If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to prepare a London broil, look no further than your air fryer. This cooking method is not only quick and convenient, but it also results in a perfectly cooked steak with a juicy and tender center. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll be able to master this recipe and impress your friends and family.
The first step in cooking a London broil in the air fryer is to marinate the steak. This will help infuse the meat with flavor and make it even more tender. You can use a simple marinade of olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices. Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for even better results, marinate it overnight.
Once the steak is marinated, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is heating up, remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help ensure a nice sear on the steak. Season the steak with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice.
Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and how well-done you like it. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) using a meat thermometer.
Note: Cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on your air fryer model, so be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the steak even more tender. Slice the steak against the grain, and serve it with your favorite sides.
With the help of your air fryer, you can easily cook a mouthwatering London broil that will rival any restaurant’s. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious steak dinner in no time!
What is a London Broil?
A London Broil is a cooking method for beef that is popular in North America. It is named after the specific cut of meat that is typically used, which is a thick top round or flank steak. The name “London Broil” is actually a misnomer, as it does not refer to a specific cut of beef or a traditional British dish.
The term “London Broil” originated in the United States in the early 20th century, and it refers to a method of cooking the meat. The steak is marinated, then quickly broiled or grilled to medium-rare or medium doneness. After cooking, the meat is thinly sliced across the grain. This method of cooking helps to tenderize the meat and create a flavorful crust on the outside.
Cuts of Meat for London Broil
Although London Broil originally referred to a specific cut of beef, it is now commonly used to describe the cooking method itself. Any thick cut of beef that is suitable for grilling or broiling can be used to make a London Broil. Popular cuts include top round steak, flank steak, and sirloin steak.
Marinating London Broil
To enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat, it is common to marinate a London Broil before cooking it. Marinating helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors. Typical marinade ingredients include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs, and spices. The meat should be marinated for at least a few hours, but overnight marination is recommended for the best results.
Overall, a London Broil is a delicious and flavorful way to cook a thick cut of beef. Whether you choose to broil it, grill it, or air fry it, the result is a juicy and tender steak that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why cook a London Broil in an Air Fryer?
Cooking a London broil in an air fryer offers several benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should consider using an air fryer for this delicious dish:
1. Healthier Cooking Option
An air fryer uses significantly less oil compared to traditional frying methods. By using hot air circulation technology, it can cook the London broil with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, while reducing the overall fat content. This makes it a healthier option for those who are conscious of their diet.
2. Faster Cooking Time
Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens or stovetops. The hot air circulates around the London broil, cooking it evenly and reducing the cooking time. This makes it a convenient option for those who are short on time or want to prepare a quick and delicious meal.
3. Versatility in Cooking Methods
An air fryer is not restricted to just frying. It offers various cooking methods such as grilling, baking, roasting, and even dehydrating. This versatility allows you to experiment and try different cooking techniques with your London broil, giving you a wide range of flavors and textures.
4. Easy to Use and Clean
Air fryers are user-friendly appliances that require minimal effort to use. Simply set the desired temperature, time, and let the air fryer do the work. Additionally, most parts of the air fryer are dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean up after cooking your London broil.
Overall, cooking a London broil in an air fryer provides a healthier alternative, faster cooking time, cooking versatility, and ease of use and cleaning. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and hassle-free meal.
Benefits of air frying
Air frying has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its many benefits. Here are some of the main advantages of cooking with an air fryer:
- Healthier cooking: With air frying, you can achieve the same crispy texture and delicious taste that deep frying offers, but with up to 80% less fat. This is because air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, requiring minimal to no oil.
- Less mess: Unlike traditional frying methods, air frying produces very little oil splatter and eliminates the need for deep frying in a large amount of oil.
- Faster cooking time: Air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens, as they use powerful circulating hot air to cook food more evenly and efficiently.
- Easier cleanup: Air fryers are designed with non-stick cooking surfaces, making them easy to clean. Simply remove the basket or tray, wash it with soap and water, and it’s ready for the next use.
- Versatile cooking options: Air fryers are not limited to frying alone. They can also be used for baking, roasting, grilling, and even reheating leftover food.
- Energy-efficient: Air fryers require less energy compared to traditional ovens or stovetops, making them a more environmentally friendly cooking option.
Overall, air frying provides a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods while still delivering flavorful and crispy results. It is a convenient cooking method that saves time, reduces mess, and offers a range of cooking options.
Preparing the London Broil
Before cooking your London broil in the air fryer, there are a few steps you need to follow to ensure that it turns out perfectly juicy and flavorful.
1. Start by choosing a high-quality London broil steak from your local butcher or grocery store. Look for a cut that is well-marbled and about 1 to 1 ½ inches thick.
2. Remove the London broil from the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning to adhere better to the meat.
3. Season both sides of the London broil generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or marinades. You can use a pre-made steak seasoning blend or create your own combination of herbs and spices.
4. Let the seasoned London broil sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and ensure even cooking.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the air fryer is hot and ready to cook the London broil.
Once you have prepared the London broil, you are ready to move on to the next step: cooking it in the air fryer.
Step-by-step instructions for preparation
1. Season the london broil: Start by seasoning the london broil with your choice of spices and herbs. Popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub the seasonings all over the meat, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
2. Marinate the london broil: To enhance the flavor and tenderness of the london broil, marinate it for at least 2 hours or overnight. You can use a pre-made marinade or create your own using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Place the london broil in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate it for the desired marinating time.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Before cooking the london broil, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly and thoroughly.
4. Air fry the london broil: Once the air fryer is preheated, remove the london broil from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the london broil in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave enough space around it for proper air circulation. Cook the london broil at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
5. Rest and slice the london broil: Once the london broil is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender. After resting, slice the london broil against the grain into thin strips for serving.
6. Serve and enjoy: Plate the sliced london broil and serve it with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the deliciously cooked london broil made in your air fryer!
Q&A
What is a london broil?
London broil is a beef dish made from a flank steak that is marinated, broiled, and then thinly sliced against the grain. It is a popular dish in North American cuisine.
Can I cook a london broil in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook a london broil in the air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to cook this dish, and it results in a juicy and flavorful piece of meat.
What is the cooking time for london broil in the air fryer?
The cooking time for london broil in the air fryer depends on the thickness of the meat and your desired level of doneness. Generally, it takes about 8 to 10 minutes per side for a medium-rare london broil.