Mastering Air Fryer Flank Steak: Your Ultimate Guide to Tender, Juicy Perfection
Embark on a culinary journey to perfect flank steak, right in your air fryer! This comprehensive guide reveals the secrets to cooking incredibly tender and juicy flank steak in under 10 minutes. Say goodbye to tough, chewy meat and hello to a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, learning how to air fry flank steak is a game-changer for quick, delicious dinners. We’ll cover everything from selecting the best cut and crafting the ideal marinade to step-by-step cooking instructions, essential nutrition tips, and creative serving ideas.
Why the Air Fryer is Your Best Bet for Indoor Flank Steak
Searching for the best way to cook flank steak indoors, especially when the grill is out of commission? The air fryer is an absolute revelation. It excels at creating a beautifully browned exterior while keeping the inside wonderfully moist and tender, mimicking the high-heat searing of a grill. This air fryer flank steak recipe, featuring a vibrant citrus marinade, is not only incredibly easy but also prepares your steak perfectly for versatile dishes like air fryer beef fajitas, enhancing its natural savory notes with bright, zesty undertones.
Achieving the perfect doneness is crucial for flank steak. For optimal tenderness and flavor, I wholeheartedly recommend cooking flank steak to a medium-rare or medium internal temperature. Pushing it beyond this point often leads to a tough, unappetizing texture. However, personal preferences vary, and I will also provide guidance on how to cook flank steak to a medium-well finish, ensuring you can tailor the recipe to your liking. As a dietitian, I also prioritize food safety, so rest assured you’ll receive essential information to prepare your air fryer beef steak confidently and safely.
A common misconception is relying solely on the steak’s color to determine doneness. This method can be highly misleading. There’s a far more accurate and reliable technique to ensure your steak is cooked exactly how you want it, and safely. Keep reading to unlock this vital cooking tip that will elevate your steak game!
🤔 Why Air Fry Flank Steak? Unlocking the Benefits
Wondering why this marinated flank steak in the air fryer is poised to become your new favorite for family dinners? The benefits are abundant, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights and special occasions alike:
- Remarkably Fast: This cooking method is incredibly quick, allowing you to air fry flank steak in 10 minutes or even less. Unlike many other steak preparations, there’s no need for a preliminary sear, saving you valuable time and effort in the kitchen.
- Effortlessly Easy: The process is streamlined for simplicity. Just marinate your steak, preheat the air fryer, and cook. Minimal clean-up and a short cooking time make this recipe a perfect solution for delicious weeknight meals when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
- Budget-Friendly: Flank steak stands out as one of the most economical beef steak options available. If you’re looking to stretch your grocery budget without compromising on quality or taste, flank steak is an excellent choice among red meats, offering great value.
- Bursting with Flavor: Let’s not forget the incredible taste! Flank steak, when properly prepared, is rich, beefy, and utterly satisfying. Despite its hearty flavor, it fits well into various dietary preferences, including keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets, making it a versatile staple.
- Power-Packed with Protein: Flank steak is celebrated as a lean and high-quality protein source. Beyond its protein content, it’s also packed with essential micronutrients, providing highly bioavailable iron and zinc. It’s a truly winning combination, managing to be both highly nutritious and undeniably delicious.
🍲 Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Flank Steak
To craft this exceptional flank steak in your air fryer, you’ll need a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients:
- Flank steak or skirt steak (approximately ½-inch thick)
- Fresh garlic clove
- Freshly squeezed orange juice
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Orange zest
- Dried oregano
- Ground cumin
- Salt
- Black pepper
This versatile recipe can be used for either flank steak or air fryer skirt steak. While both are excellent choices, it’s worth noting that skirt steak typically has a higher fat content and coarser muscle fibers. Both cuts are popular for grilling and benefit immensely from proper marinating before cooking. I highly recommend starting the marinating process the night before, allowing the steak to soak up the flavors and become exceptionally tender and delicious.
🍊 Crafting the Perfect Flank Steak Marinade
In my opinion, the best marinade for flank steak is a homemade mojo marinade – a vibrant and savory garlic-citrus blend that infuses the meat with incredible flavor and helps tenderize it. For convenience, some stores offer pre-made mojo criollo in bottles, which can be a fantastic shortcut if you’re short on time.
