Are you craving a delicious, juicy steak, but don’t want to bother with grilling or baking? Look no further than your trusty Ninja Air Fryer! This versatile kitchen gadget can do more than just fry your favorite snacks – it can also cook a perfect steak in no time.

Using the Ninja Air Fryer to cook a steak is not only quick and convenient, but it also locks in the flavors and juices, resulting in a tender and mouth-watering meal. Whether you prefer your steak rare, medium-rare, or well-done, the Ninja Air Fryer can accommodate your desired level of doneness.

The secret to cooking a steak in the Ninja Air Fryer lies in its powerful hot air circulation system. This technology ensures that your steak is cooked evenly on all sides, with a crispy and caramelized exterior and a juicy interior. Plus, the air fryer eliminates the need for oil, making it a healthier option compared to traditional frying methods.

Tip: Before cooking your steak, make sure to bring it to room temperature and season it generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor and ensure a beautifully seared crust.

So, if you’re ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality steak in the comfort of your own home, grab your Ninja Air Fryer and let’s get cooking! Follow our step-by-step instructions and you’ll be savoring a perfectly cooked steak in no time.

Preparing the steak

To cook a steak in the Ninja Air Fryer, you first need to prepare the steak properly. Follow these steps:

1. Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the steak cook more evenly.

2. Season the steak with your preferred seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or get creative with other spices and herbs.

3. Preheat the Ninja Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. This will ensure the steak cooks at the right temperature.

4. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

5. Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket, making sure it’s not touching the sides or overlapping. This will allow the hot air to circulate evenly around the steak.

6. Close the air fryer lid and set the cooking time based on the thickness of your steak. For a medium-rare steak, cook for about 6-8 minutes per side. Adjust the cooking time as needed for your desired level of doneness.

7. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time using tongs or a spatula. This will ensure both sides of the steak cook evenly.

8. Once the steak is done cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the temperature should read around 145°F (63°C).

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9. Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep the steak juicy and tender.

Now that you’ve prepared the steak, it’s time to enjoy your deliciously cooked meal!

Seasoning the meat

Before cooking the steak in the Ninja Air Fryer, it is important to season the meat to enhance its flavor. Seasoning the steak properly can make all the difference in creating a delicious and well-seasoned dish.

Here are some simple steps to season your steak:

Step 1:

Start by patting the steak dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning to stick better and create a nice crust on the steak.

Step 2:

Generously sprinkle both sides of the steak with salt and black pepper. The salt will help to enhance the natural flavors of the meat, while the black pepper adds a nice kick of heat.

Step 3:

If desired, you can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to add extra flavor to the steak. Rub the seasonings into the meat using your hands, making sure to evenly distribute them on both sides.

Step 4:

Let the seasoned steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat and enhance its flavor even more.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your steak is properly seasoned and ready to be cooked in the Ninja Air Fryer. The flavors will be enhanced, resulting in a juicy and delicious steak that is perfect for any occasion.

Preheating the Ninja Air Fryer

Before cooking a steak in the Ninja Air Fryer, it is essential to preheat the appliance to ensure even and consistent cooking. Preheating helps in achieving the desired sear and providing a juicy and tender steak. Here are the steps to preheat the Ninja Air Fryer:

  1. Place the Ninja Air Fryer on a heat-resistant and stable surface.
  2. Ensure that the appliance’s power cord is securely plugged into an electrical outlet.
  3. Press the power button on the front control panel to turn on the Ninja Air Fryer.
  4. Select the desired cooking temperature and time using the temperature and time buttons.
  5. Wait for the air fryer to preheat. The preheating process may take a few minutes, depending on the selected temperature.
  6. Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature, it will beep or display an indicator to notify you that it is preheated and ready for cooking.
  7. Open the air fryer’s basket and place the steak inside. Close the basket securely.
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By preheating the Ninja Air Fryer, you ensure that it is at the optimal temperature for cooking your steak, resulting in a delicious and perfectly cooked meal.

Cooking the steak

Now that you have prepared the steak, it’s time to cook it in the Ninja Air Fryer. Here’s how:

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before cooking the steak, you need to preheat the Ninja Air Fryer. This ensures that it reaches the desired temperature for cooking. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.

Cooking the steak

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned steak into the fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between the steaks for proper air circulation.

Close the air fryer and set the timer to the desired cooking time. For a medium-rare steak, cook for about 8-10 minutes for a 1-inch thick steak. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness.

Halfway through the cooking time, flip the steak using tongs to ensure even cooking. This helps to achieve a nice sear on both sides.

After the cooking time is up, check the steak for doneness using a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C).

Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the air fryer model. It’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the steak using a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.

Now that you know how to cook a steak in the Ninja Air Fryer, you can enjoy a delicious and perfectly cooked steak in no time. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Checking the Doneness

Checking the doneness of your steak is an important step to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Here are a few methods to check the doneness of your steak:

1. Thermometer: Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to test the doneness of your steak. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak without touching the bone. Here are the recommended internal temperatures for different levels of doneness:

  • Rare: 125°F (51°C)
  • Medium rare: 135°F (57°C)
  • Medium: 145°F (63°C)
  • Medium well: 150°F (66°C)
  • Well done: 160°F (71°C)

2. Touch test: Use the touch test to determine the doneness of your steak by comparing the firmness of the steak to various parts of your hand:

  • Rare: Soft, squishy feel (similar to the fleshy part of your thumb when touching your thumb and pinky finger together)
  • Medium rare: Slightly firm, but still yielding when pressed (similar to the fleshy part of your thumb when touching your thumb and ring finger together)
  • Medium: Firmer but still a bit springy when pressed (similar to the fleshy part of your thumb when touching your thumb and middle finger together)
  • Medium well: Firm with a slight resistance (similar to the fleshy part of your thumb when touching your thumb and index finger together)
  • Well done: Very firm with no bounce (similar to the fleshy part of your thumb when touching your thumb and thumb together)
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3. Visual cues: You can also check the doneness of your steak by cutting into it and examining the color of the meat. Here are some general guidelines for the color of cooked steak:

  • Rare: Bright red center
  • Medium rare: Pink-red center
  • Medium: Pink center
  • Medium well: Slightly pink center
  • Well done: Little to no pink, fully cooked throughout

Remember that the steak will continue to cook as it rests, so it’s recommended to remove the steak from the air fryer a few degrees below your desired doneness. Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Q&A

Can I cook a steak in the Ninja Air Fryer?

Yes, you can definitely cook a steak in the Ninja Air Fryer. It is a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of foods including steaks.

What temperature should I cook a steak in the Ninja Air Fryer?

For a perfect medium-rare steak, you should cook it at 400°F (200°C) in the Ninja Air Fryer. Adjust the temperature and time according to your preferred doneness.

How long should I cook a steak in the Ninja Air Fryer?

Cooking time depends on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness. As a general guideline, for a 1-inch thick steak cooked at 400°F (200°C), you should cook it for about 6-8 minutes for medium-rare.

Do I need to preheat the Ninja Air Fryer before cooking a steak?

Yes, it is recommended to preheat the Ninja Air Fryer before cooking a steak. Preheating ensures even cooking and gives a nice sear to the steak.

Should I marinate the steak before cooking it in the Ninja Air Fryer?

Marinating the steak before cooking is optional, but it can add flavor and tenderness to the meat. You can marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a more intense flavor.

What is a ninja air fryer?

A ninja air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, similar to a convection oven. It is designed to provide a healthier alternative to deep frying by using little to no oil.