Are you tired of wrestling with cube steaks that end up more like leather than a delectable meal? You’re definitely not the only one. It seems to be a common kitchen battle, trying to get this particular cut just right and winding up with dinner plans gone awry. So how to cook cube steak in air fryer?
I completely understand—too many times have I sat down to a promising steak dinner only to meet the all-too-familiar chewiness.
But there’s good news on the horizon. After rolling up my sleeves and diving into some culinary experimentation, I’ve struck gold: The air fryer is our secret weapon for conquering cube steak woes.
Let me share with you this game-changing air fryer recipe that will elevate your cube steak from everyday blah to extraordinary ah-ha! Embracing the air fryer not only guarantees tenderness but also saves us from dealing with the oily aftermath of traditional frying methods.
Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through how we can achieve that elusive melt-in-your-mouth texture by nailing the perfect cooking temperature every single time. If you’re craving some serious juiciness, then fasten your apron—it’s time for us to make some sizzle happen together.
Key Takeaways
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking to guarantee an evenly cooked cube steak with a perfect crispy exterior.
- Season the cube steak generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then lightly drizzle it with olive oil for added flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the steak reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal taste and food safety.
- Let the cooked cube steaks rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute and keep every bite tender and moist.
- Pair your air-fried cube steak with sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
What is Cube Steak?
So, now that we’ve set the stage for our air fryer adventure let’s talk about the star of the show: cube steak. This cut of meat is unique because it gets its name from the shape of the indentations left by a tenderizing machine or mallet.
These “cubes” in the steak help to break down tough muscle fibers and make it more tender. Often coming from the top round or top sirloin cuts, this budget-friendly option is perfect for those who want a tasty meal without breaking the bank.
Cube steak shines when cooked properly; its flattened shape and tender texture are ideal for quick cooking methods like frying—hence why an air fryer is an excellent tool to use.
With just three basic ingredients and a bit of know-how, you can transform this humble piece into a mouthwatering dish. Each bite delivers a juicy tenderness that stands out even with simple seasoning—the reason why it’s often chosen for comfort food classics like chicken fried steak or smothered in hearty gravy.
Cooking cube steak at just 350 degrees Fahrenheit ensures that every mouthful is cooked evenly with no risk of drying out, as long as you keep your eye on not overcooking it!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cube Steak
To make delicious air fryer steak, you’ll need cube steak, olive oil, and your favorite seasonings such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cube Steak
To air-fry cube steak, start by preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the cube steaks on a plate and lightly coat both sides with cooking spray before seasoning them with salt, pepper, onion, and garlic.
Once seasoned, place the cube steaks in the preheated air fryer and cook for 5-7 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to flip the steaks halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
It’s important not to overcook the cube steaks in order to maintain their tenderness and juiciness. Enjoy tender and flavorful cube steak cooked conveniently and efficiently in your air fryer.
Olive Oil
I use olive oil to spray the inside of the air fryer basket and to coat the cube steaks before seasoning them. It helps in creating a crispy exterior on the steak and adds a subtle flavor that complements the seasonings well.
When cooking breaded cubed steak, I also use olive oil to spray on top of the steaks before air frying them for a golden, crunchy texture. Olive oil enhances the overall taste while ensuring even cooking and browning.
When making cube steaks in an air fryer, I find that using olive oil helps in achieving a beautifully seared crust with minimal added fat. The light coating of olive oil ensures that the steak doesn’t stick to the basket while still promoting even browning.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder)
I season the cube steak with a simple yet flavorful blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. These classic seasonings enhance the natural taste of the meat without overpowering it.
The combination of salt for enhancing flavor, pepper for adding a kick, and garlic powder for a hint of savory complexity creates a well-rounded seasoning that complements the cube steak beautifully.
How to Cook Cube Steak in Air Fryer?
Preheat the air fryer, season the cube steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, drizzle with olive oil, then cook at the recommended time and temperature while flipping halfway through for even cooking.
For more detailed instructions on cooking cube steak in the air fryer, keep reading.
Preheat Air Fryer
To begin, set the air fryer to preheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. I usually do this by turning the dial or pressing the appropriate temperature setting on the control panel, then allowing it a few minutes to reach the desired temperature.
This step ensures that the air fryer is adequately heated before placing in the cube steaks for cooking. Once preheated, I place the seasoned and prepared cube steaks into the basket of my air fryer and proceed with cooking them according to my preferred recipe.
The importance of preheating cannot be overstated, as it allows for even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crispy texture on the outside while maintaining a tender inside. An evenly heated air fryer also significantly contributes to achieving consistent results each time you cook air fryer steak bites using this method.
Apply Seasonings and Oil to Steak
After preheating the air fryer, it’s time to enhance the flavor of the cube steak by generously seasoning both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil on each side to create a delicious crust as it cooks.
The combination of these seasonings and oil will add depth and richness to the steak, creating a mouthwatering dish that is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
With these simple steps completed, our cube steaks are ready for cooking in the air fryer.
Cook for the Recommended Time and Temperature
Set the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat for a few minutes. Place the cube steaks in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
It’s important to keep an eye on the thickness of your cube steaks, as this can affect the cooking time. Also, avoid overcooking them as it may result in tough and dry meat. Now let’s move on to what delicious sides you can pair with your perfectly air-fried cube steak!
