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December 10, 2024
If you’re a fan of country fried steak, then you know just how delicious it can be. But have you ever wondered how to make it in an air fryer? Cooking country fried steak in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, and it still results in a crispy and flavorful dish. Plus, it’s quicker and cleaner than frying it in a pan.
To achieve the perfect country fried steak in your air fryer, it’s important to know how long to cook it. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and the temperature of your air fryer. Generally, a 1-inch thick steak should be cooked at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. However, it’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium.
Before cooking the steak, it’s important to season it well. You can use a simple salt and pepper seasoning, or get creative with your favorite herbs and spices. Dredging the steak in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs will create a delicious crispy coating. You can also preheat the air fryer for a few minutes to ensure that it cooks evenly and gets that perfect crispy finish.
Once your country fried steak is cooked to perfection, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to become tender. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, making country fried steak in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty option.
How to Cook Perfect Country Fried Steak in Air Fryer
Country fried steak is a classic southern dish that is loved for its tender meat and crispy coating. Cooking country fried steak in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it requires less oil but still produces the same delicious results. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect country fried steak in your air fryer.
Ingredients:
| 1 pound cube steak | 1 cup all-purpose flour |
| 1 teaspoon salt | 1 teaspoon black pepper |
| 1 teaspoon paprika | 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder |
| 1/2 teaspoon onion powder | 2 eggs, beaten |
| 1/4 cup milk | 2 tablespoons vegetable oil |
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Dip each cube steak into the egg mixture, then coat it with the flour mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure the coating sticks.
- Place the breaded cube steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Drizzle the vegetable oil over the breaded cube steaks.
- Cook the cube steaks in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the country fried steak from the air fryer, and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve your perfectly cooked country fried steak with mashed potatoes, gravy, and your favorite sides for a delicious southern meal. Enjoy!
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to making country fried steak in an air fryer, choosing the right cut of meat is crucial for ensuring a tender and flavorful result. While there are various cuts of meat that can be used, some are more suitable than others for this particular dish.
1. Cube Steak: Cube steak is the most popular choice for country fried steak. It is typically cut from the top or bottom round and has a tenderized texture, making it perfect for frying. The meat is usually pounded with a meat mallet to further tenderize it.
2. Round Steak: Round steak is another option that works well for frying. It is lean and flavorful, but it requires tenderizing before cooking. You can use a meat tenderizer or marinate the steak for a few hours to make it more tender.
3. Sirloin Steak: Sirloin steak is a tender cut of meat that is known for its rich flavor. While it is not traditionally used for country fried steak, it can be a delicious alternative. It is already tender, so you don’t need to tenderize it before frying.
4. Ribeye Steak: Ribeye steak is a fatty and flavorful cut that may not be the first choice for country fried steak. However, if you prefer a juicier and more indulgent result, ribeye steak can be a great option. It doesn’t require tenderizing before cooking.
Remember to trim any excess fat from the chosen cut of meat before cooking. This will help prevent excessive smoking and ensure a crispier texture.
Ultimately, the right cut of meat for your country fried steak in an air fryer depends on personal preference. Experiment with different cuts to find the one that best suits your taste and desired texture.
Preparing the Meat for Air Frying
Before cooking country fried steak in an air fryer, it is important to prepare the meat properly to ensure a delicious and crispy result.
1. Tenderize the steak: Start by tenderizing the steak using a meat mallet. This will help to break down the tough fibers and make the steak more tender.
2. Season the steak: Next, season the steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other desired seasonings. Rub the seasonings into the meat, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
3. Dip the steak in flour: In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Dredge the seasoned steak in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly.
4. Dip the steak in egg wash: In another shallow dish, beat an egg with a splash of milk or water. Dip the floured steak into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Coat the steak in breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the steak in breadcrumbs, pressing them gently onto both sides so they adhere. This will give the country fried steak a crispy exterior.
Once the meat has been prepared, it is ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Follow the cooking instructions for country fried steak in the air fryer, ensuring the proper cooking time and temperature for a perfectly cooked and crispy dish.
Seasoning the Steak for Maximum Flavor
Seasoning your country fried steak properly is essential for achieving maximum flavor. You want to enhance the taste of the steak while ensuring it is well-balanced. Here are some tips on how to season your steak:
1. Salt and Pepper
Start by generously seasoning both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. This will help to bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
2. Seasoning Blend
In addition to salt and pepper, you can use a seasoning blend to add extra flavor. Choose a blend that complements the taste of beef, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or thyme. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the steak.
Note: Be sure to coat the entire surface of the steak with the seasoning blend to ensure that every bite is full of flavor.
3. Let it Rest
After seasoning the steak, allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes. This will give the flavors time to penetrate the meat and enhance its taste.
Tip: For even more flavor, you can marinate the steak for several hours or overnight in a mixture of your favorite seasonings and a liquid like Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
Preheating and Prepping the Air Fryer
Before you begin cooking your country fried steak in the air fryer, it’s important to preheat the appliance. This will ensure that your steak cooks evenly and crispy. Preheating the air fryer is simple:
Step 1: Plug in the Air Fryer
Make sure your air fryer is plugged into an outlet that can handle the power needed for the cooking process.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set the temperature of the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes. This will allow the appliance to reach the desired cooking temperature.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can proceed with prepping the country fried steak.
Pro Tip: Some air fryers have a preheat function, so consult your appliance’s manual to see if this is an option for your specific model.
Now that the air fryer is preheating, it’s time to move on to preparing the country fried steak for cooking.
Cooking the Country Fried Steak in the Air Fryer
Cooking the country fried steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy and delicious results. With the hot circulating air, the steak cooks evenly and retains its moisture, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
What You’ll Need
Before getting started, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 pieces of country fried steak
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
4. Dip each piece of country fried steak into the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
5. Shake off any excess flour, then dip the steak into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
6. Coat the steak with bread crumbs, pressing them onto the surface to adhere.
7. Place the coated steak in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it.
8. Cook the steak in the air fryer for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
9. Check the internal temperature of the steak using a meat thermometer. It should read 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
10. Once cooked, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
The country fried steak can be served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a side of vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Serves |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings |
Q&A
How long do you cook country fried steak in an air fryer?
It typically takes about 15-20 minutes to cook country fried steak in an air fryer.
What temperature do you cook country fried steak in an air fryer?
The recommended temperature for cooking country fried steak in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C).
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer before cooking country fried steak?
Yes, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes before cooking the steak to ensure even cooking.
Can I use frozen country fried steak in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen country fried steak in an air fryer, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it is fully cooked through.