How to Cook Sirloin Steak in Air Fryer

Learn how to cook sirloin steak in an air fryer. This perfectly cooked steak is super quick and easy. You will get a juicy, tender, and delicious steak in 12 minutes from start to finish. Serve with sides like diced or roasted potatoes, vegetables, or any side of your choice.

Sirloin steak is the part of Steak that comes from the mid-back of the beef of a cow. It is between the fore-rib, rump, and flank. Sirloin steak is high in protein, low in fat and leaner.

Air Fryer Sirloin Steak Recipe

There is no need to defrost and it works for any type of steak, whether you are cooking Sirloin, ribeye, rump, or T-steak. This air fryer steak is easy and quick. Using an air fryer to cook is mess-free and has no splattering whatsoever. All the preparation can be done in the air fryer basket, so you don’t need to worry about cleaning up; sounds good, right?

For this recipe, I have used a simple steak dry rub. The steak seasoning mix includes sea salt, onion powder and cayenne pepper.

Depending on the size of the steak, you may be able to cook up to 3 in the air fryer provided it's a square basket and about 5.7L in size. I use instant pot vortex and for the size of steak used, I can fit about 3 in the basket.

Cooking steak in an air fryer varies depending on how you like yours; from rare to well done. The best way to check whether it’s done is by using an instant meat thermometer. Your preference for doneness would determine how long you will cook it.

Rare: 120F/48C

Medium rare: 130F/54C

Medium: 140F/60C

Medium-well done: 150F/65C

Well done: 160F/70C

Ingredients

What you’ll need to make this air fryer sirloin steak.

Sirloin steak

Onion powder (optional)

Cayenne pepper (optional)

Oil

Salt to taste

How to Cook Sirloin Steak in an Air Fryer

Step by step

• Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F for 2 minutes.
• Spray the steak with some cooking oil, and generously season all sides with salt, cayenne pepper, and onion powder.
• Place the steak in the air fryer basket and air fry for 10 minutes at 200/400F.
• Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time and allow it to cook for the remaining minutes.
• Remove the steak from the air fryer immediately, top with garlic butter, and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting.
• Serve and enjoy with your favourite side dish, vegetables, or salad.

The cooking time for steak varies on the thickness and your preferred doneness:

1. Rare: cook for about 6 minutes
2. Medium rare: 7 minutes
3. Medium well done: 8 minutes
4. Well done: 10 minutes

Top tip

Air fryer temperature varies depending on size, make, and model. My delicious cravings recipe time is subject to a preheated air fryer. If you are trying this recipe for the first time, deduct 2 minutes from the cooking time and increase it if needed to allow the food to cook evenly.

How to Store

Fridge - keep steak in an airtight container or a Ziploc and put it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer - it can be stored for up to 3 months.

To reheat – there’s no need to thaw if frozen. Air fry at 160C/320F for 3-4 minutes or till hot.

To reheat in the microwave - place on a microwave-safe plate, cover for 30 seconds or till hot.

Recipe

Tips

• Ensure to preheat the air fryer before cooking the steak because it requires the right amount of heat to start off.
• Allow steak to come to room temperature before cooking.
• For frozen steak, cook for additional 5 minutes to allow it to cook well.
• Allow steak to rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting so that it can suck up its own juice.
• Always remember the cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the steak.
• For the flavour to absorb well, season the beef with salt and pepper a few minutes before cooking.
• Remove excess moisture before adding oil to the steak by pat drying the steak with a kitchen towel.

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