How To Cook Flat Iron Steak in an Air Fryer?

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy dinner that will leave your family full and happy, look no further than Air Fryer Flat Iron Steak.

It’s an incredibly tasty dish that requires very little hands-on time but will still impress your guests.

Let’s take at how to cook flat iron steak in an air fryer and which sauces and dishes go well with it.

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How To Cook Flat Iron Steak in an Air Fryer?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook flat iron steak in an air fryer:

1. Preparation:

Before cooking the steak, you’ll want to season it with salt and pepper on both sides.

Once the steak is seasoned, place it in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 375F (190C). Then let it cook for 8-10 minutes depending on the desired doneness.

Flip the steak halfway through cooking so that each side gets nice and crispy. 

2. Marinades & Sauces:

For an added flavor boost, marinate your steak before cooking or serve it with a sauce after it’s done cooking.

Popular marinades for flat iron steaks include Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and herbs like rosemary or thyme.

You can also serve the cooked steak with sauces such as balsamic reduction sauce or chimichurri sauce to add extra flavor. 

3. Cooking Times & Doneness:

The cook time of flat iron steaks in an air fryer will vary depending on the thickness of the cut and desired doneness (rare to well done).

Type of SteakTimeTemperature
For a thin-cut steak (1 inch thick) cooked medium rare8 minutes total 375F (190 C
For a 1-inch thick medium steak 9 minutes total375F (190 C)
For a 1-inch thick well-done steak10 minutes375F(190 C)

Do I Need to Flip My Flat Iron Steak in the Air Fryer?

Yes, you should flip your steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

The air fryer circulates hot air around the entire steak so flipping it will allow both sides to get crispy and cooked evenly.

Do You Tenderize Flat Iron Steak?

No, flat iron steak is usually already tender. If it’s not as tender as you’d like, use a meat mallet to gently pound the steak before cooking.

flat iron steak sereved in a plate - How to cook Flat Iron Steak in an Air Fryer

This will help make it even more juicy and tender.

Is Flat Iron Steak Better on a Pan or an Air Fryer?

If you’re looking for something juicy yet crispy then cooking with a pan is probably going to be best. But if you’re trying to cut back on some fat then definitely go with an air fryer!

1. Cooking with a Pan 

  • When cooking with a pan, it’s important to make sure that your pan is extremely hot before adding your steak. This will help to develop a nice crust on the outside of your steak and ensure that it cooks evenly.
  • Make sure to add oil to the pan before adding your steak.
  • Flip your steak after about 3 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Then let cook for another 3 minutes or until it reaches its desired internal temperature (145°F).
  • Last but not least – make sure to let your steak rest for at least 5 minutes before serving! This will help keep all the juices locked in for maximum flavor. 

2. Cooking Flat Iron Steak with an Air Fryer 

Air fryers are great for getting that crispy exterior without all of the added fat from oil.

For cooking flat iron steak with an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F and spray with cooking spray (or brush with oil) before adding your steak.

Place in the air fryer and cook until desired internal temperature is reached (145°F). This should take 6-8 minutes depending on thickness.

Again, make sure you allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes prior to serving! 

Do You Oil Flat Iron Steak Before Air Frying?

Yes, you should oil your flat iron steak before air frying.

This will help the steak cook evenly and get nice and crispy. You can use a cooking spray or brush it with oil before placing it in the air fryer.

What Setting Do I Put My Air Fryer on for Steak?

When air frying steak, your air fryer should be set to 375F (190 C).

This is the optimal temperature for cooking flat iron steak and will ensure that it gets nice and crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside.

What Goes Well With Flat Iron Steak?

Here are some ideas for sides and sauces that will pair perfectly with your flat iron steak. 

1. Potatoes

Potatoes are an easy side dish to make and they go well with almost any type of steak.

Try making mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even pan-fried potatoes for a delicious side dish that the whole family will enjoy. 

2. Vegetables

Vegetables make a great accompaniment to your flat iron steak dinner because they can help balance out the bold flavors of the meat.

You can try roasting vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts in the oven for about 25 minutes before adding them to your plate.

For a more vibrant presentation, try sautéing some peppers and onions on the stovetop until they’re just softened.  

3. Sauces

Sauces add flavor and texture to any meal, but they’re especially good when paired with steak. Try making a rich demi-glace sauce or a classic chimichurri sauce to top off your flat iron steak dinner.

If you’re looking for something simpler, you can also whip up an easy balsamic reduction sauce or a creamy garlic butter sauce in no time at all! 

Should I Cook My Steak in Butter or Oil?

While both butter and oil can be used to cook steak, it really depends on the type of steak you’re cooking.

For leaner cuts like flat iron steak, it’s best to use oil as it has a higher smoke point than butter. This means that cooking your flat iron steak in oil will help to prevent the fat from burning and ensure that it cooks evenly.

If you’re cooking fattier cuts of steak, then butter is generally the preferred option.

Tips to Make The Perfect Air Fryer Flat Iron Steak:

Here’s a guide on how to make the perfect air fryer flat iron steak. 

1. Let Your Steak Come Room Temperature:

Before adding your steak to the air fryer, let your steak sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.

This will help ensure that your steak cooks evenly throughout without burning the outside while still having it cooked through correctly.

2. Preheat Your Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes until your air fryer basket or oven is hot enough that you will get a great sear on the steak.

Remember to check your owner’s manual for the proper preheating method for your air fryer. 

3. Season Your Steak:

Add all of your favorite seasonings or just a simple steak seasoning. You can also add herbs like rosemary and thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, etc. Whatever flavors you prefer!

4. Do Not Overcrowd The Basket:

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket with multiple steaks; otherwise, you will not get a fabulous and even cooked steak.

5. After Removing From The Air Fryer:

Once done in the air fryer, remove them from the basket and let rest for only about 2 to 3 minutes before slicing into them or serving them overtop of some greens or veggies!

6. Check Internal Temperature With A Thermometer:

Check your steak’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer for the best results since everyone likes their steaks cooked slightly differently (medium rare might be 125°F -130°F). 

Conclusion:

Making Air Fryer Flat Iron Steak is easy as can be! All you need is some salt and pepper seasoning to get started – plus any additional marinade or sauce ingredients if you’re feeling adventurous – then pop it into the air fryer set at 375 F (190C).

Cook times vary from 8-10 minutes depending on desired doneness, but when you remove your perfectly cooked flat iron steak from the air fryer you are sure to wow your family with its juicy flavor! Bon appétit!

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About the author

Natalie is a food enthusiast who spends all of her time trying out new recipes, testing out new appliances, and making her kitchen as awesome as possible. She is a professional writer and blogs here about her love of food & kitchen.

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