Cube Steak in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb Cube Steak
- 1/2 tbsp Salt
- 1/4 tbsp Pepper
- 1/2 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tbsp Onion Powder
Instructions
- Tenderize Steaks
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Spray the basket with oil
- Cook cubes for 8-10 min
- Remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving
Notes
Cooking cube steak in the air fryer is a great way to get a delicious, crispy exterior without having to deep-fry them. Air frying cube steaks is incredibly easy and quick.
I remember feeling very grown-up when I was younger and we had cube steak for dinner. It felt like a treat since we were always on a budget, so any “steak” at all seemed extravagant. Even though they’re not the best quality meat, if you cook them well they can be flavourful. With only a little seasoning, you can make an amazing sandwich or use the cubed steak in other dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 cubed steaks
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
Many people think that stovetop pan frying is the best way to cook cube steaks, but this method actually leaves the meat tough. For those unfamiliar, cube steak is a budget-friendly option that has been tenderized by machine. However, if it’s not cooked properly, the steak will be difficult to chew. In order to make sure your air-fried cube steak is nice and tender, there are a few things you need to do. First, lay the steak out on the counter. Then, grab a meat tenderizer or mallet (if you don’t have one of those laying around, don’t worry – you can still tenderize the steak without it) and start pounding away at the cut until it’s thinned out. The thinner you pound it, the softer and more tender the final product will be. Just be careful not to overdo it – otherwise, you might end up with an overly-soft piece of meat. Some people also may like to cook air fryer cube steak with flour.
Easy 8-Minute Cube Steak in Air Fryer Recipe
Once you’ve tenderized the cube steaks, it’s time to get cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray the basket with oil. Place the cubes of steak in the basket and cook for about 8-10 minutes. After about 4 minutes, flip them over and finish cooking for another 4-6 minutes. The exact cook time will depend on how thick the steaks are, so keep an eye on them and be sure not to overcook them. Some people prefer their beef to be rare, while others like it more well done. The same goes for air fryers– each one has different cooking times. I recommend using a meat thermometer so that you can get the perfect temperature, no matter what your preference is. The following are ideal cooking temperatures for various tastes:
- Medium rare: 122°F/51°C
- Medium: 130°F/55°C
- Medium Well: 140°F/63°C
- Well Done: 155°F/67°C
When the steak is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Beef cube steak in the air fryer comes out with a delicious, crunchy exterior and juicy interior. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or your favorite veggie dish for an easy and tasty meal. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
If you’re new to cooking cube steak, it can be tough to do in the air fryer. You might make some errors along the way – I did! But with these tips that I’m about to share, it’ll be much simpler and tastier:
- Make sure to season the cube steak with salt and pepper before cooking in the air fryer.
- Try brushing a light layer of oil or butter on top of the steak as it cooks for an extra crispy exterior.
- If you don’t have a meat tenderizer, try using a rolling pin to flatten out the steak.
- To avoid overcooking the steak, use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s done to your liking.
Healthier Way to Make Cube Steak In The Air Fryer
For an even healthier option, try brushing each side of the steak with a little olive oil before cooking. This will help prevent the steak from sticking to the basket and give it a nice golden brown color. You can also cut back on the amount of oil used in your air fryer, as cube steak doesn’t require a lot to cook.
What To Serve With Cube Steak?
You can season your beef cube steak with various spices such as garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, or even Cajun seasoning for an extra kick of flavor. For a different twist on traditional cube steak, try marinating the steak in a mixture of your favorite herbs and spices before air frying. The possibilities are endless, but here are some ideas:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice or noodles
- Fresh salads
- Baked beans
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Gravy made from the pan juices of the steak.
No matter how you prepare it, cube steak cooked in the air fryer is sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table.
Air Fryer Cube Steak Storage Tips
Once you’re finished your meal, store the leftovers in an airtight container. They should last up to five days in the fridge. When you want to reheat them, pop them in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes or until heated through. If you don’t want to preheat your air fryer, don’t worry! The microwave and oven will work just as well.
FAQs
Can you cook cube steak in an air fryer?
Yes, cube steak can be cooked in an air fryer. Just make sure to season it with salt and pepper before cooking, and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
What temperature should you cook cube steak?
The exact cooking temperature will depend on your preference, but here are some guidelines:
- Medium rare: 122°F/51°C
- Medium: 130°F/55°C
- Medium Well: 140°F/63°C
- Well Done: 155°F/67°C
How long to cook cube steak in air fryer?
It will typically take about 8 minutes.
How to cook tenderized steak in air fryer?
Tenderized steak should be cooked similarly to regular cube steak. Make sure the air fryer is preheated, season the steak with salt and pepper, and cook for 8 minutes or until your preferred doneness. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