Flip Halfway Through Cooking
Flip the cube steak halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and perfect doneness.
Ensure that the steak gets crispy and golden on both sides by flipping it over during the air frying process.
By flipping the cubed steak midway, you allow each side to cook evenly and achieve a deliciously crispy texture all around.
Once you’ve flipped the steaks, let them finish cooking until they reach your desired level of doneness.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Cube Steak?
Some great side dishes to serve with air fryer cube steak include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a fresh salad. These options will complement the juicy and flavorful steak perfectly.
Mashed Potatoes
To accompany the flavorful air fryer cube steak, I like to serve creamy mashed potatoes. After boiling peeled and diced potatoes until tender, I mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
The rich texture of the mashed potatoes perfectly complements the juicy cube steak, creating a satisfying and comforting meal that is sure to please. When serving this dish, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped parsley or grated cheddar cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor.
Moving on to “Roasted Vegetables,” let’s explore the perfect accompaniment to complement the air-fried cube steak.
Roasted Vegetables
Moving on from serving air fryer cube steak with mashed potatoes, another delicious option is to pair it with flavorful roasted vegetables. Roasting vegetables in the air fryer brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their texture.
To roast vegetables in the air fryer, simply toss them in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
Popular choices include bell peppers, zucchini, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms.
Salad
Moving on from roasting vegetables, adding a refreshing salad to your air fryer cube steak meal will complement the hearty flavors and provide a light and healthy side dish. A simple green salad with leafy greens, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing can add a burst of freshness to balance out the richness of the steak.
Including ingredients such as mixed greens or arugula will provide a peppery contrast against the savory cube steak.
You can also enhance your salad by adding crunchy elements like toasted nuts or seeds for texture, along with some creamy avocado slices for added richness. Moreover, incorporating fruits such as strawberries or mandarin oranges can bring subtle sweetness and vibrant colors to your salad plate.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Cube Steak in Air Fryer
Tenderize the steak beforehand, use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to your desired doneness, and let it rest before slicing. Want to cook the perfect cube steak in an air fryer? Keep reading for my full recipe and tips!
Tenderize Steak Beforehand
Before air frying, I marinate and tenderize the cube steaks to ensure they turn out juicy and flavorful. Using a meat tenderizer, gently pound both sides of the steak to break down tough muscle fibers.
This process also helps the seasoning penetrate deeply into the meat, enhancing its overall taste and tenderness.
The next step in preparing my air fryer cube steak involves coating it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a drizzle of olive oil before air frying. This method transforms an ordinary cube steak into a succulent dish that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Tenderizing beforehand is crucial for achieving optimal results when cooking cube steak in an air fryer.
Use a Meat Thermometer
To ensure that the cube steak is cooked to perfection, it’s essential to use a meat thermometer. This handy tool helps in accurately gauging the internal temperature of the steak, ensuring that it reaches the recommended 145 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak for an accurate reading, allowing you to monitor its progress and prevent overcooking.
The meat thermometer provides a reliable way to guarantee that your air-fried cube steaks are perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe to eat without any guesswork involved. Using this simple tool will help you achieve consistent results every time you cook cube steaks in your air fryer.
Let Steak Rest Before Slicing
After using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cube steak, it’s important to let the steak rest before slicing. Allowing the steak to rest for about 5 minutes after cooking will help retain its juices and ensure that it is tender and flavorful when sliced.
This resting period allows for the redistribution of the juices throughout the meat, resulting in a more evenly cooked and moist steak.
During this short waiting period, cover the cooked cube steaks loosely with foil or place them in a warm oven set at a low temperature to keep them from cooling off too much. It’s also an ideal time to prepare any side dishes you plan on serving with your delicious air-fried cube steaks.
FAQs
What’s the cook time for cube steak in an air fryer?
You can cook cube steak in the air fryer at a high temperature, usually around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, for about 10 to 12 minutes until it’s crispy on the outside and cooked through!
Can I make chicken fried cube steak in my air fryer?
Absolutely! Coat your tenderized cube steak with flour and breading, then air fry to get that chicken fried taste right at home. Remember to flip halfway through for even cooking.
Is it possible to cook frozen cube steak in an air fryer?
Yes, you can put frozen cube steaks directly into your air fryer! Increase the usual cooking time by a few minutes and ensure they’re cooked thoroughly before serving.
How do I prepare breaded cube steak for the air fryer?
First, marinate your meat if you like, then dip each piece into flour, followed by egg, and finally, breadcrumbs to coat them evenly. Air frying will make them nice and crispy without using too much oil!
Do I need breading or flour when making air-fried cubed steak?
Nope! If you prefer not adding extra carbs or calories, try making air-fried cubed steaks without any breading or flour – they’ll still come out deliciously seared from the hot circulating air.
Conclusion
Cooking cube steak in the air fryer is a simple and efficient method that yields tender and flavorful results. The practical tips provided, such as preheating the air fryer and using a meat thermometer, ensure perfect cooking every time.
By following this recipe, you can easily create a delicious meal in no time at all. These strategies offer an easy solution to achieving perfectly cooked cube steak with minimal effort.
Experience the convenience of air fryer cooking and enjoy juicy, mouthwatering cube steaks with each preparation!