Have you stepped into the exciting world of air frying and want to try cooking flat iron using this quick and convenient method? You’ve come to the right place. We outline all the steps you need to know to cook flat iron steak in the air fryer, including how to season or marinate the steak, trim excess fat, and check for doneness.
Select the Right Cut of Flat Iron Steak
There are a couple of things to keep in mind when looking for the best cut of flat iron steak at the store:
- Thickness: Flat iron steak should be around 1 to 1.5 inches thick, an ideal size to undergo the quick heat of the air fryer without drying out.
- Marbling: Marbling is the strips of fat that run through the steak. Flat iron should have a decent amount of evenly distributed marbling throughout. Watch for pieces with large chunks of fat or flat iron steaks that lack enough marbling.
Other than that, you should also consider the quality of the cut you’re getting. USDA Choice and USDA Prime are among the best grades you can get at the grocery store, with USDA Prime being the highest grade and the most expensive. USDA Choice is a good option if you want a good balance of quality and affordability.
Recommended Seasonings and Marinades
The most basic version of air-fried flat iron steak is seasoned only with a generous helping of salt and pepper. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, but you can also experiment with other seasonings to add extra flavor to the steak. For example, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or your favorite steak seasoning blend can boost flavor quite a bit.
For a new version of air-fried flat iron steak each time you cook it, consider working with different spice mixes and flavor profiles using what’s in your spice cabinet. Or, opt for a marinade if you have some time to marinate the steak in the fridge before you cook it.
Explore Variations and Flavor Enhancements
Here are a few flavor variations to inspire you while you plan out your flat iron steak meal:
- Southwestern spice: For an extra kick of heat, create a seasoning blend with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder to sprinkle on both sides of the steak before transferring it to the air fryer.
- Balsamic rosemary: Create a quick marinade with balsamic vinegar, chopped rosemary, honey, and a drizzle of olive oil. This blend adds balance to the steak’s natural richness.
- Soy-ginger: Mix soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, a small amount of sesame oil, and about a tablespoon of brown sugar to create a sweet and savory marinade for flat iron steak.
Prepare the Steak for Cooking
Before following the recipe below, learn a few tricks for preparing your flat iron for the best results in the air fryer.
Trimming Excess Fat
Flat iron steak usually arrives well-trimmed, but you may still spot small pockets of excess fat or silver skin along the surface. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove any remaining fatty chunks that could interfere with even cooking and are too large to get cooked down with the quick heat of the air fryer. However, you don’t have to remove every piece of fat you see. Small, thin sections of fat add a little flavor and moisture, so they’re fine to leave in place.
Marinating the Steak for Optimal Flavor
While completely optional, marinating a flat iron steak can boost its natural beefy flavor and add depth before it hits the air fryer. Use a balanced marinade that includes an acidic element — like lime juice or vinegar — to help tenderize the muscle fibers. Then build onto your marinade with savory flavors, such as soy sauce, garlic, or onion. Finally, round it out with a small amount of oil, which helps the marinade coat the steak evenly and penetrate the meat.
Aim for at least thirty minutes of marinating time in the fridge, although letting it rest for at least two hours or overnight often leads to more flavor and better results. Before cooking, pat the steak dry to remove all excess marinade so the steak can sear in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Flat Iron Steak Recipe
Now that you’re prepared to cook flat iron steak in the air fryer, follow this recipe to learn how to do it.
Ingredients
- 1 flat iron steak (about 8-10 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. This step ensures even cooking and makes the air fryer the ideal temperature to give the steak a nice sear-like crust. While the air fryer warms up, you can prep your steak.
- Prepare the steak
Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can prevent the steak from crisping. Rub both sides of the steak with olive oil. Then, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the steak, pressing it in gently with your fingers. Place a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme on top of the steak before cooking if you’d like. This adds a little extra flavor and aromatics, but it’s completely optional.
- Place the steak in the air fryer basket
Once your air fryer has preheated, arrange the steak in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s enough space around the steak for air to circulate. If your steak is too large to fit without overlapping, cut it in half or cook it in batches to make sure the steak heats evenly.
- Determine the optimal cooking temperature
Flat iron steak cooks well with high, quick heat to lock in juices and get a flavorful crust. Most air fryers work best at 400°F for steak, which is similar to the high heat of grilling or pan-searing.
