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December 10, 2024
Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook cube steak? Look no further than your trusty air fryer. With its quick cooking time and ability to produce crispy results, an air fryer is the perfect tool for making breaded cube steak.
Cube steak, also known as minute steak or swiss steak, is a versatile cut of beef that is tenderized by pounding it with a meat tenderizer. It is then breaded and fried, resulting in a flavorful and crispy outer crust.
By using an air fryer, you can skip the deep frying step and still achieve the same delicious results. Not only does this make the cooking process much healthier, but it also saves you time and effort in the kitchen.
In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps of cooking breaded cube steak in an air fryer. From preparing the steak to achieving the perfect crispy crust, you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious this recipe is.
Preparing the Cube Steak
Before cooking the breaded cube steak in an air fryer, you need to prepare the meat properly. Follow these steps:
- Start by trimming any excess fat from the cube steak using a sharp knife. Removing the fat will help prevent the meat from becoming too greasy during the cooking process.
- Next, season the cube steak with salt and pepper or any other desired seasonings. This will add flavor to the meat and enhance its taste.
- If desired, you can marinate the cube steak for about 30 minutes to tenderize the meat. You can use a marinade of your choice or a simple mixture of oil, vinegar, and spices.
Once the cube steak is seasoned and optionally marinated, it is ready to be breaded and cooked in the air fryer.
Trimming the Fat
Before cooking your breaded cube steak in the air fryer, it’s important to trim any excess fat from the meat. This will not only help reduce the overall fat content of the dish, but also prevent the meat from becoming too greasy during cooking.
Step 1: Remove Visible Fat
Start by examining the cube steak and using a sharp knife to carefully remove any visible pieces of fat. Simply cut along the edges of the fat and discard it.
Step 2: Trim the Marbling
Next, inspect the meat for marbling, which refers to streaks or specks of fat within the muscle tissue. While some marbling can add flavor and tenderness, excessive marbling can result in a greasy finished product. Trim away any excessive marbling using your knife.
If you’re unsure about how much fat to trim, it’s best to err on the side of caution and remove more rather than less. Remember, you can always add some fat back into the dish through other means if desired.
By trimming the fat from your breaded cube steak before cooking it in the air fryer, you’ll be left with a healthier and more enjoyable meal. Plus, since air frying requires little to no oil, you’ll still achieve that crispy breaded exterior without the extra grease.
Tenderizing the Meat
Before cooking cube steak in an air fryer, it is essential to tenderize the meat for a more enjoyable eating experience.
Here are some methods to tenderize cube steak:
- Pounding: Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to gently pound the meat. This breaks down the tough muscle fibers and makes the steak more tender.
- Marinating: Prepare a marinade using ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or buttermilk. Place the cube steak in the marinade and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight. The acidity in the marinade helps to tenderize the meat.
- Using a meat tenderizer tool: This tool has small blades or needles that penetrate the meat, breaking down the connective tissues and making it tender.
Choose the tenderizing method that suits you best and proceed to the next step of cooking the breaded cube steak in the air fryer.
Creating the Breading Mixture
To bread the cube steak for cooking in the air fryer, you will need to create a flavorful and crispy coating. Follow these steps to make the breading mixture:
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Gather the Ingredients
Collect the following ingredients to create the breading mixture:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
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Mix the Ingredients
In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use a fork or whisk to mix the ingredients together until well combined.
Now that you have created the breading mixture, you are ready for the next step in the breaded cube steak recipe.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you start cooking your breaded cube steak in the air fryer, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Olive oil cooking spray
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start the cooking process, as it will make it easier and more efficient.
Mixing the Flour and Spices
To start preparing breaded cube steak in the air fryer, you will need to mix the flour and spices together. This step is essential for adding flavor and creating a delicious crust on the steaks.
First, measure out one cup of all-purpose flour and place it in a shallow bowl or dish. You can use a fork or whisk to fluff the flour and remove any lumps.
Next, it’s time to add the spices. This is where you can get creative and customize the flavor to your liking. A classic combination includes the following:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for added heat)
Add these measurements to the flour and mix well until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. You can adjust the amount of each spice according to your taste preferences.
Once the flour and spices are thoroughly mixed, your breading mixture is ready to use for coating the cube steaks.
Tip: If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can let the flour and spice mixture sit and mingle for a few minutes before using it. This will allow the spices to infuse into the flour, resulting in a more flavorful breading.
Dredging and Coating the Steak
Before you start breading your cube steak, you need to prepare a dredging station. This will help ensure that the breading adheres well to the meat and creates a delicious crispy crust.
1. Prepare the Dredging Station
Set up a three-step process for dredging the steak:
- In the first shallow dish, place all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper. This will serve as the initial coating for the meat.
- In the second shallow dish, beat a few eggs until well combined. This will act as a binder to help the breading stick to the steak.
- In the third shallow dish, combine bread crumbs with your preferred seasonings. This will provide the final crispy layer for the cube steak.
2. Dredge the Steak
Start by coating each piece of cube steak with the seasoned flour. Make sure to shake off any excess flour before moving to the next step.
Next, dip the floured steak into the beaten eggs, making sure to fully coat both sides. Allow any excess egg to drip off before proceeding.
Finally, place the egg-coated steak into the bread crumbs mixture. Press firmly to ensure the bread crumbs stick to all sides of the steak. Gently shake off any excess bread crumbs and place the coated steak on a plate.
Repeat this process for the remaining pieces of cube steak.
Once you have finished dredging and coating all the steak pieces, they are ready to be air-fried to perfection.
Dredging in Flour
Dredging is a technique that involves coating food, such as cube steak, in flour before cooking it. This process helps to create a crispy outer layer and adds flavor to the meat.
To start, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
– Cube steak
– All-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper
1. Begin by seasoning the cube steak with salt and pepper on both sides. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. In a shallow dish, spread out a layer of all-purpose flour. Make sure the dish is large enough to accommodate the cube steak.
3. Take the seasoned cube steak and place it in the dish with the flour. Gently press the steak into the flour, making sure to coat both sides evenly. The flour will adhere to the meat and create a coating.
4. Once the steak is fully coated in flour, gently shake off any excess. This step ensures that the coating is not too thick and will cook evenly in the air fryer.
5. Set the dredged cube steak aside on a plate or baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining cube steaks.
Now that you have successfully dredged your cube steaks in flour, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. This technique will result in a delicious, crispy coating that will elevate your cube steak to a whole new level.
Q&A
Can I cook breaded cube steak in an air fryer?
Yes, you can definitely cook breaded cube steak in an air fryer. It’s a great way to get a crispy coating without the need for frying in oil.
How long does it take to cook breaded cube steak in an air fryer?
The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the temperature of your air fryer. Generally, it takes about 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to cook breaded cube steak in an air fryer.
What should I preheat my air fryer to when cooking breaded cube steak?
It’s recommended to preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) before cooking breaded cube steak. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and develops a crispy coating.
Can I use frozen cube steak in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use frozen cube steak in an air fryer. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure that the steak is cooked through. It’s best to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F (71°C).