I never thought I could make such a nice steak in an air fryer, but the Ninja Foodi XL 8 Qt. Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer has proved me wrong. The fryer makes it very easy to cook steaks in an air fryer. Anyone will definitely enjoy this easy, simple, and straightforward air fryer steak recipe.
In this fryer, the Steak remains perfectly seared on the outside and juicy inside. The process is even faster than grilling. So, this air fryer has become my new favourite way to cook steaks. In this post, let’s discuss how it goes.
Key Benefits of Cooking Steaks in an Air Fryer
Air fryers have become a significant option for home cooks. They make recipes easier and tastier. Cooking steaks in air fryers also offers numerous benefits, making the fryer a must-have appliance.
Cooks Faster
Air fryers usually heat up quickly and cook steaks faster than grilling or oven roasting. The Ninja Foodi XL 8-qt prepares meals even quicker than other 8-quart air fryers. This fryer cooks 70% faster than slow cooking, 40% faster than traditional cooking methods, and 25% faster than traditional ovens.
Easy to Use
Using presets and adjustable settings, air fryers make it easy for beginners to cook steaks. They are also very easy to control. A Ninja Foodi 8-qt XL air fryer has 14 different cooking functions, including a grill. It can simply cook the steaks quickly under this cooking function.
Ensures Healthy Steaks
Cooking steaks in an air fryer requires very little oil. The excess fat is also drained into the air fryer tray. Moreover, the Ninja Foodi XL 8-qt air fryer ensures up to 75% less fat than traditional frying. Air-frying steaks could be a healthier option for grilling or pan-frying.
Consistent Cooking
Air fryers typically use heaters that distribute heat evenly, ensuring the steak is cooked uniformly. It reduces the risk of hot spots or uneven doneness.
Year-Round Cooking
Last but not least, air fryers are super convenient because they allow you to prepare steaks anytime indoors, regardless of weather conditions. You don’t need to prep the barbeque anymore or make your kitchen smokey or spit with hot iron pans.
Cooking steaks using a fryer is hassle-free and yields the best results. Thus, for steak lovers like me, this is the preferred method.
How to Cook Steaks in an Air Fryer?
Grilling steak is fun, but not on busy weeknights or in the winter when it’s cold or snowing outside. Still, you can enjoy a perfect steak with a relevant air fryer like Ninja OL601 Foodi XL.
I have cooked so many different dishes with mine. And I am not exaggerating when I say that steak has become an amazing main dish option for me. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Here’s a complete description of my perfect air fryer steak recipe.
Ingredients
- Steak: Ribeye, Sirloin, Tri Tip or your preferred cut about 1 inch thick. I usually prefer Ninja Foodi ribeye.
- Olive Oil: 1-2 tbsp. You can use any cooking oil, but I like olive oil due to its mild flavour.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Seasoning: Any of your favourite seasoning that tastes good. I usually choose Italian classic seasoning for steaks.
- Additional ingredients: Butter, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Rosemary, Thyme, brown sugar, ground coriander, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, ground mustard, dried oregano, and Parsley.
Prepare the Steaks
As I mentioned, I usually use ribeye-cut steaks for my air-fried steak recipe. They sit perfectly in an air fryer basket and cook evenly. However, if you use frozen steaks, let them out of the refrigerator at least 20-30 minutes before cooking.
Once the steak is at the normal temperature, pat it dry with paper towels. Then, season the steak generously with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Making a Special Rub
Now, let me share my secret recipe for a special rub that I usually use for my air fryer steaks. This step is optional, but it can be mandatory for a perfectly cooked, tastier and healthier steak. To make the rub, you just need to put the following ingredients together:
- Garlic powder
- Ground ginger
- Ground coriander
- Ground mustard
- Paprika
- Brown sugar
- Red pepper flakes
- Dried oregano
Combine these ingredients with a perfect measurement; thus, the rub is ready for use.
Let the Steak Sit for 15 Minutes
Coat the whole steak with the special rub and let it rest for another 10-15 minutes. It will help to soak the flavours of the spices into the steak properly.
Preheat the Air Fryer at 400° F for 3-5 minutes.
Brush the inside of the air fryer basket with a bit of oil and preheat the fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This will prevent the steak from latching onto the basket, and I can easily remove it when needed.
Fry the Steak
Once the fryer has been heated for 5 minutes, put the steak in the basket and fry for 12-14 minutes (6-7 minutes on each side).
Check for Doneness
For healthier cooking, it is essential to check the steak’s internal temperature before letting it out of the fryer. You can simply use a meat thermometer; when the temperature is 160° F, it means the steak is properly cooked.
Enjoy the Steak with a Crispy Exterior + Juicy Interior.
Finally, the steak came out with a beautifully seared caramelized crust on the outside and a juicy and tender interior. Moreover, no parts of the steak were burnt or charred.
However, let the steak rest for 10 minutes to let it cool, then garnish it with a mixture of butter, garlic, and Parsley. Before serving, add some fresh rosemary and thyme for extra flavour.
Easy Cleanup
After cooking steaks, cleaning up your Ninja Foodi XL is simple and hassle-free, and you won’t regret it. This might be the best part of this fryer that I liked the most. The 8 qt. cooking pot, basket, and crisp plate are ceramic-coated and non-stick.
They don’t get dirty quickly. Moreover, these parts are dishwasher safe, making the cleaning process easy. You can simply put them in the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning. Otherwise, gently scrub the basket and crisper plate using a dish brush.
Why is the Ninja OL601 Foodi XL 8 Qt? Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer Best?
The Ninja Foodi XL 8-qt is a versatile and easy-to-use air fryer for anyone looking for convenience and versatile functionality. It combines steaming, air frying and pressure cooking in a single appliance.
Therefore, it offers tender and crispy results while saving time in cooking. With its 14-in-1 functionality, I can quickly and conveniently cook anything from soups to steaks. So, let’s enjoy perfectly cooked, tender, and flavourful steaks with this wonderful Ninja Foodi XL Air Fryer.