How To Cook London Broil In The Air Fryer

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Cooking london broil in an air fryer delivers a quick, evenly seared steak without heating up your whole kitchen. If you want to know how to cook london broil in the air fryer, this guide walks you through every step. London broil is a tough cut that needs the right treatment. The air fryer makes that job easier than you might think.

You get a hot, fast cook with less mess. The result is a steak with a browned outside and a juicy middle. Lets get into it.

What Is London Broil And Why It Works In An Air Fryer

London broil is not a specific cut of meat. It usually refers to top round or flank steak. These cuts are lean and can be chewy if you cook them wrong.

The air fryer works well because it moves hot air around the meat. This creates a crust fast. That crust locks in moisture and gives you good texture.

You also avoid the smoke and splatter of a stovetop sear. For small kitchens or hot days, that matters.

Best Cut To Use

  • Top round steak, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick
  • Flank steak, if you prefer a thinner cut
  • Look for even thickness so it cooks at the same rate

Tools You Need

  • Air fryer (any size that fits your steak)
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs
  • Aluminum foil for resting
  • Cutting board and sharp knife

How To Cook London Broil In The Air Fryer

Follow these steps for a reliable result every time. The process is simple, but small details matter.

Step 1: Bring The Steak To Room Temperature

Take the steak out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. Cold meat cooks unevenly. A room temperature steak sears better and stays juicy.

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Step 2: Pat The Meat Dry

Use paper towels to dry all sides. Moisture steams the meat instead of browning it. Dry meat equals a better crust.

Step 3: Season Generously

Salt and pepper are enough, but you can add more. Try these options:

  • Garlic powder and onion powder
  • Smoked paprika for a deeper flavor
  • Dried thyme or rosemary
  • A pinch of cayenne for heat

Rub the seasoning into the meat with your hands. Let it sit for 10 minutes while the air fryer preheats.

Step 4: Preheat The Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run for 5 minutes. Preheating is key. It gives you that first sear.

Some air fryers dont have a preheat setting. Just run it empty for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Place The Steak In The Basket

Put the steak in the basket in a single layer. Do not stack or crowd it. If your steak is too big, cut it in half and cook in batches.

Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking. You can also brush a little oil on the steak itself.

Step 6: Cook At 400°F

Cook time depends on thickness and your preferred doneness. Here is a general guide:

  • 1 inch thick: 6 minutes per side for medium rare
  • 1.5 inches thick: 8 minutes per side for medium rare
  • For medium: add 1 to 2 minutes per side
  • For well done: add 3 to 4 minutes per side

Flip the steak halfway through. Use tongs, not a fork. A fork lets juices escape.

Step 7: Check The Temperature

Use a meat thermometer at the thickest part. Here are the target temps:

  • Rare: 120°F to 125°F
  • Medium rare: 130°F to 135°F
  • Medium: 140°F to 145°F
  • Well done: 155°F and up
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Remember that the temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees while resting. Pull it a bit early.

Step 8: Rest The Steak

Move the steak to a cutting board. Cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes.

This step is not optional. Resting lets the juices redistribute. If you cut too soon, the juice runs out and the meat dries.

Step 9: Slice Against The Grain

Find the direction of the muscle fibers. Cut across them, not along them. This shortens the fibers and makes each bite tender.

Slice thin, about 1/4 inch thick. Thick slices of london broil can be tough.

Tips For Better Results

  • Do not overcrowd the basket. Air needs to flow around the meat.
  • Use a meat thermometer every time. Guessing leads to overcooked steak.
  • Marinate for 4 to 24 hours if you want extra tenderness. Acid like lemon juice or vinegar helps.
  • Let the steak rest before slicing. This is the most common mistake.
  • Reheat leftovers gently. A hot air fryer for 2 minutes works. High heat dries it out.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Cooking Cold Meat

Cold steak from the fridge cooks unevenly. The outside burns before the inside is done. Always let it sit out first.

Skipping The Rest

Cutting immediately loses all the juice. Wait 10 minutes. Your patience pays off.

Using The Wrong Temperature

Too low and you get a gray, tough steak. Too high and the outside burns. Stick with 400°F for best results.

Slicing With The Grain

This makes even tender meat chewy. Look for the lines in the meat and cut across them.

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Serving Ideas

London broil goes with many sides. Try these:

  • Roasted potatoes or fries
  • Steamed green beans
  • A simple garden salad
  • Rice pilaf
  • Grilled onions and peppers

Leftovers make great sandwiches. Slice thin and pile on crusty bread with horseradish or mustard.

Final Thoughts

Cooking london broil in the air fryer is fast, clean, and gives you a great steak. The key steps are simple. Dry the meat, season it well, preheat the air fryer, and cook at 400°F.

Flip halfway. Check the temp. Rest before slicing. Slice against the grain.

Do those things and you will get a tender, flavorful steak every time. No oven, no grill, no fuss.