Air Fryer New York Strip Steak

### Instructions for Perfect Air Fryer New York Strip Steak

#### 1. **Preheat Your Air Fryer**
Preheat your air fryer to **400°F (200°C)** for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures that your air fryer is hot and ready to cook the steak evenly.

#### 2. **Prepare the Steaks**
Pat your New York strip steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This is important for getting a nice, crispy crust on your steak.

Rub both sides of the steaks with **olive oil** (or melted butter if you prefer a richer flavor) to help the seasoning adhere and promote browning. Sprinkle salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any additional seasonings you like (garlic powder, onion powder, or a special steak seasoning) on both sides of the steaks. Be generous with the seasoning to ensure that your steak is full of flavor.

#### 3. **Cook the Steaks**
Place your seasoned steaks into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not touching each other to ensure even air circulation and proper cooking.

Cook the steaks at **400°F (200°C)** for **10-12 minutes**, depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. For reference:

– **Rare**: 10 minutes
– **Medium-rare**: 11 minutes
– **Medium**: 12 minutes
– **Well-done**: 13 minutes

Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure it cooks evenly on both sides.

#### 4. **Check for Doneness**
To ensure your steak is cooked to your liking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The following temperatures correspond to the doneness levels:

– **Rare**: 120°F to 125°F
– **Medium-rare**: 130°F to 135°F
– **Medium**: 140°F to 145°F
– **Medium-well**: 150°F to 155°F
– **Well-done**: 160°F and above

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also test doneness by pressing the steak with your finger. The firmer it feels, the more well-done it is.

#### 5. **Rest the Steak**
Once your steak is cooked to your preferred level, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.

#### 6. **Serve and Enjoy**
Slice the steak against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides. This air fryer New York strip steak pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. Add a dollop of compound butter or a drizzle of steak sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

### Tips for Perfect Air Fryer New York Strip Steak

– **Don’t Overcrowd the Basket**: For best results, avoid stacking the steaks on top of each other in the air fryer. Air circulation is key to getting an even cook and perfect sear.
– **Adjust Cooking Time for Thickness**: The cooking times listed are for steaks about 1 inch thick. If your steaks are thicker or thinner, you may need to adjust the cooking time by a few minutes.
– **Let the Steak Rest**: Resting the steak after cooking is essential to lock in the juices and maintain tenderness. Don’t skip this step, even if you’re hungry!
– **Add Butter for Richness**: For extra flavor, top your steak with a pat of garlic butter or herb butter after it comes out of the air fryer. This will melt over the steak and add a delicious finish.
– **Season Well**: Be sure to season your steak liberally with salt and pepper, as well as any additional seasonings you enjoy. This step is key to ensuring a flavorful steak.

### Why You’ll Love Air Fryer New York Strip Steak

– **Speedy**: The air fryer cooks steak in just 10-12 minutes, which is much faster than grilling or pan-searing.
– **Juicy and Tender**: The air fryer seals in the moisture, giving you a juicy and tender steak every time.
– **Minimal Clean-Up**: Cooking in the air fryer means less mess. No need for extra pots, pans, or grills—just a quick clean of the basket after you’re done!
– **Flavorful**: Thanks to the high heat and air circulation, the steak develops a beautiful sear on the outside while remaining tender and flavorful inside.

### Final Thoughts

Cooking steak in the **air fryer** is an easy and foolproof way to enjoy a perfectly cooked New York strip steak without the need for a grill or stovetop. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality steak in the comfort of your own home in a fraction of the time. Whether you prefer it rare, medium, or well-done, the air fryer ensures that your steak comes out exactly how you like it every time.

So fire up your air fryer, season your steak, and get ready to indulge in a delicious, juicy New York strip steak that’s cooked to perfection!