Air fryers have become an increasingly popular kitchen appliance in recent years. They use hot air and convection to crisp up food, similar to deep frying but without all the oil. Air fryers can make a variety of foods taste delicious with less fat and calories. One food that works well in air fryers is beef. There are many different cuts of beef that can be used, so it’s important to know which ones will turn out best.
Some key questions when choosing a cut of beef for the air fryer include:
- Which cuts are the most tender and cook quickly?
- Which retain moisture and won’t dry out?
- Which cuts will get crispy on the outside in the air fryer?
- What size and thickness should the cuts be?
This article will go over the types of beef that are best for air frying. It will provide answers on what cuts work well, how to prepare them, recommended cooking times and temperatures, and delicious recipe ideas. Read on to learn how to make tasty air-fried beef meals!
Tender vs Tough Cuts
Beef is divided into cuts that come from different parts of the cow. Cuts are classified as tender or tough, depending on which muscle group they are from.
Tender cuts come from parts of the cow that get less exercise, like the rib and loin areas. These cuts have less connective tissue and fat, so they cook up quick and tender. Examples are filet mignon, ribeye steak, NY strip steak, and tenderloin.
Tough cuts are from heavily exercised areas like the shoulder, leg, and rump. They have more connective tissue that needs to be broken down with moist heat. Examples include chuck roast, brisket, shank, and flank steak.
In general, more tender cuts of beef work best in the air fryer because they cook faster and come out juicy. The hot circulating air will quickly brown and crisp the exterior with less risk of drying out the meat.
Best Beef Cuts for Airfryer
Here are the recommended tender cuts that will have the best results when air frying:
Filet Mignon – Extremely tender and lean. Cooks quickly.
Ribeye Steak – Marbled with fat so stays juicy. Best when cut 1-inch thick.
Strip Steak – Also called NY strip. Great texture and flavor.
Tenderloin – Very tender but can dry out if overcooked. Best when cut 2 inches thick.
Flap Meat Sirloin – Thin cut that crisps up nicely. Marinate first to tenderize.
Tri-Tip Roast – From the bottom sirloin. Stays moist and cooks fast.
Flank Steak – Relatively tender and takes to marinades for extra flavor.
Skirt Steak – Thin cut that does well with quick cooking. Often used for fajitas.
Preparing Beef for the Airfryer
When preparing beef for the air fryer, keep these tips in mind:
– Cut into smaller pieces or thin slices. Large thick cuts won’t cook evenly. Aim for steaks around 1-inch thick and roasts cut into 2-inch chunks.
– Marinate meats first if desired for extra flavor. Tougher cuts benefit the most from acid-based marinades which tenderize the meat.
– Pat meat dry before air frying so it browns properly and doesn’t steam.
– Brush or rub with a small amount of oil. This helps promote browning.
– Season meat with salt, pepper, spices, or dry rubs. Go bold with flavors since there’s no added oil or liquids.
– Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Air fryers cook hot and fast.
– Allow meat to rest 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.
Cooking Times and Temperatures
Air fryers cook very quickly, so cut meat into smaller pieces and watch closely. Use these cooking guidelines for reference:
| Beef Cut | Thickness | Cook Time | Minimum Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filet Mignon | 1 inch | 10-14 minutes | 130°F (rare) |
| Ribeye, strip, or tri-tip steak | 1 inch | 10-12 minutes | 130°F (rare) |
| Flank steak | 1/2 inch | 8-10 minutes | 130°F (rare) |
| Skirt steak | 1/2 inch | 8-10 minutes | 130°F (rare) |
| Sirloin flap meat | 1/4 inch | 5-7 minutes | 130°F (rare) |
| Tenderloin roast | 2 inches | 25-35 minutes | 140°F (medium rare) |
– Cook at 400°F for thin steaks or 375°F for thicker roasts and chops. Adjust time for more or less doneness.
– Let meat rest before slicing into it to allow juices to redistribute.
– Use a meat thermometer to confirm safe internal temperatures.
Marinade and Rub Suggestions
Adding marinades, spice rubs, and other flavor agents can make air fried beef even tastier. Here are some recommended options:
Marinades:
– Soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar
– Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, rosemary, garlic
– Yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala
– Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, onion, pepper
Spice Rubs:
– Chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, cayenne, garlic powder
– Smoked paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder
– Coriander, mustard powder, salt, thyme, crushed pepper
– Cinnamon, allspice, cumin, salt, brown sugar
Sauces:
– Chimichurri
– Horseradish cream
– Jalapeño lime butter
– Red wine reduction
– Peppercorn brandy cream
Experiment with marinades and rubs to find your favorites. Apply them before air frying or use sauces after cooking.
Recipe Ideas
Here are some amazing air fryer beef recipes to try:
Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter
Ingredients:
– 2 filet mignon steaks, 1-1.5 inches thick
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– 2 tbsp butter, softened
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– 1⁄2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
– 1⁄2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Directions:
1. Pat steaks dry and brush with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Air fry at 400°F for 9-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium rare.
3. Mix softened butter with garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread herb butter over steaks before serving.
Spicy Air Fryer Flank Steak Tacos
Marinade Ingredients:
– 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
– 1⁄4 cup olive oil
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1⁄2 tsp cumin
– 1⁄2 tsp cayenne pepper
Tacos Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak, halved lengthwise
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cabbage
– Lime wedges, cilantro, avocado
Directions:
1. Whisk marinade ingredients together in a bowl. Add steak and marinate 30 minutes.
2. Remove steak from marinade and pat dry. Air fry at 400°F 8-10 minutes until 130°F.
3. Let steak rest 5 minutes then slice against the grain.
4. Serve in warm tortillas with desired taco toppings.
Rosemary Air Fryer Tri-Tip with Roasted Veggies
Ingredients:
– 1 lb tri-tip roast
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
– 2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper
– 8 oz brussels sprouts, halved
– 8 oz baby carrots
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper
Directions:
1. Cut tri-tip roast into 2-inch chunks and place into a bowl. Add 2 tbsp olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and toss to coat.
2. Add brussels sprouts and carrots to a separate bowl. Toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Air fry vegetables at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
4. Add seasoned tri-tip to the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes until meat reaches 140°F.
5. Toss vegetables with meat and serve.
Conclusion
Air fryers can make delicious beef dishes with crispy textures and juicy flavors. The best cuts to use are tender steaks and roasts like ribeye, strip, filet mignon, tri-tip, and tenderloin. Prepare the meat by cutting into 1 to 2-inch pieces, drying well, and seasoning as desired. Cook at 400°F for thinner steaks and 375°F for thicker cuts until the minimum safe internal temperature is reached. Marinades, rubs, and sauces add great flavor. Follow the cooking guidelines and recipe ideas provided to enjoy fantastic air-fried beef meals.