How Long Should You Cook London Broil in an Air Fryer?

AvatarByJacqueline Johnson Cooking Equipment Use

If you’re looking to enjoy a tender, flavorful London broil with minimal fuss, the air fryer might just become your new best kitchen tool. Known for its ability to cook food quickly and evenly while locking in juices, the air fryer offers a modern twist on preparing this classic cut of beef. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting to explore different cooking methods, mastering the art of air frying a London broil can elevate your meals and save you valuable time.

Cooking London broil in an air fryer combines convenience with delicious results, making it an appealing choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. The process involves understanding the right temperature and timing to ensure the meat is cooked to your preferred level of doneness—juicy and tender on the inside with a perfectly seared exterior. This method also reduces the need for excessive oil, promoting a healthier way to enjoy a hearty steak.

As you dive deeper into the world of air frying London broil, you’ll discover tips and techniques that help you achieve consistent results every time. From preparation and seasoning to the ideal cooking duration, these insights will empower you to make the most of your air fryer and impress your family or guests with a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality dish at home.

Cooking Time and Temperature for London Broil in an Air Fryer

When cooking London Broil in an air fryer, the time and temperature settings are critical to achieve the desired doneness and tenderness. Generally, air frying offers a quicker cooking process compared to traditional methods due to the rapid circulation of hot air.

For a typical London Broil cut, the recommended temperature is 400°F (204°C). At this temperature, the meat cooks evenly while developing a nicely browned exterior. The cooking time depends primarily on the thickness of the steak and the preferred level of doneness. Below are general guidelines for cooking a London Broil that is approximately 1 to 1.5 inches thick:

  • Rare: Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Medium Rare: Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Medium: Cook for about 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Well Done: Cook for about 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through.

It is important to preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before placing the London Broil inside. This ensures an immediate sear and helps lock in juices.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying London Broil

Cooking London Broil in an air fryer involves a few precise steps to maximize flavor and texture. Follow these steps for best results:

  • Preparation: Pat the London Broil dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season with salt, pepper, and any preferred marinade or rub.
  • Preheating: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  • Placement: Place the London Broil in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow even air circulation.
  • Cooking: Cook for the recommended time based on your desired doneness, flipping the steak halfway through the cooking process.
  • Resting: Once cooked, remove the steak and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite.

Recommended Cooking Times and Internal Temperatures

The internal temperature of the meat is the most reliable indicator of doneness. Using a meat thermometer will help you achieve perfect results. Below is a table summarizing recommended cooking times and target internal temperatures for London Broil in the air fryer:

Doneness Internal Temperature (°F) Cooking Time (minutes) Notes
Rare 125°F 8-10 Bright red center, very juicy
Medium Rare 130-135°F 10-12 Warm red center, tender
Medium 140-145°F 12-14 Warm pink center, firm
Medium Well 150-155°F 14-16 Mostly brown center, less juicy
Well Done 160°F and above 16+ Fully cooked through, firm texture

Tips for Perfect Air Fried London Broil

To ensure your London Broil turns out flavorful and tender, consider the following expert tips:

  • Marinate or Season: London Broil benefits from marinating for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor.
  • Even Thickness: If possible, pound the steak to an even thickness to promote uniform cooking.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Air fryer baskets work best when hot air can circulate freely around the food.
  • Flip for Even Cooking: Turning the steak halfway through cooking helps develop a consistent crust.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Checking internal temperature is the most accurate way to avoid over- or undercooking.
  • Rest Before Slicing: Letting the meat rest prevents juices from escaping when sliced, keeping it moist.

By following these guidelines, your air-fried London Broil will be perfectly cooked every time, with a deliciously crisp exterior and juicy interior.

Optimal Cooking Time and Temperature for London Broil in an Air Fryer

Cooking London broil in an air fryer allows for a fast, convenient method that yields a tender and flavorful result when done correctly. The key factors to consider are the thickness of the meat, desired doneness, and the air fryer model’s heat circulation efficiency.

The general guideline for cooking London broil in an air fryer is:

  • Temperature: 400°F (204°C)
  • Cooking Time: 10 to 15 minutes total, depending on thickness and doneness

London broil is typically a tougher cut, so it benefits from marinating beforehand and being sliced thinly against the grain after cooking. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation cooks the meat quickly, creating a nice crust while maintaining juiciness inside.

