Description
A quick and flavorful skirt steak cooked perfectly in the air fryer for a juicy, tender result with minimal effort. This method locks in the steak’s natural juices while delivering a crisp, smoky crust.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1–1.5 lb skirt steak
Seasoning and Oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking and a nicely seared exterior.
- Prepare the Steak: Pat the skirt steak dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub both sides of the steak evenly with olive oil, which helps with browning and seasoning adhesion.
- Season the Steak: Generously season both sides of the steak with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cumin if using. Make sure the spices cover the meat evenly for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Steak: Place the seasoned skirt steak in the air fryer basket. If the steak is too large, fold it carefully to fit the basket without overlapping excessively. Cook at 400°F for 6–8 minutes depending on your desired doneness, flipping the steak halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Rest the Steak: After cooking, remove the steak and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the meat juices to redistribute, keeping the steak juicy and tender.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the skirt steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. Serve with your favorite sides or use in tacos, bowls, or salads.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time to achieve your preferred doneness—shorter for rare and longer for medium-well.
- Marinate the steak for 30 minutes prior to cooking for deeper flavor.
- Always slice skirt steak against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Letting the steak rest before slicing helps retain its juices.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
