Picture this: It’s a busy weeknight, and you’re scrambling to put together a meal that pleases everyone around the table. I often find myself reaching for a quick and satisfying recipe, and air fry beef strips have saved me more than a few times. These flavorful, juicy strips are delicious on their own or can be tossed onto a salad, wrapped in a tortilla, or served alongside simple sides like roasted vegetables or rice. Honestly, there’s no wrong way to enjoy them.
Air frying has revolutionized the way I cook, bringing classic recipes back into my busy week. The beauty of air fryer beef strips lies in their ability to be both fast and flavorful. Who doesn’t love a meal that provides that crisp, tantalizing exterior while keeping the meat tender and succulent? Plus, the reduced cooking time compared to traditional methods means I can whip these up when I need dinner on the table fast.
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What is air fry beef strips?
Air fry beef strips are simply strips of beef that have been seasoned and cooked in an air fryer. This cooking method uses hot air to give the steak that coveted crispy texture while locking in moisture, making for a delicious and juicy piece of meat. It’s an effortless technique that makes weeknight dinners feel more special, all without the grease and fuss of frying.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
To create these mouth-watering air fry beef strips, here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 Ribeye or New York Strip steaks, about 1-inch thick
– 1 tablespoon of high-quality olive oil
– ½ teaspoon of sea salt
– ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
– 2 tablespoons of butter (preferably unsalted)
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking, but these basic ingredients set you up for success. The smoked paprika brings an added depth of flavor that’s truly delightful.
How to make This air fry beef strips?
Making air fry beef strips is a straightforward process with just a few key steps. Start by preparing your ingredients and allowing the steaks to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking. Let’s dive into the steps!
Step 1: Let the Steaks Rest
Begin by letting your steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it ensures a more even cook, giving you that perfect medium-rare or medium-well finish. Plus, the flavor will be outstanding!
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
Once the steaks are ready, take a paper towel and pat them dry. This helps to achieve that nice sear when cooking. Next, rub the olive oil over both sides of each steak. Sprinkle the sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika generously on both sides, ensuring every inch is coated in flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to a sizzling 400°F (200°C). This step is key for achieving that ideal sear. Let it heat up for about 5 minutes while you arrange the steaks. If your air fryer has a preheat option, go ahead and use that!
Step 4: Air Fry the Steaks
Now it’s time for the steaks to shine! Place the seasoned steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for about 5 minutes. After that time, flip each steak over to ensure even cooking. Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, keeping an eye on the internal temperature. Aim for around 135°F for a medium-rare finish or 150°F for medium.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once the steaks reach your desired temperature, remove them from the fryer and top them with the butter. This adds richness and further enhances the already delicious flavor. Let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat—don’t skip this part!
Step 6: Serve
Slice the beef strips against the grain and serve them with your favorite sides. Trust me, you’ll impress anyone who takes a bite!
Tips & Tricks
Here are some practical tips to keep in mind while making your air fry beef strips:
– Choose Quality Cut: Ribeye or New York Strip steaks are best due to their marbling. More fat means more flavor!
– Make It Personal: Feel free to add other spices like onion powder or chili flakes for an extra kick.
– Batch Cooking: If you’re cooking for a crowd, consider making multiple batches. Keep the first batch warm in a low oven.
– Check Frequently: Since air fryers can vary, keep an instant-read thermometer handy to prevent overcooking.
– Experiment with Marinades: Try marinating the beef strips for a few hours before cooking them for even more flavor.
How Do You Store The Leftovers?
If you find yourself with leftovers (unlikely, but hey), let the beef strips cool down to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, just reheat them in the air fryer at a lower temperature or in a skillet until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
These air fry beef strips are not only delicious but pack a nutritional punch as well. Each serving (approximately 6 ounces of beef) contains about 450 calories, is high in protein, and provides essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12. Pair them with vegetables or whole grains, and you’ve got a well-rounded meal.
What sides would complement?
If you’re thinking about what to serve alongside these beef strips, here are some ideas:
– Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic create a comforting side.
– Sautéed Green Beans: Fresh, vibrant green beans sautéed with olive oil and garlic add that perfect crunch and color.
– Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber makes for a lovely contrast to the beef.
– Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with homemade Caesar dressing offers a classic pairing that excites the palate.
– Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed with olive oil and seasoning, roasted Brussels sprouts make a fantastic, healthy side.
What other substitutes can I use in air fry beef strips?
Exploring different cuts of beef can yield delicious results. Here are some substitutes:
– Flank Steak: Lean and full of flavor; it’s great for marinating.
– Skirt Steak: Another flavorful option that’s perfect for slicing thin.
– Filet Mignon: Tender and buttery; cook it quickly for a special occasion.
– Sirloin Steak: A bit leaner, this cut can still be juicy and fulfilling when cooked properly.
– Chicken Breast: For a lighter option, swap in chicken breast. Just adjust the cooking time.
Air Fry Beef Strips
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by letting your steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it ensures a more even cook, giving you that perfect medium-rare or medium-well finish. Plus, the flavor will be outstanding!
- Once the steaks are ready, take a paper towel and pat them dry. This helps to achieve that nice sear when cooking. Next, rub the olive oil over both sides of each steak. Sprinkle the sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika generously on both sides, ensuring every inch is coated in flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to a sizzling 400°F (200°C). This step is key for achieving that ideal sear. Let it heat up for about 5 minutes while you arrange the steaks. If your air fryer has a preheat option, go ahead and use that!
- Now it’s time for the steaks to shine! Place the seasoned steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for about 5 minutes. After that time, flip each steak over to ensure even cooking. Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, keeping an eye on the internal temperature. Aim for around 135°F for a medium-rare finish or 150°F for medium.
- Once the steaks reach your desired temperature, remove them from the fryer and top them with the butter. This adds richness and further enhances the already delicious flavor. Let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat—don’t skip this part!
- Slice the beef strips against the grain and serve them with your favorite sides. Trust me, you’ll impress anyone who takes a bite!
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
1. Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed steak for even cooking. If you only have frozen steak, thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking.
2. What should the internal temperature be for steak?
For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F. For medium, it should reach approximately 150°F.
3. How do I know when my air fryer is preheated?
Some air fryers have an indicator light or sound to signal that they’re preheated. If yours doesn’t, let it heat for about 5 minutes before adding the food.
4. Can I air fry vegetables at the same time?
Yes, but be sure to adjust cooking times. Start cooking the vegetables first or check frequently to avoid overcooking.
5. What dips go well with air fry beef strips?
BBQ sauce, chimichurri, or a zesty garlic aioli can elevate your beef strips even further.
Conclusion
Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together with friends, air fry beef strips are sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple method, you can create a dish that brings people together around the table. The versatility of this recipe means you can easily make it your own, experimenting with different spices and serving options. So grab your air fryer, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret it.