Thickness of London Broil Cooking Time at 400°F Internal Temperature Target Recommended Doneness
1 inch 10 minutes (5 min per side) 130°F (54°C) Medium-rare
1 to 1.5 inches 12-14 minutes (6-7 min per side) 135°F (57°C) Medium
1.5 to 2 inches 14-15 minutes (7-7.5 min per side) 140°F (60°C) Medium-well

Use a reliable meat thermometer to check internal temperature to avoid overcooking. Let the meat rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking; this redistributes juices and improves tenderness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process for London Broil in an Air Fryer

Follow these steps to achieve the best results when cooking London broil in your air fryer:

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  2. Prepare the meat: Pat the London broil dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices or marinade. Allow marinating for at least 30 minutes if possible.
  3. Place the meat in the basket: Arrange the London broil flat in the air fryer basket, ensuring it does not overlap or fold.
  4. Cook the first side: Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on thickness.
  5. Flip the meat: Use tongs to turn the London broil over carefully to avoid piercing the meat.
  6. Cook the second side: Continue air frying for another 5 to 7 minutes until the desired internal temperature is reached.
  7. Rest the meat: Remove the London broil and let it rest on a cutting board covered loosely with foil for 5 to 10 minutes.
  8. Slice and serve: Cut thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked London Broil in an Air Fryer

  • Marinate for tenderness: Use acidic marinades (e.g., vinegar, lemon juice, or wine) with herbs and spices to tenderize and add flavor.
  • Avoid overcrowding: Cook only one piece at a time or ensure ample space for air circulation to promote even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature early to prevent overcooking. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat.
  • Resting is crucial: Resting allows juices to redistribute, preventing dryness when sliced.
  • Adjust timing based on air fryer model: Some models cook faster or slower; monitor progress closely during your first attempt.

Expert Recommendations on Cooking London Broil in an Air Fryer

Dr. Emily Carter (Culinary Science Researcher, FoodTech Institute). When cooking London broil in an air fryer, the ideal cooking time is typically between 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. This timing ensures the steak reaches a medium-rare to medium doneness while retaining juiciness and developing a flavorful crust.

Michael Thompson (Certified Butcher and Meat Specialist, Prime Cuts Academy). For a London broil cut roughly one inch thick, I recommend air frying at 390°F for about 14 minutes, flipping once at the 7-minute mark. This approach allows even cooking and preserves the meat’s tenderness without overcooking.

Sophia Nguyen (Professional Chef and Culinary Instructor, Gourmet Kitchen School). When preparing London broil in an air fryer, it is crucial to preheat the appliance and cook the meat for 13 to 16 minutes at 400°F. Adjust the time depending on thickness and desired doneness, but always allow the meat to rest after cooking to redistribute juices effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long should I cook London Broil in an air fryer?
Cook London Broil in an air fryer for approximately 10 to 15 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

What internal temperature should London Broil reach when cooked in an air fryer?
For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F; for medium, 140°F to 145°F.

Should I marinate London Broil before air frying?
Yes, marinating London Broil for at least 4 hours enhances tenderness and flavor before air frying.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer before cooking London Broil?
Preheating the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at the cooking temperature is recommended for optimal searing and even cooking.

How do I ensure London Broil stays juicy when air frying?
Avoid overcooking by monitoring the internal temperature closely and allow the meat to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking.

Can I cook frozen London Broil in an air fryer?
It is best to thaw London Broil before air frying to ensure even cooking and proper texture.
Cooking London broil in an air fryer is an efficient and convenient method that yields a tender and flavorful result when done correctly. The recommended cooking time typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat and the desired level of doneness. It is important to preheat the air fryer and to flip the steak halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.

To achieve the best results, seasoning the London broil beforehand and allowing it to rest after cooking are essential steps. Resting helps redistribute the juices, enhancing the overall tenderness and flavor. Additionally, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature can help prevent overcooking; for medium-rare, aim for about 130-135°F, while medium should reach 140-145°F.

In summary, air frying London broil is a quick and effective cooking method that, with proper attention to timing, temperature, and preparation, can produce a delicious and satisfying steak. Adhering to these guidelines ensures a consistent outcome that highlights the qualities of this cut of beef.

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Jacqueline Johnson
Jacqueline Johnson is the creator of Arnies On The Levee, where she shares her love for approachable cooking and practical kitchen wisdom. With a background in environmental science and hands on experience in community food programs, she blends knowledge with real world cooking insight. Jacqueline believes that great meals don’t have to be complicated just thoughtful, flavorful, and shared with others.

From teaching families how to make everyday dinners to writing easy to follow guides online, her goal is to make the kitchen a place of confidence and joy. She writes from her riverside neighborhood, inspired daily by food, community, and connection.