How To Cook Top Round Steak In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

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Top round steak, also known as London broil in some regions, is a lean cut of beef taken from the rear leg of the cow. Its reputation for being tough can intimidate even seasoned cooks, but with proper cooking techniques, it can become a tender, flavorful, and satisfying meal. The air fryer, a modern kitchen marvel, offers a convenient way to achieve a perfectly cooked steak with minimal fuss. By circulating hot air rapidly around the meat, the air fryer mimics the effect of searing while reducing the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier alternative to pan-frying or grilling. This guide explores everything you need to know about cooking top round steak in an air fryer, from selecting the ideal temperature and cooking time to handling common pitfalls and enhancing flavor.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Cook Top Round Steak In Air Fryer

Temperature is the key determinant of texture, juiciness, and overall flavor. For top round steak, a lean cut that can quickly become dry if overcooked, the ideal air fryer temperature is 400°F (204°C). At this heat:

• The exterior of the steak develops a lightly browned, caramelized crust, enhancing flavor through the Maillard reaction.
• The interior cooks evenly without over-drying.
• You achieve a balance between tenderness and a desirable bite.

Lower temperatures (around 350°F/177°C) can result in a more gradual cooking process, which is safer for thicker steaks but may reduce crust development. Higher temperatures (425-450°F/218-232°C) can accelerate searing, but risk drying the lean cut unless cooking time is carefully adjusted.

How Long To Cook Top Round Steak In Air Fryer

Cooking time depends primarily on the steak’s thickness and your preferred level of doneness:

• 1-inch Thick Steak

  • Rare: 8-10 minutes (flip halfway)
  • Medium-rare: 10-12 minutes
  • Medium: 12-14 minutes
  • Well-done: 14-16 minutes

• 1.5-inch Thick Steak

  • Rare: 10-12 minutes
  • Medium-rare: 12-14 minutes
  • Medium: 14-16 minutes
  • Well-done: 16-18 minutes

Always flip the steak halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution and consistent browning.

How To Tell If It Is Done

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer:

• Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°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+)

Other indicators include:

• Touch test: Press the steak with your finger. Rare feels soft and spongy; medium feels firmer but still yields; well-done feels very firm.
• Juices: Cut lightly into the center. Clear juices indicate well-done, while pinkish juices suggest medium or rare.

Ingredients Needed

To maximize flavor, you only need a few essential ingredients:

• Top round steak (1-1.5 inches thick)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (for light coating)
• Salt (kosher or sea salt recommended)
• Black pepper (freshly ground)
• Optional flavor enhancers: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, rosemary, thyme, or steak rubs.

How To Cook Top Round Steak In Air Fryer

1. Preparation

   • Remove steak from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
   • Pat dry with a paper towel to remove moisture; this promotes better browning.

2. Seasoning

   • Lightly coat the steak with olive oil.
   • Season generously with salt, pepper, and optional spices.

3. Preheat The Air Fryer

   • Set to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures instant searing upon contact.

4. Cooking

   • Place the steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
   • Cook for the recommended time based on thickness and desired doneness, flipping halfway.

5. Resting

   • Let the steak rest 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender bite.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

• Lower temperature (350°F/177°C): Steak cooks more slowly, which can enhance tenderness in very thick cuts but reduces browning. You may need to increase cooking time by 2-4 minutes per side.
• Higher temperature (425-450°F/218-232°C): Steak sears faster, creating a darker crust. However, it increases the risk of a dry interior unless you reduce cooking time. Monitoring with a thermometer is crucial.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

Adjusting cooking time is effective if your steak is unusually thick or thin:

• Shorter time: Produces rarer steak. Risk: undercooked or cold center.
• Longer time: Produces medium to well-done. Risk: dry, tough texture, especially for lean top round.
• Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer rather than relying solely on time.

When Things Go Wrong

Common pitfalls include:

• Dry, tough steak: Often due to overcooking. Solution: Reduce temperature or cook time, or marinate beforehand.
• Uneven cooking: Usually from skipping the flip or overcrowding the basket. Solution: Cook in a single layer and flip halfway.
• Insufficient browning: Caused by moisture on the steak or low temperature. Solution: Pat dry and preheat the air fryer.

Expert Tips

1. Marinating: For extra tenderness, marinate top round steak for 4-12 hours using acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt.
2. Butter basting: After air frying, brush melted butter with herbs to enhance flavor.
3. Let it rest: Never skip resting; juices trapped in the muscle fibers will escape if cut immediately.
4. Use a probe thermometer: Avoid guessing; lean cuts are unforgiving.
5. Slice against the grain: This shortens muscle fibers and improves tenderness.

FAQs

What Is The Best Way To Prepare Top Round Steak For The Air Fryer?

To prepare top round steak for the air fryer, start by trimming any excess fat and silver skin. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season it generously with salt, pepper, and any preferred spices or marinades. Allowing the steak to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking helps it cook evenly.

What Temperature Should I Set My Air Fryer To For Cooking Top Round Steak?

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for cooking top round steak. This high heat helps sear the outside quickly while keeping the inside juicy. For thicker cuts, you may consider reducing the temperature slightly after searing to ensure the interior cooks evenly without overcooking the exterior.

How Long Should I Cook A Top Round Steak In The Air Fryer?

Cooking time depends on steak thickness and desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick top round steak, cook for about 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. Adjust the time by 2-3 minutes for thicker cuts or different doneness levels. Always use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature for accuracy.

How Do I Know When The Top Round Steak Is Done In The Air Fryer?

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check doneness. Target internal temperatures are: 125°F (52°C) for rare, 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium, 155°F (68°C) for medium-well, and 160°F (71°C) for well-done. Rest the steak for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Should I Marinate Top Round Steak Before Air Frying?

Marinating top round steak is optional but recommended for added tenderness and flavor, as this cut is naturally lean and can be slightly tough. A marinade containing oil, acid (like vinegar or citrus juice), and seasonings for 30 minutes to 2 hours can help enhance flavor without making it mushy.

Do I Need To Flip The Steak In The Air Fryer?

Yes, flipping the steak halfway through cooking ensures even browning and consistent cooking on both sides. For thinner steaks under 1 inch, flipping may be less critical, but for thicker cuts, it is essential to avoid uneven cooking.

Can I Cook Frozen Top Round Steak In The Air Fryer?

While it is possible to cook frozen steak in the air fryer, it is not ideal for top round cuts because they can cook unevenly. If cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time by 50% and lower the temperature slightly to allow the steak to thaw and cook through evenly. Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended.