London Broil is a popular dish that can be prepared in several ways. One modern, convenient, and healthier method for cooking London Broil is using an air fryer. This method offers many benefits, including quicker cooking times and less use of oil.
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Understanding London Broil
London Broil is a versatile beef dish that’s not actually a specific cut of meat but rather a method of preparing it. Typically, London Broil is made from a top round or flank steak, which is marinated and then cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness. This method aims to make the meat tender and flavorful.
Characteristics of London Broil:
- London Broil typically uses a lean cut of beef, which means it can be a bit tougher than more marbled cuts.
- It is known for its distinctive grain, with long muscle fibers running through the meat.
- London Broil is often marinated to enhance its tenderness and flavor.
Ingredients Needed
- London Broil steak (top round or flank steak)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt and black pepper (for seasoning)
- Optional: Your choice of the marinade (e.g., soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs, or spices) for added flavor.
Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor:
- Minced garlic
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist
- Citrus zest (e.g., lemon or orange) for a refreshing note
Preparation Steps
- Start by taking the London Broil out of the refrigerator and allowing it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
- While the meat is resting, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the London Broil dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear in the air fryer.
- Brush the meat with a light coat of olive oil to promote browning and prevent sticking to the air fryer basket.
Seasoning and Marinating Tips:
- Season the London Broil generously with salt and black pepper. This basic seasoning enhances the natural beef flavor. You can always try other ingredients but if you’re new to this specific method of cooking, it’s better to stick to the basics and then explore as you get more comfortable.
- If you want to add more flavor, consider marinating the steak. Place the London Broil in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and add your chosen marinade. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on how deep you want the flavor to infuse.
- For added depth of flavor, experiment with optional ingredients like minced garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, or citrus zest. These can be added to your marinade or used as a dry rub on the meat.
- When marinating, make sure to turn the steak occasionally to ensure even flavor distribution.
Air Fryer Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) for London Broil.
- Place the London Broil steak in the air fryer basket. Ensure there is enough space around it for proper air circulation. Overcrowding also causes steam which can stop the searing process.
- Cook the steak for approximately 8-10 minutes on one side for medium-rare. Then, flip the steak and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes on the other side. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 130-135°F (54-57°C), but you can adjust it according to your preference (see the temperature guide below).
- Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Adjustments for Different Air Fryer Models:
- The cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly between different air fryer models. Always consult your air fryer’s manual for specific instructions.
- You may need to experiment with cooking times to achieve your preferred level of doneness, as air fryers can vary in performance.
Finished Beef Temperatures
Follow this guide to achieve the level of doneness you desire:
- 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) and above
Use an Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: To achieve your desired level of doneness accurately, invest in an instant-read meat thermometer. This is the best way to ensure your London Broil is cooked to perfection. Always insert the thermometer at the thickest part of the meat.
Importance of Letting the Meat Rest:
Allowing the London Broil to rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the muscle fibers to relax, and the juices redistribute, ensuring a more succulent and flavorful steak when you slice it. Tenting the steak loosely with aluminum foil can help retain heat during the resting process but in most cases this is optional. The rest time is typically about 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat.
Conclusion
Cooking London Broil in an air fryer is a convenient and delicious way to prepare this classic dish. By following the step-by-step instructions and considering the expert tips provided, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked London Broil with the doneness level that suits your taste.
Air Fryer London Broil
Ingredients
- London Broil steak (top round or flank steak)
- olive oil (for brushing)
- salt, for seasoning
- pepper, for seasoning
- optional: your choice of the marinade (e.g., soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs, or spices) for added flavor
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Start by taking the London Broil out of the refrigerator and allowing it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
- While the meat is resting, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the London Broil dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear in the air fryer.
- Brush the meat with a light coat of olive oil to promote browning and prevent sticking to the air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Cooking Steps
- After preheated, place the London Broil steak in the air fryer basket. Ensure there is enough space around it for proper air circulation. Overcrowding also causes steam which can stop the searing process.
- Cook the steak for approximately 8-10 minutes on one side for medium-rare. Then, flip the steak and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes on the other side. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 130-135°F (54-57°C), but you can adjust it according to your preference (see the temperature guide in the article).
- Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Minced garlic
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist
- Citrus zest (e.g., lemon or orange) for a refreshing note