If you’re a fan of crispy, breaded meat dishes, then you’ve probably tried chicken fried steak. This Southern comfort food is a classic dish made with tenderized cube steak that’s coated in a seasoned flour mixture and then fried until golden brown. But did you know that you can achieve the same delicious results in an air fryer?
Using an air fryer not only cuts down on the amount of oil used in traditional frying methods, but it also produces a lighter and healthier version of this beloved dish. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make! No need to preheat the oven or stand over a hot skillet – simply bread the steak, place it in the air fryer, and let it do its magic.
So, how long does it take to cook chicken fried steak in an air fryer? Generally, it takes about 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to cook chicken fried steak to perfection. However, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and the model of your air fryer. It’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the steak using a food thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Pro tip: For an extra crispy crust, you can spray the breaded steak with cooking spray or brush it with a little bit of oil before placing it in the air fryer.
Once your chicken fried steak is cooked to your liking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and juicy result. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, country-style gravy, and your favorite side dishes for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
How Long to Cook Chicken Fried Steak in Air Fryer
If you’re looking to make a delicious chicken fried steak in an air fryer, you’re in luck! Cooking chicken fried steak in an air fryer not only reduces the amount of oil used, but also produces a crispy, flavorful crust that is sure to impress. But how long should you cook this classic dish in your air fryer? Let’s find out.
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces of cube steak
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil spray
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In another dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In a third dish, place the breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each piece of cube steak in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for each piece of steak.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray the basket of your air fryer with vegetable oil.
- Place the breaded cube steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the cube steaks in the air fryer for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
- Check the internal temperature of the cube steaks with a meat thermometer. They should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Remove the cooked cube steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
That’s it! In just 10 minutes, you can have perfectly cooked chicken fried steak in your air fryer. Serve it with mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic Southern meal that the whole family will love.
Preparation
To prepare chicken fried steak in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
1. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. In another shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
4. Dip each cube steak into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour.
5. Next, dip the coated steak into the buttermilk mixture, again making sure it is fully coated.
6. Finally, coat the steak with bread crumbs, pressing them gently to adhere.
7. Place the breaded steak into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches.
8. Drizzle the vegetable oil over the breaded steaks.
9. Cook the chicken fried steaks in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.
10. Once cooked, remove the chicken fried steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Your chicken fried steaks are now ready to be enjoyed!
Seasoning the Steak
Before cooking the chicken fried steak in the air fryer, it’s important to season the steak to enhance its flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces of cubed steak (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Pat the cubed steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Sprinkle both sides of the cubed steak with the seasoning mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Allow the seasoning to penetrate the steak by letting it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- If desired, lightly drizzle or spray the steak with cooking oil to promote browning in the air fryer.
Note: You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Feel free to add more or less of any of the spices listed.
Once the chicken fried steak is properly seasoned, it’s ready to be cooked in the air fryer.
Breading the Steak
Before you can cook the chicken fried steak in the air fryer, you will need to bread the steak. The breading is what gives this dish its crispy and flavorful outer coating. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces of cube steak
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This will create a seasoned flour mixture.
Step 2: Dip each piece of cube steak into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Press the flour mixture onto the steak to ensure it adheres well.
Step 3: Place the breaded steak pieces on a plate or wire rack, allowing them to rest for about 10 minutes. This will help the breading to set and adhere to the steak.
Note: If you prefer a thicker and crunchier breading, you can repeat the dipping and coating process to double bread the steak. Simply dip the steak back into the seasoned flour mixture, coat it again, and let it rest for an additional 10 minutes.
Once you have breaded the steak, it’s ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Remember to preheat the air fryer before adding the steak for best results. Now you’re ready to move on to the next step in the recipe!
Preheating the Air Fryer
Before you begin cooking the chicken fried steak in the air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance. Preheating ensures that the food cooks evenly and allows for better browning.
Follow these steps to preheat your air fryer:
- Plug in your air fryer and set the desired cooking temperature. For chicken fried steak, a temperature of 400°F (200°C) is recommended.
- Set the preheating time to 5 minutes. This will give the air fryer enough time to reach the desired temperature.
- Press the start button to begin preheating. The air fryer will start heating up and the display will show the current temperature.
During the preheating process, you can prepare the chicken fried steak by coating it in the breading mixture and arranging it on the air fryer basket or tray.
Tips for Preheating the Air Fryer
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind while preheating the air fryer:
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure to leave enough space between the chicken fried steaks for proper airflow.
- Be cautious when handling the air fryer during the preheating process, as it can become hot.
- Do not place any utensils or additional accessories inside the air fryer while preheating.
Once the air fryer has finished preheating, you can proceed with cooking the chicken fried steak according to the recommended cooking time.
Cooking the Chicken Fried Steak
Once you have prepared the chicken fried steak, it’s time to cook it in the air fryer. Follow these steps to achieve a crispy and delicious result:
Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to ensure that the steak cooks evenly and gets crispy on the outside.
Arranging the Chicken Fried Steak
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken fried steak in a single layer inside the basket. You may need to cook it in batches if your air fryer is not large enough to fit all the steaks at once.
Cooking Time
Cook the chicken fried steak for about 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking time. However, the exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your air fryer model. To ensure it’s fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serving and Enjoying
Once the chicken fried steak is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it hot with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, gravy, and steamed vegetables. Enjoy your homemade chicken fried steak!
Q&A
What is chicken fried steak?
Chicken fried steak is a popular southern dish made from a breaded and fried piece of beef steak. It is typically served with a creamy white gravy.
Can I cook chicken fried steak in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook chicken fried steak in an air fryer. It will result in a healthier version of the dish as it requires less oil compared to traditional deep-frying.
How long should I cook chicken fried steak in an air fryer?
The cooking time for chicken fried steak in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the specific air fryer model you are using. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Is the chicken fried steak cooked in an air fryer as crispy as when deep-fried?
The chicken fried steak cooked in an air fryer will be crispy, but it may not be as crispy as when deep-fried. However, it will still have a nice texture and be delicious.