Air frying raw beef to a safe and delicious doneness requires paying close attention to cook times. The air fryer cooks quickly with hot, circulating air rather than oil, so keeping an eye on the clock is essential.
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Beef Cook Time
Several factors impact how long beef takes to cook in the air fryer:
- Thickness – Thicker cuts take longer.
- Desired doneness – Rare beef cooks faster than well-done.
- Quantity – More beef takes longer.
- Air fryer wattage – Higher-wattage fryers cook faster.
- Preparation – Partially frozen or cold beef requires more time.
Recommended Air Fryer Beef Cook Times
Here are general cook time guidelines based on cut, thickness, and desired doneness:
| Beef Cut & Thickness | Rare | Medium-Rare | Medium | Medium-Well | Well-Done |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steak 1 inch thick | 7-9 minutes | 9-11 minutes | 11-13 minutes | 13-15 minutes | 15-17 minutes |
| Steak 1.5 inches thick | 10-14 minutes | 14-18 minutes | 18-22 minutes | 20-24 minutes | 22-26 minutes |
| Steak 2 inches thick | 16-20 minutes | 20-24 minutes | 24-28 minutes | 26-30 minutes | 28-32 minutes |
| Beef kabobs | 8-10 minutes | 10-12 minutes | 12-14 minutes | 14-16 minutes | 16-18 minutes |
| Beef roasts, 3-4 lbs | 25-35 minutes | 30-40 minutes | 35-45 minutes | 40-50 minutes | 45-55 minutes |
Tips for Air Frying Beef
Follow these tips for best results when cooking beef in an air fryer:
- Pat meat dry before cooking for better browning.
- Rub or brush lightly with oil to promote browning.
- Preheat air fryer before adding beef.
- Cook less beef at one time for more even cooking.
- Flip or toss beef halfway through cook time.
- Allow beef to rest 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness.
How to Tell When Beef is Done in an Air Fryer
Here are some ways to determine if air fried beef is fully cooked:
Visual Cues
- Steaks and roasts develop a nice brown crust on the outside.
- Beef cuts look firm and spring back slightly when pressed.
- Interior steak color ranges from red (rare) to brown-gray (well-done).
- Kabobs and pieces separate easily when poked with a fork.
Minimum Internal Temperatures
Beef should reach the following internal temperatures to be safe to eat:
| Doneness | Minimum Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F (52°C) |
| Medium-rare | 130-135°F (54-57°C) |
| Medium | 140-145°F (60-63°C) |
| Medium-well | 150-155°F (65-68°C) |
| Well-done | 160°F (71°C) |
Use an Instant-Read Thermometer
For the most reliable doneness indicator, use an instant-read digital meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the beef, making sure it doesn’t touch bone. Compare the reading to the temperatures above.
Tips for Air Frying Beef Safely
To ensure beef is cooked to a safe internal temperature and prevent foodborne illness:
- Always thaw beef in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Trim off any excess fat to avoid flare-ups.
- Adhere to recommended cook times based on cut and thickness.
- Use a meat thermometer, especially for large roasts and thicker cuts.
- Check temperature in several places on roasts and thick steaks.
- Discard beef if burn or bitter flavors develop.
Conclusion
Air frying raw beef produces juicy, flavorful results in far less time than traditional oven roasting. Pay close attention to recommended cook times based on cut, thickness, and desired doneness. Use visual and temperature cues, along with a meat thermometer, to determine when beef is cooked to tender perfection.
Following air fryer beef cook times precisely and monitoring temperature ensures you safely achieve the perfect level of doneness each time.