Beyond mojo, there are many other excellent options for marinating flank steak. Consider a rich red wine marinade, a tangy balsamic vinegar-based blend, or a savory soy sauce marinade for an umami kick. When experimenting with marinades, be mindful of those containing brown sugar or other sweeteners. While they add flavor, they can sometimes cause the steak to caramelize or burn more quickly in the air fryer, potentially affecting the final texture and doneness.
Contrary to some beliefs, scoring the meat before marinating is often unnecessary for flank steak. Save yourself a little extra work; a good marinade and sufficient time will do the trick!
🧂 Elevating Flavor with a Flank Steak Dry Rub
While marinades are fantastic for tenderizing and infusing flavor, some chefs prefer the distinct characteristics imparted by a dry rub. A well-applied dry rub creates a delicious crust on the surface of the steak, which helps to lock in those precious juices and contributes to a more complex texture. Here are some fantastic ideas for flank steak dry rubs to inspire your next meal:
- Classic BBQ Seasoning: A smoky, sweet, and savory blend that delivers a quintessential grilled flavor, even when air frying.
- Robust Steak Seasoning: Typically a blend of coarse salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, it enhances the natural beefy taste.
- Zesty Cajun Seasoning: For a spicy kick, a Cajun rub brings warmth and a complex blend of herbs and spices.
- Bright Lemon Pepper: A simple yet effective rub that adds a bright, citrusy note with a hint of pepper.
- Aromatic Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that can add an unexpected Mediterranean flair.
When using a dry rub, generously coat the flank steak on all sides and gently press the seasoning into the meat. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or ideally for several hours in the refrigerator, to allow the flavors to penetrate before cooking.
🔪 Step-by-Step: How to Make Flank Steak in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps to achieve air fryer flank steak perfection:
Begin by juicing the orange, lemon, and lime, and zesting the orange. Finely mince your garlic clove. In a bowl, combine the fresh juices, minced garlic, orange zest, olive oil, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly to create your flavorful flank steak marinade.
If your flank steak isn’t uniformly about ½-inch (1.27 cm) thick, carefully pound it with a meat mallet. This not only helps achieve even cooking but also plays a crucial role in tenderizing the steak, ensuring a more pleasant eating experience.
Place the flank steak in a shallow dish or a resealable bag and pour the prepared marinade over it, ensuring the steak is thoroughly coated. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours, and ideally for 24 hours. Overnight marinating is often the easiest and yields the best results, maximizing flavor penetration and tenderness.
Before cooking, remove the marinated steak from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. This step is vital for more even cooking and helps prevent the steak from seizing up when it hits the hot air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Proper preheating ensures the air fryer basket or tray is hot enough to create a good sear on the steak as soon as it enters, contributing to that desirable crust and locking in moisture. Now you’re ready to cook!
️⏲️ Air Fryer Flank Steak: Perfect Time & Temperature
How long should I air fry flank steak? And what temperature is best? For a ½-inch thick flank steak, air fry for a total of 8-10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). For even cooking and optimal browning, remember to flip the steak halfway through the cooking time. If you’re using an air fryer oven, position the steak on the top rack for best results, as this usually provides more direct heat.
The most reliable way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer (more details on ideal temperatures in the next section). Once the steak is cooked to your desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is incredibly tender and succulent.
After the resting period, the final step for tender flank steak is proper slicing. It’s essential to slice the steak into thin strips diagonally, against the grain of the meat. This technique shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak significantly less chewy and much more enjoyable. This seemingly small detail makes a huge difference in the eating experience.
🥩 Achieving Your Desired Flank Steak Doneness
Flank steak can quickly become tough if overcooked, which is why I personally favor a medium-rare to medium doneness. The absolute best way to ensure your flank steak is cooked to perfection is by using a reliable meat thermometer. Here’s a handy guide for target internal temperatures for various levels of doneness:
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C) – Very red, cool center.
- Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C) – Red, warm center, my preferred doneness.
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C) – Pink, warm center.
- (A quick tip: aiming for the next two levels increases the risk of a tougher steak.)
- Medium Well: 150°F (66°C) – Slightly pink center.
