Air frying has become an increasingly popular cooking method in recent years. Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to cook food, resulting in a crispy, fried texture without the need for large amounts of oil. Many people use air fryers to make healthier versions of typically deep-fried foods like french fries, chicken wings, and more.
Beef medallions are small, round cuts of tenderloin steak. They are known for being tender, juicy, and flavorful. Beef medallions are often pan-seared, grilled, or prepared in a sauce. However, with the rise of air frying, many home cooks are wondering if you can air fry beef medallions to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy, tender interior.
In this article, we will discuss whether or not beef medallions can be successfully air fried. We will cover how to prepare beef medallions for air frying, recommend cooking times and temperatures, and provide tips for the best results. We will also look at some of the pros and cons of air frying beef medallions compared to other cooking methods.
Can You Air Fry Beef Medallions?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely air fry beef medallions! Air frying is a great way to cook beef medallions that results in a crispy, browned exterior with a tender, juicy interior.
When cooked correctly in an air fryer, beef medallions develop a crispy, seared crust from the hot, circulating air. The natural fats in the beef medallions will start to render and baste the meat during cooking. This produces a similar result to pan-searing, without the need for large amounts of oil.
Air frying also cooks the beef medallions quickly, which helps keep them nice and tender. The hot air will penetrate the meat, cooking it through without drying it out.
Overall, air frying is an excellent cooking method for beef medallions. It delivers delicious results in less time compared to oven baking and also requires minimal preparation and cleanup.
How to Prepare Beef Medallions for Air Frying
Preparing beef medallions for air frying is easy and requires just a few steps:
– Pat the beef medallions dry with paper towels. Remove any excess moisture on the surface of the meat. Dry meat will air fry more crispy.
– Season the medallions liberally with salt and pepper or any other desired seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, etc. Seasoning is key for flavorful air fried beef.
– You can optionally coat the beef medallions lightly with oil. A light brushing of oil helps promote browning and aids crispiness. Avoid excessive oil though as the natural fat in the beef will render.
– Arrange the seasoned beef medallions in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Leave some space between each medallion for air circulation.
And that’s it! The beef medallions are now ready to air fry. Be sure your air fryer is preheated before air frying.
Recommended Cooking Times and Temperatures
Air frying times and temperatures can vary slightly depending on the size of your beef medallions, as well as the model of air fryer being used. However, the following general guidelines will help produce perfect air fried beef medallions:
– Air Fryer Temperature: 400°F
– Cooking Time:
For 4-6 oz beef medallions, air fry for 6-9 minutes
For 8 oz beef medallions, air fry for 10-12 minutes
– For 1 lb beef medallion steaks, air fry for 12-15 minutes
– Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer after cooking to ensure they have reached your desired doneness, such as 145°F for medium-rare.
– Allow the beef medallions to rest for 5 minutes before serving. The temperature will rise slightly as they rest.
Adjust the cook times as needed to suit the thickness of your particular beef cuts and your preferred doneness. The great thing about air frying is it’s easy to quickly check and return the beef to finish cooking if needed.
Tips for the Best Results When Air Frying Beef Medallions
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to achieve the best air fried beef medallions possible:
– Pat the beef as dry as possible before seasoning and air frying. Any excess moisture on the meat will prevent it from getting crispy.
– Use a meat thermometer to accurately monitor the internal temperature and doneness while air frying. This prevents overcooking.
– Preheat your air fryer fully before adding the beef. Air frying works best when the fryer starts at the target cooking temperature.
– Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between the medallions so air can circulate freely around each piece.
– Flip the beef medallions over halfway during cooking to ensure even browning and cooking on both sides.
– Brush or spray the beef lightly with oil for enhanced browning and crispiness.
– Let the beef medallions rest after air frying before cutting into them. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly.
– Mix up the seasonings on the beef. Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, garlic herb mixes all air fry deliciously.
Follow these tips and your air fried beef medallions will turn out perfectly cooked with a crispy exterior and moist, tender interior every time.
The Pros and Cons of Air Frying Beef Medallions
Air frying beef medallions has several advantages over other cooking methods:
**Pros:**
– Produces a crispy, browned exterior without needing to pan-fry in lots of oil
– Cooks the beef quickly while keeping it nice and tender
– Adds little to no extra fat or calories compared to deep frying
– Infuses the beef with lots of flavor from rapid air circulation
– Easy clean up since no oils need to be used
– Allows cooking at a lower temperature compared to grilling or broiling
However, there are a few potential downsides to consider as well:
**Cons:**
– Air fryers can only cook small batches at a time compared to an oven
– Results depend highly on the air fryer model and settings used
– Air fried beef medallions won’t be as deeply caramelized as grilled or broiled
– You lose some smoky, charred flavors that you get from grilling
– The outer crust may not get quite as crunchy as deep fried beef
Overall, air frying produces delicious beef medallions that are tender and juicy on the inside with a crispy, browned crust on the outside. For home cooks interested in a quick, easy and healthier cooking method, air frying is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about air frying beef medallions:
Should beef medallions be cooked from frozen in an air fryer?
It’s best not to air fry beef medallions directly from frozen. Allow them to thaw completely first for food safety and to ensure they cook through properly. Air frying frozen meat can result in an overcooked exterior and undercooked interior.
How long does it take to air fry 1-inch thick beef medallions?
For 1-inch thick beef medallions, set your air fryer to 400°F and air fry for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. Use a meat thermometer to confirm they reach your desired doneness, typically 145°F for medium-rare.
What oil is best for air frying beef medallions?
You can use any high smoke point neutral oil when air frying beef medallions, such as avocado, grapeseed, canola, vegetable, or olive oil. Avoid butter or low smoke point oils that can burn. A light brushing is all you need.
Should you flip beef medallions while air frying?
Yes, flipping the beef medallions halfway during air frying is recommended. This allows both sides to cook evenly and develop a nice browned crust.
Do you need to add extra fat or oil when air frying beef?
Typically no, the natural fat and juices from the beef medallions will render and self-baste the meat. But you can add a light brushing of oil before air frying if you want enhanced browning and crispness.
Air Fryer Beef Medallion Recipes to Try
Now that you know beef medallions can be successfully air fried for delicious results, here are some tasty air fryer beef medallion recipes to try:
Chipotle Beef Medallions
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef medallions
– 1-2 tsp chipotle chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Pat beef medallions dry and season with chipotle powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until cooked to desired doneness, flipping halfway.
3. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with lime wedges.
Hoisin Glazed Beef Medallions
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef medallions
– 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp honey
– 1 tsp minced garlic
– Chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and garlic for glaze.
2. Pat beef medallions dry and air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.
3. Remove and brush glaze over both sides. Return to air fryer 2-3 minutes until done.
4. Let rest then serve over rice and garnish with scallions.
Chimichurri Beef Medallions
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef medallions
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 3 tbsp chimichurri sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season beef medallions with garlic powder, salt, and pepper then air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until almost cooked through.
2. Remove and brush with olive oil and chimichurri sauce on both sides.
3. Return to air fryer 2-3 minutes until done.
4. Let rest then serve. Spoon over any remaining chimichurri sauce.
Conclusion
Air frying is an excellent way to cook juicy, tender beef medallions with a crispy browned exterior. Preparing the beef is simple – just pat dry, season, and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F, flipping halfway, until the medallions reach your desired doneness. Let rest before serving.
While air frying won’t achieve quite the deep sear of grilling or broiling, it still delivers delicious results in a quick and convenient cooking method requiring little oil. Air fried beef medallions make a tasty, lighter meal idea perfect for weeknights.