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September 20, 2024
Many people love the delicious taste and crispy crust of chicken fried steak. But can you achieve that same result when cooking it in an air fryer? This popular kitchen appliance has gained popularity for its ability to fry food with little to no oil, resulting in healthier meals.
Chicken fried steak is traditionally made by breading and frying a tenderized piece of beef. The breading is typically made from flour, spices, and sometimes breadcrumbs. The steak is then fried until crispy and golden brown. While this cooking method produces mouthwatering results, it can be quite greasy and high in calories.
Enter the air fryer, a device that promises to deliver the same crispy texture and delicious taste without the excessive oil. By circulating hot air around the food, the air fryer creates a crispy outer layer while leaving the inside moist and tender. It seems like the perfect solution for those who want to enjoy chicken fried steak without the guilt.
However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when attempting to cook chicken fried steak in an air fryer. The breading may not adhere as well to the meat compared to traditional frying methods. The lack of oil can make it harder for the breading to stick, resulting in a less crispy crust. However, there are techniques and tips that can help improve the outcome, such as preheating the air fryer, using cooking spray, and flipping the steak halfway through cooking.
Preparing the chicken fried steak
Before you start cooking the chicken fried steak in an air fryer, you will need to prepare the steak itself. Here are the steps:
Gather the ingredients
First, gather all the necessary ingredients for the chicken fried steak. You will need:
- 1 pound of cube steak
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup of buttermilk
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
Prepare the steak
Next, you will need to prepare the cube steak. Begin by patting the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the breading adhere better to the steak.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well with a fork or whisk.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until well combined. This will serve as the wet mixture for coating the steak.
Now, take each piece of cube steak and dip it into the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Then, dip the coated steak into the egg mixture, again making sure to coat both sides.
Place the coated steak on a plate or wire rack, allowing any excess breading or egg mixture to drip off. Repeat this process for each piece of steak.
Coating the steak for air frying
To get that crispy and golden coating on your chicken fried steak, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps for coating the steak before air frying. Here’s how:
| Step 1: | Prepare the breading mixture by combining flour, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings in a shallow bowl or dish. |
| Step 2: | In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. |
| Step 3: | Dip each steak into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat both sides evenly. |
| Step 4: | Transfer the egg-coated steak to the breading mixture, pressing gently to adhere the mixture to the steak. Make sure both sides are completely coated. |
| Step 5: | Place the coated steak on a plate or baking sheet and set it aside. Repeat the process for the remaining steaks. |
By properly coating the steak before air frying, you’ll get that crispy and satisfying texture that makes chicken fried steak so delicious. Now that your steak is coated and ready, it’s time to air fry it to perfection!
Cooking the steak in an air fryer
Using an air fryer to cook chicken fried steak is a great way to achieve a crispy and delicious result without all the oil and grease. The air fryer’s hot circulating air creates a crisp outer layer while keeping the inside moist and tender. Here’s how to cook chicken fried steak in an air fryer:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
3. Dip each piece of steak into beaten eggs, then coat it with the flour mixture, pressing down to adhere the coating to the steak.
4. Place the coated steak in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
5. Cook the steak in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. Repeat the process with any remaining pieces of steak.
8. Serve the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes, gravy, and your favorite side dishes.
The air fryer method offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying while still achieving a deliciously crispy chicken fried steak. Enjoy!
Serving and enjoying your chicken fried steak
After air frying your delicious chicken fried steak to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy this classic dish. Whether you’re cooking it for a family dinner or a special occasion, the following tips will help create a memorable dining experience:
1. Plating your chicken fried steak
When plating your chicken fried steak, it’s important to consider presentation. Place the steak on a clean plate and consider adding some garnishes for an extra touch. Fresh parsley or a sprig of rosemary can add a pop of color and enhance the dish’s appeal.
2. Pairing your chicken fried steak with sides
Chicken fried steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, or coleslaw are all classic choices that complement the flavors and textures of the steak. Consider the preferences of your guests and choose sides accordingly.
For a complete meal, you can also serve your chicken fried steak with a salad or a side of steamed vegetables to add a healthy touch. Don’t forget about the creamy gravy! Pour it over the steak and sides to enhance the dish with its rich flavor.
Remember to have condiments like ketchup, mustard, or hot sauce available for those who like a little extra flavor. Serving the chicken fried steak with warm dinner rolls or biscuits can also be a great addition.
Now that your chicken fried steak is perfectly plated alongside delicious sides, it’s time to sit down, relax, and enjoy your meal. The crispy coating, tender steak, and flavorful gravy will surely satisfy any hunger and make for a fantastic dining experience.
Tips for perfect chicken fried steak in an air fryer
Chicken fried steak is a classic southern dish that is normally made by frying a breaded piece of beef, similar to a chicken schnitzel. While it’s traditionally cooked in hot oil, you can also achieve delicious results using an air fryer. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect chicken fried steak in an air fryer.
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1. Choose the right cut of meat
For the best texture and flavor, it’s important to start with a tender cut of meat. Look for cube steak, which is typically a top round steak that has been tenderized. It has a good amount of marbling, which adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist during cooking.
2. Prepare the breading station
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In the second dish, whisk together eggs and a splash of milk. And in the third dish, combine breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, and any other seasonings you like. This will ensure a crispy and flavorful crust on your chicken fried steak.
3. Preheat the air fryer
Before cooking your chicken fried steak, make sure to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
4. Coat the steak in breading
Dip each piece of steak into the flour, coating it thoroughly on both sides. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the steak in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the surface to ensure they adhere well.
5. Cook in batches
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking. Cook the chicken fried steak in batches, placing them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches of 2 or 3.
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6. Flip halfway through
To ensure even browning and crispy texture, flip the chicken fried steak halfway through the cooking time. Depending on the thickness of the steak, this will likely be around the 8-minute mark. Use tongs to carefully flip each piece, then continue cooking for the remaining time.
7. Serve immediately
Once the chicken fried steak is cooked to a golden brown and crispy perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute and ensure a tender and juicy steak. Serve it hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!
With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious and healthier version of chicken fried steak right from your air fryer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the steak and the power of your air fryer.
Questions and answers
Can you cook chicken fried steak in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook chicken fried steak in an air fryer. It will result in a crispy exterior and tender interior, similar to traditional frying methods.
What is chicken fried steak?
Chicken fried steak is a breaded and fried piece of steak, typically served with gravy. It is a popular dish in Southern cuisine.
How do you make chicken fried steak in an air fryer?
To make chicken fried steak in an air fryer, you will need to bread the steak with a seasoned flour mixture, then place it in the air fryer and cook at a high temperature until it reaches your desired level of crispness.
What temperature and time should I cook chicken fried steak in an air fryer?
The recommended temperature for cooking chicken fried steak in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak, but it is typically around 10-12 minutes.
Can I use frozen steak for chicken fried steak in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use frozen steak for chicken fried steak in an air fryer. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure that the steak is cooked through.
Can you cook chicken fried steak in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook chicken fried steak in an air fryer. It will result in a crispy and delicious dish with less oil compared to traditional frying.