The eye of round steak is often overlooked when it comes to steak selection, but when cooked properly, it can be incredibly flavorful and tender. If you're wondering how to cook eye of round steak in air fryer, you're in for a treat. In this article, we'll guide you through the entire process, sharing tips and tricks that will have you cooking like a pro in no time.

What is Eye of Round Steak?

Before we dive into the cooking process, let's understand what eye of round steak is. This cut comes from the hindquarter of the cow, specifically from the round primal. It's known for being lean and flavorful, although it can be tougher compared to other steaks due to the minimal marbling. However, when cooked correctly, it becomes tender and delicious.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

An air fryer is a fantastic kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food. It provides a healthy alternative to traditional frying while still achieving that desirable crispy texture. When it comes to cooking eye of round steak in an air fryer, you can achieve a perfect sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Gathering Your Ingredients and Cookware

Essential Cookware:

- Air fryer
- Knives set
- Cutting board

Preparing the Steak

Preparing your eye of round steak properly is crucial to achieving the best results. Begin by taking the steak out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. This step ensures even cooking.

Next, place the steak on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat from the edges. This helps reduce the risk of flare-ups in the air fryer.

Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any moisture from the surface. This step is essential for achieving a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you prefer, you can also add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a critical step to ensure that the steak cooks evenly. Set the air fryer to 400F (200C) and let it preheat for at least 5 minutes. This will create the perfect cooking environment for your steak.

Cooking the Eye of Round Steak in Air Fryer

Once your air fryer is preheated, lightly brush the steak with olive oil on both sides. This helps to achieve a caramelized crust during cooking. Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is plenty of space around it for the hot air to circulate.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time for eye of round steak in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. As a general guideline:

• For medium-rare: Cook at 400F (200C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For medium: Cook at 400F (200C) for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For well-done: Cook at 400F (200C) for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:

• Medium-rare: 130-135F (54-57C)
• Medium: 140-145F (60-63C)
• Well-done: 150-155F (65-68C)

Resting and Serving

Once your steak reaches the desired internal temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Allow the steak to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.

After resting, slice the steak against the grain to maximize tenderness. Serve your perfectly cooked eye of round steak with your favorite sides. This cut pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For more side dish ideas, check out easy air fryer recipes.

Cleaning Up

After enjoying your delicious meal, it's time to clean up. Ensure you clean your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Additionally:

- Use a stainless steel cleaner for any stainless steel parts of your air fryer.
- Apply cutting board conditioner to keep your cutting board in top shape. Learn more about maintaining your kitchen tools here.

Cooking a perfect eye of round steak in an air fryer is a rewarding experience that can elevate your at-home dining. By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality steak. For more grilling tips, read about cleaning cast iron skillet

For more delicious and easy-to-make recipes, be sure to visit Grilling4All.

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