Air Fryer Flank Steak ⋆ Deb's Daily Dish

Name: Air Fryer Flank Steak
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs. flank steak; 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce; 1/4 Balsamic or Italian dressing; 1/4 cup brown sugar, regular or sugar substitute; 2 teaspoons garlic paste or 1 teaspoon ground garlic; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon beef paste or bouillon * see notes; salt and pepper to taste

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You can make a rare, juicy, perfectly seasoned flank steak in your air fryer! The marinated beef is tender and flavorful and it cooks in minutes with little clean up. This healthy, low carb meal is perfect for family weeknight dinners or to serve to company as well.

sliced steak on white platter with herbs.

Why this recipe is just so good....

You will love how tender and juicy this flank steak is. The marinade is made with a blend of acids and flavorings that tenderize the beef. The longer you marinate the steak, the more the flavor will seep into the meat.
Cooking the flank steak in an air fryer saves you from standing over a BBQ grill or stovetop. It cooks in less than 10 minutes. More delicious, quick steak recipes to try are my Air Fryer Steak Bites with Blue Cheese and Air Fryer Ribeye. And my Air Fryer Marinated Mushrooms would be the perfect side dish.

Ingredient Notes

flank steak, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Swerve, Worceshire sauce,garlic.

The key to a great marinade that flavors as well as tenderizes the meat is the addition of fat, acid and salt. The marinade for this flank steak includes a store bought balsamic dressing (needed to use it up), soy sauce, a sweetener and seasonings. Instead of the dressing, use 3 parts olive oil and 1 part vinegar.
I use a 1 ½ pound flank steak for this recipe. It is a healthy, lower fat cut of meat that lends itself very well to absorb the flavors of the marinade. Because it is a thin, lean steak and tends to be chewier, I would always marinate this type of beef.

Some optional additions to the marinade is garlic chili sauce for an added spicy kick. I also used a new product (to me), the beef and caramelized onion paste. I only use 2 teaspoons and it added a beefy flavor similar to a very rich brown gravy.

Cooking Tips

Make sure you preheat the air fryer for at least 5 minutes. You want the fryer to be hot when you place the flank steak in it. I also have a "grill" insert but it is not necessary.
If possible, don't cook the steak beyond medium rare/ medium. It will be much tougher and chewier.
Always cut a flank steak against the grain. This means when you look down at the steak, you will see clear lines of the meat fibers. Either angle the steak or your knife about 45° and you will be cutting it to reduce any toughness.

How to Air Fry Flank Steak

Stir together the ingredients for the marinade. Place the steak in a zipper style bag or large bowl. Pour marinade over it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, no longer than 24 hours.
Drain and discard the marinade when ready to cook. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes.

Cook the flank steak in air fryer for 4 minutes at 400°F. Turn the steak and cook for another 4 minutes and check the meat with a thermometer for your preferred doneness.

Take steak out just before it is done and let it rest on a platter. The juices will redistribute before you slice it and be so much more flavorful.

FAQ

What is the difference between Flank and Skirt Steak?

Flank and skirt steaks are both lean cuts of beef that are very versatile and used in similar ways such as stir fry and fajitas. Flank steaks are a bit leaner, while skirt steak usually has membranes that need to be removed before cooking.

How do you know when the steak is done?

When a meat thermometer registers 120-125°F-rare, 130-135°F-medium rare, 140-145°F-medium, 150-160°F-medium well. Remember that the steak will continue to cook a little bit so take that into account when you remove the meat from the air fryer.
Food52 has an interesting way of determining whether a steak is done. Your cheek mimics medium rare, chin is like medium and your forehead is similar to well done. I've also heard that your palm under the thumb feels like a rare steak. Truthfully, I'd rather use a meat thermometer!

sliced steak on white platter with herbs and fork.

Try these other delicious dinner meal ideas!

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