- Well Done: 160°F (71°C) – Little to no pink.
In my tests, cooking a ½-inch flank steak for approximately 4 minutes per side typically yielded a medium-rare steak, reaching about 130°F. Remember that the internal temperature will continue to rise slightly during the resting period (known as carryover cooking), so it’s always wise to remove the steak when it reaches the lower end of your desired temperature range.
For instance, cooking the flank steak for 5 minutes per side resulted in an internal temperature of 145°F, which, after resting, translates to a delicious medium-well finish, as often depicted in photographs. You might be surprised that the seemingly pink steak in some photos is actually medium-well – this perfectly illustrates why relying on color alone is insufficient. A meat thermometer is your indispensable tool for precision and food safety.
The USDA recommends cooking steaks to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest period. Adhering to this guideline will typically result in a flank steak that is cooked to a medium-well doneness, ensuring both safety and a satisfying meal.
💡 Creative Ways to Enjoy Air Fryer Flank Steak
Beyond simply slicing and serving, air fryer flank steak is incredibly versatile. I have a truly unique and tasty idea for an air fryer flank steak sandwich that I’ll detail in the recipe card below. This marinated steak sandwich, famously known as the jibarito, ingeniously uses tostones (green plantains that are fried, smashed, and fried again) as a creative and delicious substitute for traditional bread. This offers a fantastic gluten-free and flavorful alternative to your everyday sandwich. Furthermore, consider preparing air fryer flank steak strips or air fryer flank steak bites for convenient meal prep throughout the week.
Here are a few more inspiring recipe ideas to make the most of your perfectly cooked flank steak:
- Air Fryer Flank Steak and Potatoes: Pair your tender steak with crispy roasted potatoes. Try it with my Air Fryer Baby Potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Air Fryer Flank Steak with Chimichurri: Drizzle your sliced steak with a vibrant and zesty Chimichurri Sauce for an explosion of fresh flavors.
- Flank Steak Salad: Slice the cooled steak thin and add it to your favorite green salad for a protein-packed and nutritious lunch or light dinner.
- Air Fryer Flank Steak Tacos: Shred or dice the steak and serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings for an easy and delicious taco night.
- Air Fryer Flank Steak Fajitas: Slice the steak into strips and serve alongside sautéed peppers and onions for classic, flavorful fajitas.
️️🌡️ Storing and Reheating Leftover Flank Steak
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious air fryer flank steak even after the first meal. Leftover flank steak will stay fresh and safe to eat for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight, food-safe container in the refrigerator. While reheating is an option, I’m personally a big fan of enjoying cold steak strips. They make a fantastic addition to sandwiches, salads, wraps, or even just as a quick, protein-rich snack.
If you prefer your flank steak warm, you have a couple of excellent reheating methods. You can gently reheat it in the microwave on high for approximately 1 minute, checking periodically to prevent overcooking. Alternatively, for best results and to maintain some crispness, place the cooked flank steak back into your air fryer and heat at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-4 minutes. Add additional time in 1-minute increments if it hasn’t reached your desired warmth.
Cooked flank steak strips also freeze exceptionally well. For long-term storage, place them in a vacuum-sealed bag to prevent freezer burn, or use a regular freezer bag, ensuring you press out as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen steak can last for several months, ready to be thawed and enjoyed when you need a quick protein boost.
Air Fryer Flank Steak (Time and Temp)
Can flank steak be cooked in an air fryer? You bet! Learn how to air fry flank steak with this easy air fryer flank steak recipe.
10 mins
10 mins
Dinner
American
4
180 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak (454 grams; skirt steak works too)
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- ¼ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh squeezed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Zest the orange and mince the garlic. Mix the garlic, juices, oil, orange zest, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper together to make the flank steak marinade.
- If your steak is not a uniform ½-inch thick (1.27 cm), pound it with a mallet to get it there. This will also help to tenderize the steak.
- Pour the marinade over the flank steak. Allow it to marinate in a covered container in the fridge for 8-24 hours. (Overnight marinating is recommended for best flavor.)
