Air Fryer Flank Steak Recipe [Perfectly Seasoned]

Everyone knows that I am a huge fan of Southern cooking - and that means I enjoy all types of fried foods. But getting an air fryer has changed the way I approach cooking.

Not only are my fried foods healthier, but I can craft delectable dishes quickly and easily.

One of these is flank steak.

In my air fryer, this meat turns out juicy and tender every time.

If you're ready, fire up that air fryer and experience the magic for yourself by trying out this delectable air fryer flank steak recipe.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding marination)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of 1/2 orange
• Juice of 1 lime
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), lime juice, and orange juice to make the flank steak marinade.
2. Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the steak is well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat the air fryer oven to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the flank steak from the marinade and allow the excess marinade to drip off. Pat the steak dry with paper towels.
5. Place the flank steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overlapping or folded. Some air fryers will require the meat to be cut in half lengthwise to fit.
6. Air fry flank steak at 400°F for 8-12 minutes. Flip halfway through and continue cooking.
7. To make flank steak medium-rare, air fry flank steak to an internal temperature of 130-135°F. Adjust the cooking time of steak in the air fryer based on the desired doneness.
8. Remove the meat from the air fryer and let the steak rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to be redistributed and ensures a juicy steak.
9. After resting, slice the flank steak against the grain with a sharp knife. Garnish with cilantro to taste.

Related Articles: 

• Caravela Portuguese Steak Recipe
• Oyster Steak Recipe

Recipe Notes

• Marinating the flank steak properly allows it to absorb the flavors and become more tender. For a more intensely flavored meat, marinate for a longer time.
• You also can use dry rub steak seasoning instead of marinade, but the dry rub will not tenderize the meat as effectively as marinade.
• Pan-searing the meat before the air fryer cooks is not necessary but can be used to add more crust to the meat.
• After you let the meat rest, slice it against the grain to ensure a tender bite. This works because slicing thinly opposite the grain breaks up the muscle fibers.
• You can substitute skirt steaks for flank steaks and make this an air fryer skirt steak recipe. You can also substitute 1 tsp of minced garlic for the garlic powder.
• The time for cooking flank steak may vary based on the thickness of your meat as well as the desired level of doneness. Cook flank steak using a meat thermometer to achieve your preferred internal temperature.
• Store leftover flank steak in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days [1]. Use leftovers in salads, sandwiches, or wraps for a quick and tasty meal. The leftover steak will last in the freezer for 2 to 3 months [2].
• For a different flavor, you can marinate flank steak in a red wine marinade or balsamic vinegar instead of the soy sauce marinade.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 300
• Total Carbs: 2g
• Protein: 31g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Net Carbs: 2g

"In the world of modern cooking, the air fryer has revolutionized how we approach classic recipes."

- Emeril Lagasse, American Chef

What to Serve with Air Fried Flank Steak?

Once you air fry the meat, here are some side dishes to serve with your air fryer steak dinner:

1. Serve the air fryer flank steak with a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes complement medium-rare meat, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
2. Pair the juicy flank steak with a refreshing arugula salad topped with cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan. The peppery arugula adds a nice contrast to the richness of the meat, while the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and the nuttiness of the Parmesan enhance the overall taste.
3. Create the perfect flank steak sandwich by thinly slicing the air fryer flank steak and placing it on a crusty baguette. Add some caramelized onions, melted provolone cheese, and a spread of horseradish mayo for a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
4. Combine the air fryer flank steak with sautéed mushrooms and onions, then serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa. The earthiness of the mushrooms and the sweetness of the onions bring out the robust flavors of the cooked steak, while the quinoa adds a healthy and hearty component.
5. Serve your medium-rare steak alongside grilled asparagus drizzled with a balsamic glaze. The smoky char from the asparagus complements the tender steak, while the tangy sweetness of the balsamic glaze adds so much flavor.
6. Create a steak bowl by placing the air fryer flank steak on a bed of brown rice or cauliflower rice. Top it with roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini, and finish it off with a dollop of avocado crema. This balanced and nutritious meal is packed with extra flavor.
7. Serve with air fryer sweet potato fries or crispy potato wedges that you pan-sear in a cast iron skillet. The sweetness and crispy texture of the potatoes provide a satisfying contrast to the savory meat.

FAQs

References:

1. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-I-keep-meat-in-the-refrigerator
2. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-freeze-beef