Air Fryer Steak Recipe – Carnivore Style
Servings: 2 steaks
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 15-17 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 bone-in or boneless ribeye steaks (about 1-inch thick, or your favorite cut)
- 2 tbsp beef tallow, butter, or olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (optional, if desired)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional for aromatics)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Steaks
- Bring to room temperature: Before cooking, let the steaks come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a perfect sear. Avoid cooking steaks that are straight out of the fridge as they can end up unevenly cooked.
- Season the steaks: Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps with a nice sear. Rub both sides of the steaks with your choice of fat (beef tallow, butter, or olive oil). Then, generously season each side with sea salt. If you’re using pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder, sprinkle them on both sides for extra flavor.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures that your steak cooks quickly and evenly from the moment it hits the air fryer basket.
Step 3: Cook the Steaks
- Place steaks in the air fryer basket: Lay the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure the steaks aren’t crowded or overlapping to allow for proper air circulation, which is essential for an even cook.
- Cook the steaks:
- For a medium-rare steak: Air fry the steaks for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can adjust the time based on your desired level of doneness. If you prefer a rare steak, cook for 8-9 minutes, and for well-done, cook for 13-15 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature: The internal temperature for medium-rare should be around 130°F (54°C), medium should be around 140°F (60°C), and well-done should be 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature and ensure precision.
- Add herbs (optional): If you like a bit of extra flavor, you can place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top of the steaks during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. The heat from the air fryer will infuse the steak with an aromatic essence, making it extra savory.
Step 4: Rest the Steaks
- Let them rest: Once your steaks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest on a cutting board or plate for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender bite.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- After resting, slice the steaks against the grain (if applicable) and serve. The steaks are flavorful and juicy enough to be eaten as-is, or you can pair them with a side of crispy bacon or a fried egg for even more protein.
- Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer steak!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Steak:
- Fat choice: Beef tallow is an excellent choice for cooking steaks on the carnivore diet due to its rich flavor and high smoke point. If you don’t have beef tallow, butter or olive oil are great alternatives.
- Thickness matters: If you have thicker steaks, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Always check the steak’s internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked to your preference.
- Air fryer variation: Different air fryers can vary in how they cook, so use the recommended times as a guideline and adjust if necessary. Some models cook faster than others, so keep an eye on your steak to avoid overcooking.
- Perfect Sear: If you want a more caramelized crust, try searing the steak in a hot skillet with butter for 1-2 minutes per side before or after air frying.
Nutritional Info (approximate per steak):
- Calories: ~600-700 calories (depends on steak cut and cooking fat)
- Protein: ~45-50g
- Fat: ~50g (varies depending on the cut of steak and amount of fat used)
- Carbs: 0g (assuming no added sauces or vegetables)
This Air Fryer Steak recipe is an easy, hands-off way to enjoy a tender, juicy steak without the need for a grill or stovetop. The air fryer seals in the natural flavors of the beef while giving it a delicious sear. It’s a perfect, carnivore-friendly meal that delivers protein and fat with zero carbs! Enjoy!