- Let the steak rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes after marinating.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Air fry flank steak for a total of 8-10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Flip the steak halfway through cooking time, and use the top rack position if you have an air fryer oven. (4 minutes per side typically yields medium rare, while 5 minutes per side results in medium/medium-well done.)
- Check the steak for doneness using a meat thermometer. (Refer to the handy temperature chart for cooking flank steak in the article above.)
- After the steak is cooked, allow it to rest for 10 minutes. Slice the steak into thin slices diagonally against the grain and serve immediately.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Kitchen Thermometer
- Chef’s Knife
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). Flank steak is a high-quality protein with about 180 calories per serving. If you’re looking for a way to add more filling lean protein to your meals, flank steak is a great option.
You can enjoy flank steak on its own with some non-starchy veggie side dishes for a low-carb meal. Alternatively, try the sandwich recipe below for a higher-calorie option. The starchy veggies and rich mayo really elevate the energy content.
Remember that consistent dietary choices are most important for weight loss. A single food or meal won’t make or break your progress. What truly matters is how this steak fits into your overall dietary pattern.
Certain dietary patterns can help you feel full on fewer calories, potentially supporting healthy weight maintenance or weight loss more effortlessly. These patterns are generally rich in protein foods, as well as high-volume, high-fiber, and low-calorie fruits and vegetables. Flank steak effectively fulfills the protein component of this formula, though many other foods can also meet this need.
Air Fryer Flank Steak Jibarito Sandwich Recipe
This marinated steak sandwich, famously known as the jibarito, cleverly replaces traditional bread with crispy tostones (green plantains that are fried, smashed, and fried again). With a zesty spiced mayo, thick slices of ripe heirloom tomato, crisp lettuce, and flavorful cheese, this sandwich is a truly heavenly experience. Try my twist on the classic jibarito using air fryer tostones, which also helps reduce the added fat!
Ingredients:
- 1 recipe Air Fryer Flank Steak (prepared as above)
For the spiced mayo:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
For the pickled onions:
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- salt, to taste
For the tostones:
- 2 green plantains
- Cooking oil spray (non-aerosol)
- Smoked salt
Other sandwich and side salad fixings:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 tablespoon salad dressing
To Prepare Ingredients:
- Mix all of the “for the spiced mayo” ingredients together. Refrigerate until you are ready to assemble the sandwiches.
- Combine all of the “for the onions” ingredients in a small saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes until softened.
- Lift the onions out of the liquid and refrigerate them until you are ready to assemble the sandwiches.
- Quarter the green plantains by cutting each one in half lengthwise and widthwise.
- Arrange the plantain pieces in a single layer on your air fryer racks with the cut side up. (Note: If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook them in batches.) Spray generously with cooking spray.
- Air fry the plantains for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully smash the partially cooked plantains. This can be done in a tortilla press lined with plastic sandwich bags, or by pressing them between two pieces of cast iron cookware.
- Lay the smashed plantains in a single layer on your air fryer trays. (Again, you will likely need to cook them in batches if using a small-capacity air fryer.) Spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry the smashed plantains for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the plantains from the oven and flip them over. Mist the sides of the plantains that are now facing the top with cooking spray.
- Return the air fryer trays to the oven, switching their position for even cooking. Air fry for another 2-4 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Add additional time if the tostones are not crisp and sturdy enough for your preference.
- Remove the plantains from the oven after air frying. While they are still hot, sprinkle them generously with smoked salt. Allow your air-fried tostones to cool slightly before assembling the sandwiches.
To Make Steak Sandwiches:
- Place two of the air fryer tostones on each plate. Spread about ½ tablespoon of the spiced mayo on each tostone. Then, place a slice of cheese on each tostone (2 slices per sandwich).
- Add 1-2 leaves of crisp lettuce to each sandwich. Follow with a slice or two of fresh tomato.
- Next, layer the thinly sliced strips of air fryer flank steak onto the sandwich. Top each with ¼ of the pickled onions.
- Finish assembling the sandwich by placing the remaining two tostones on top as the “bread.”
- Shred the remaining iceberg lettuce and distribute it evenly between the plates for side salads. Chop any remaining tomato and add it to the salads. Dress each salad with 1 tablespoon of your favorite salad dressing. Dinner is ready to be enjoyed!
