How To Cook London Broil In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

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London Broil, despite its name, is not a specific cut of beef but rather a preparation method traditionally applied to tougher cuts such as top round, flank steak, or sirloin tip. Known for its bold flavor and satisfying chew, London Broil is a favorite among steak lovers who enjoy marinating meat to enhance tenderness and infuse layers of flavor. Cooking it perfectly, however, can be a challenge due to its natural firmness, and overcooking can quickly turn this otherwise delicious cut into a tough, dry experience.

Enter the air fryer-a modern culinary marvel that combines convection heat with rapid air circulation to deliver evenly cooked, juicy results in a fraction of the time required by traditional ovens or stovetop methods. Cooking London Broil in an air fryer allows for a consistent sear on the outside while preserving the meat’s internal juiciness, all without the need for constant attention. Mastering this method ensures a meal that’s tender, flavorful, and impressively quick.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Cook London Broil In Air Fryer

Temperature control is crucial when air frying London Broil. For this cut, the ideal air fryer temperature balances the need for a caramelized crust with the necessity of preserving internal tenderness. A temperature range of 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C) is typically optimal.

• 375°F (190°C): Gentle enough to allow the marinade flavors to penetrate the meat while reducing the risk of drying out.
• 400°F (204°C): Promotes a stronger Maillard reaction for a more pronounced crust, ideal for those who prefer a slightly crisp exterior.

Avoid temperatures above 425°F, as the high heat can quickly overcook the surface while leaving the interior less tender. Conversely, cooking below 350°F may yield uneven browning and a less appealing texture.

How Long To Cook London Broil In Air Fryer

Cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the meat and desired level of doneness. As a general guideline:

• Medium-Rare (130-135°F internal temperature): 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Medium (140-145°F internal temperature): 15-17 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Medium-Well (150-155°F internal temperature): 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Thinner cuts (around 1 inch) may require slightly less time, while thicker steaks (1.5-2 inches) may need additional minutes. Always factor in a resting period of 5-10 minutes, during which the residual heat continues to cook the meat, ensuring optimal juiciness.

How To Tell If It Is Done

The most accurate way to check doneness is using an instant-read meat thermometer:

• Medium-Rare: 130-135°F
• Medium: 140-145°F
• Medium-Well: 150-155°F
• Well Done: 160°F and above

Other visual cues include:

• Juices: Clear juices indicate medium or well-done meat, while a reddish tint suggests medium-rare.
• Texture: Lightly pressing the center with your finger or tongs can provide a tactile indication: softer for rare, firm for medium, and very firm for well-done.

Ingredients Needed

To achieve the most flavorful London Broil in an air fryer, gather the following ingredients:

• 1-2 pounds London Broil (top round or flank steak)
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for tanginess)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
• Optional: fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added aroma

Marinating the meat for 4-24 hours can significantly enhance tenderness and flavor, though even a quick 30-minute soak imparts noticeable depth.

How To Cook London Broil In Air Fryer

1. Prepare the meat: Pat the London Broil dry with paper towels. This ensures proper browning.
2. Marinate: Combine olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and seasonings. Coat the meat thoroughly and refrigerate for several hours.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 375-400°F for 3-5 minutes.
4. Place the meat in the basket: Ensure the steak lies flat and isn’t overcrowded. Overlapping will prevent even cooking.
5. Cook: Air fry for 6-10 minutes per side, depending on thickness, flipping halfway through.
6. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to achieve your desired internal temperature.
7. Rest: Let the steak rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes, loosely covered with foil.
8. Slice: Cut against the grain to maximize tenderness.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

Using a lower temperature (e.g., 350°F) will cook the meat more slowly, potentially enhancing tenderness but reducing the intensity of the crust. Conversely, higher temperatures (e.g., 425°F) can produce a darker, more caramelized exterior but risk drying the interior if not monitored closely. Adjust cooking times accordingly and always rely on a meat thermometer for precision.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

Shorter cooking times will result in rarer meat, while longer cooking times push toward well-done. Because air fryers cook rapidly, even small adjustments can have a significant impact. Always check internal temperature a few minutes before the expected cooking time to prevent overcooking.

When Things Go Wrong

Common pitfalls include:

• Dry, tough meat: Likely due to overcooking or skipping the marinade/resting phase. Solution: marinate longer and monitor temperature closely.
• Uneven cooking: Usually caused by overcrowding the air fryer basket or flipping too late. Cook in batches if necessary and flip midway.
• Burnt exterior: High heat or sugary marinades can char quickly. Lower temperature slightly or brush on sugary components later in cooking.

Expert Tips

• Slice the meat thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
• Allow the air fryer to preheat; this ensures a proper sear from the moment the steak enters.
• Consider patting the steak dry before cooking to promote browning.
• Use foil or parchment paper sparingly; too much can restrict airflow and affect crisping.
• Let the steak rest undisturbed for the juices to redistribute; skipping this can result in a dry exterior.

FAQs

What Is London Broil, And Why Is It Suitable For The Air Fryer?

London broil refers to a method of preparing a lean cut of beef, typically top round or flank steak, by marinating and then broiling or grilling. Its relatively thin and lean nature makes it suitable for the air fryer, which cooks quickly and evenly, producing a tender interior when cooked correctly.

How Should I Prepare London Broil Before Air Frying?

Start by marinating the London broil for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor, using a mixture of oil, acid (like vinegar or lemon juice), herbs, and seasonings. Pat the meat dry before cooking to ensure proper browning. Optionally, you can score the surface lightly to help the marinade penetrate.

What Air Fryer Temperature And Time Are Ideal For London Broil?

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the London broil for approximately 10-12 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time according to thickness and preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well.

Do I Need To Flip The London Broil While Air Frying?

Yes. Flipping the steak halfway through cooking ensures even browning and consistent doneness throughout the meat. Depending on the thickness of your London broil, you may also rotate it to prevent uneven cooking caused by air circulation.

Should I Rest The Meat After Air Frying, And For How Long?

Resting is crucial. Remove the London broil from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak rather than juices running out when slicing.

Can I Cook Frozen London Broil In The Air Fryer?

While possible, cooking frozen London broil is not recommended for optimal tenderness. Thaw the meat in the refrigerator first for even cooking. Cooking from frozen may lead to an unevenly cooked interior and a tougher texture.

What Are Some Tips To Enhance Flavor When Air Frying London Broil?

Marinating the meat with acidic ingredients helps tenderize it. Patting the steak dry before air frying promotes better browning. Additionally, seasoning immediately before cooking or finishing with a light brush of butter or herbs after cooking can enhance both taste and aroma.