes before the end of the estimated time.
- Once the steak has reached your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate or cutting board for about 5 minutes.