Nutrition information is for one 4-ounce serving (113 grams) of flank steak only and does not include the marinade (which is largely discarded).
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is offered as a courtesy. It may differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels can sometimes be inaccurate, so please don’t obsess too much over exact numbers.
“To taste” refers to adjusting ingredients to your personal preferences. However, always prioritize food safety rules, especially when it comes to doneness. Please do not consume undercooked food.
Nutrition
Protein: 24 g
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Iron: 10 % DV
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📋 Nutritional Snapshot: Calories, Net Carbs, & Protein
A single serving of this delicious air fryer flank steak provides approximately 180 calories, boasts 0 grams of net carbohydrates, and delivers a substantial 24 grams of high-quality protein. This nutritional breakdown is based on a standard 4-ounce serving (113 grams) of flank steak itself and does not account for the marinade, which is largely discarded during the cooking process. This makes it an excellent choice for those focusing on lean protein intake and managing carbohydrate consumption.
FAQs: Your Air Fryer Flank Steak Questions Answered
Can I cook frozen flank steak in an air fryer?
While this recipe focuses on fresh or thawed steak, you can adapt it for frozen flank steak. The best approach is to marinate fresh steak, then remove it from the marinade and freeze it. When you’re ready to cook, follow the air frying directions outlined in this recipe, but extend the cooking time by approximately 20-25 minutes. Remember to flip the steak halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches a safe internal temperature.
How do you cook flank steak so it’s not tough?
The key to tender flank steak lies in two main factors: proper preparation and precise cooking. First, marinating the steak beforehand is crucial. Our citrus-based marinade helps break down tough muscle fibers and infuses moisture, preventing the steak from becoming dry. Second, cook flank steak over high heat for a short duration to your desired doneness, ideally medium-rare or medium. Overcooking is the most common culprit for tough flank steak, so closely monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and avoid going beyond medium.
Is flank steak good in the air fryer?
Absolutely! While taste is always subjective, I find that flank steak cooked in the air fryer is exceptionally delicious. The air fryer’s circulating hot air creates a wonderful seared exterior while maintaining a tender and juicy interior, much like grilling. For me, air frying has become my go-to method for preparing flank steak when outdoor grilling isn’t an option. Give it a try – I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the fantastic results!
How thin should I slice flank steak?
For maximum tenderness, always slice flank steak against the grain and as thinly as possible. Aim for slices that are about ¼-inch thick. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, which makes the steak much easier to chew and more enjoyable to eat. This simple technique can dramatically improve the texture of your flank steak.
Can I use a different marinade?
Yes, absolutely! While our citrus mojo marinade is a favorite, flank steak is very adaptable to various flavor profiles. You can experiment with a soy sauce-ginger marinade for an Asian twist, a balsamic herb marinade for an Italian flair, or a spicy chili-lime blend for a Mexican-inspired dish. Just remember to check for high sugar content in any pre-made marinades, as sugar can burn quickly in the air fryer.
👨🏾🍳 Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Air Fryer Flank Steak
Flank steak is a versatile main course that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some excellent accompaniments to complete your meal:
- Air Fryer Mexican Cornbread: A savory and slightly spicy complement to the rich steak.
- Vegan Spinach Salad: A fresh, light salad to balance the heartiness of the beef.
- Costco Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional rice.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes offer a comforting contrast.
- Roasted Asparagus: Simple, elegant, and healthy green vegetable.
- Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions: A classic steakhouse pairing that adds depth and umami.
👩🏻🍳 Explore More Air Fryer Beef Recipes
If beef is on the menu, and you love the convenience and results of air frying, you’re in luck! Here are a few more delicious beef recipes tailored for your air fryer that you might enjoy:
- Air Fryer Bone-In Ribeye Steak: For a more indulgent cut, learn how to get a perfect sear and juicy interior.
- Air Fryer Roast Beef: Ideal for tender, succulent roast beef without heating up the whole kitchen.
- Juicy Lucy Air Fryer Recipe: Experience cheese-stuffed burgers cooked to perfection in your air fryer.
While you’re here, don’t forget to explore our entire collection of Air Fryer Recipes for more culinary inspiration and easy meal ideas!
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