- Set the cooking time based on desired doneness
The cooking time will vary depending on how you like your steak. For a flat iron steak about 1 inch thick, use these general guidelines:
- Rare (125°F): 6-7 minutes
- Medium-rare (135°F): 8-9 minutes
- Medium (145°F): 10-11 minutes
- Medium-well (150°F): 12-13 minutes
The times can also vary depending on the air fryer you have. If you’re not sure how long your steak will need to cook, plan on air frying for a couple of minutes less than these times. You can always cook a little while longer if needed, but it’s not possible to undo an overcooked steak.
- Flip the steak halfway through cooking
Flip the steak over halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. This helps both sides develop a crust and cook at the same rate. Use tongs for flipping rather than a fork so juices won’t escape.
- Check for doneness using a meat thermometer
Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check if your flat iron has been cooked enough. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat and give it a few seconds to read the temperature. You’ll want to remove the steak when it’s 3-5°F under your target temperature, as it continues cooking slightly when resting.
- Let the steak rest post-cooking
Once the steak has reached the right temperature, transfer it to a clean plate or cutting board to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Tent it loosely with foil to hold the heat in and allow it to come to its final temperature.
- Slice the steak against the grain
Slicing is common with flat iron to cut through long, tough fibers that run through the meat. If slicing, only do so after it rests and slice the steak against the grain to improve tenderness. Then, serve immediately.
Pair with Complementary Side Dishes
Don’t overthink it when planning your meal around air fryer flat iron steak. You can have simple or more complex side dishes with this steak, just like you would if you cooked it on the grill, in the oven, or in a pan. It can also become a topper for other parts of your meal, like sliced steak atop a salad or thinly sliced steak for steak sandwiches.
One of the most classic sides for flat iron cooked with any method is mashed or baked potatoes. Stick with this if you want something simple that many people enjoy with their steak. If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, swap the potatoes for roasted vegetables instead, like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus. A Meditteranean, iceberg, or Caesar salad also works well if you want a light side to pair with the savory flavors of your steak.
Conclusion: Cooking Flat Iron Steak in the Air Fryer
Cooking flat iron steak in the air fryer is a simple way to achieve a tender, flavorful result with minimal effort. Paired with the right preparation and quality meat, this method is a winner. Ready to try it yourself? Browse our premium selection of mail-order flat iron steaks, available in Premium Angus, Kobe-Wagyu, and USDA Prime Wet-Aged varieties.
Air Fryer Flat Iron Steak
Ingredients
- 1 flat iron steak about 8-10 ounces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. This step ensures even cooking and makes the air fryer the ideal temperature to give the steak a nice sear-like crust. While the air fryer warms up, you can prep your steak.
Prepare the steak
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can prevent the steak from crisping. Rub both sides of the steak with olive oil. Then, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the steak, pressing it in gently with your fingers. Place a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme on top of the steak before cooking if you’d like. This adds a little extra flavor and aromatics, but it’s completely optional.
Place the steak in the air fryer basket
- Once your air fryer has preheated, arrange the steak in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s enough space around the steak for air to circulate. If your steak is too large to fit without overlapping, cut it in half or cook it in batches to make sure the steak heats evenly.
Determine the optimal cooking temperature
- Flat iron steak cooks well with high, quick heat to lock in juices and get a flavorful crust. Most air fryers work best at 400°F for steak, which is similar to the high heat of grilling or pan-searing.
Set the cooking time based on desired doneness
- The cooking time will vary depending on how you like your steak. For a flat iron steak about 1 inch thick, use these general guidelines:
- Rare (125°F): 6-7 minutesMedium-rare (135°F): 8-9 minutesMedium (145°F): 10-11 minutesMedium-well (150°F): 12-13 minutes
- The times can also vary depending on the air fryer you have. If you’re not sure how long your steak will need to cook, plan on air frying for a couple of minutes less than these times. You can always cook a little while longer if needed, but it’s not possible to undo an overcooked steak.
Flip the steak halfway through cooking
- Flip the steak over halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. This helps both sides develop a crust and cook at the same rate. Use tongs for flipping rather than a fork so juices won’t escape.
Check for doneness using a meat thermometer
- Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check if your flat iron has been cooked enough. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat and give it a few seconds to read the temperature. You’ll want to remove the steak when it’s 3-5°F under your target temperature, as it continues cooking slightly when resting.
Let the steak rest post-cooking
- Once the steak has reached the right temperature, transfer it to a clean plate or cutting board to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Tent it loosely with foil to hold the heat in and allow it to come to its final temperature.
Slice the steak against the grain
- Slicing is common with flat iron to cut through long, tough fibers that run through the meat. If slicing, only do so after it rests and slice the steak against the grain to improve tenderness. Then, serve immediately.