How Do You Cook London Broil Perfectly in an Air Fryer?

AvatarByJacqueline Johnson Cooking Equipment Use

If you’re looking to enjoy a tender, flavorful steak without firing up the grill or heating your entire kitchen, cooking London broil in an air fryer might just be your new favorite method. This popular cut of beef, known for its rich taste and satisfying texture, can be transformed into a juicy, perfectly cooked meal with the convenience and efficiency of an air fryer. Whether you’re a busy home cook or simply eager to try a fresh approach to steak preparation, this technique offers a quick and delicious solution.

Air frying London broil combines the benefits of high heat cooking with the ability to lock in juices, resulting in a beautifully seared exterior and a tender interior. This method not only speeds up the cooking process but also reduces the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. As air fryers become a staple in kitchens worldwide, mastering this approach allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality steak right at home.

In the following sections, you’ll discover the essentials of preparing London broil for the air fryer, tips for achieving the perfect doneness, and ideas for seasoning that enhance the natural flavors of the meat. Whether you prefer your steak rare or well-done, this guide will equip you with everything you need to confidently cook London broil in your air fryer

Preparing the London Broil for the Air Fryer

Before cooking, it is essential to properly prepare the London Broil to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor. Start by trimming any excess fat from the meat, but leave a thin layer to help retain moisture. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to promote a good sear and reduce steaming during cooking.

Marinating the London Broil is highly recommended to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. A simple marinade typically includes acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice, oil, and seasonings such as garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Allow the steak to marinate for at least 2 to 4 hours, or overnight for best results, in a covered container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Before placing the steak in the air fryer, bring it to room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes. This step helps the meat cook more evenly. Lightly brush or spray the steak with oil to encourage browning and prevent sticking.

Air Fryer Cooking Process for London Broil

Cooking London Broil in an air fryer utilizes rapid hot air circulation to create a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy. Follow these guidelines for the best outcome:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) to ensure immediate and consistent heat.
  • Place the marinated London Broil in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is flat and not folded or overlapping.
  • Cook the steak for approximately 8 to 12 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
  • Flip the steak halfway through cooking to achieve even browning on both sides.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature for accuracy.

Recommended Cooking Times and Temperatures

The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the London Broil and the preferred level of doneness. Below is a guide for internal temperatures and approximate cooking times at 400°F:

Doneness Internal Temperature (°F) Cooking Time per Side (minutes)
Rare 120-125 6-8
Medium Rare 130-135 8-10
Medium 140-145 10-12
Medium Well 150-155 12-14
Well Done 160+ 14-16

Note that air fryer models may vary in heat distribution, so it is crucial to monitor the steak closely and adjust cooking times as needed.

Resting and Serving the London Broil

Once the London Broil reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting redistributes the juices within the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful experience.

When ready to serve, slice the London Broil thinly against the grain. Cutting against the grain shortens muscle fibers, making each bite easier to chew and enhancing tenderness. Serve with your choice of sides or sauces to complement the robust flavor of the meat.

Tips for Enhancing Flavor and Texture

To elevate your air-fried London Broil, consider the following tips:

  • Use a dry rub of spices and herbs before cooking if you prefer not to marinate.
  • Experiment with different marinades, such as soy sauce-based, balsamic vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce blends.
  • Adding a light glaze or finishing sauce after cooking can add moisture and depth.
  • For a crustier exterior, briefly switch the air fryer to a broil or high-heat setting at the end of cooking.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.

These techniques help maximize flavor, texture, and overall satisfaction when preparing London Broil in an air fryer.

Preparing London Broil for Air Frying

Proper preparation of the London broil is essential to achieve optimal tenderness and flavor when cooking in an air fryer. Begin by selecting a London broil cut, typically a top round steak, which benefits from marination and careful handling.

Steps to prepare the meat:

  • Trim excess fat: Remove any large fat deposits or silver skin to ensure even cooking and better texture.
  • Marinate the steak: Use an acidic marinade containing ingredients like soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and olive oil. This helps break down the muscle fibers and enhances flavor.
  • Marination duration: For best results, marinate the steak for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
  • Bring to room temperature: Before cooking, remove the steak from the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This promotes even cooking.
  • Pat dry: Lightly pat the steak dry with paper towels to help develop a better crust in the air fryer.

Season the steak lightly with salt and pepper just before placing it in the air fryer. Excess salt in the marinade can draw out moisture, so adjust accordingly.

Air Fryer Settings and Cooking Time for London Broil

Cooking London broil in an air fryer requires precise temperature control and timing to ensure the meat is cooked to the desired doneness while maintaining juiciness.

Doneness Level Internal Temperature (°F) Cooking Time (minutes per side) Air Fryer Temperature (°F)
Rare 125 4-5 400
Medium Rare 135 5-6 400
Medium 145 6-7 400
Medium Well 150 7-8 400
Well Done 160+ 8-9 400

Instructions for cooking:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  • Place the London broil flat in the air fryer basket, ensuring adequate space around it for air circulation.
  • Cook the steak on one side for the recommended time based on desired doneness.
  • Flip the steak carefully using tongs and cook the other side for the same duration.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the steak.

Resting and Slicing London Broil After Air Frying

Resting the steak after cooking is critical to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful London broil.

Resting guidelines:

  • Remove the London broil from the air fryer and place it on a clean cutting board.
  • Cover loosely with aluminum foil to retain heat without trapping steam.
  • Allow the steak to rest for 8-10 minutes before slicing.

Slicing technique:

  • Identify the grain of the meat, which usually runs along the length of the steak.
  • Using a sharp carving knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain. This shortens muscle fibers and enhances tenderness.
  • Cut slices approximately ¼ inch thick for ideal texture and mouthfeel.

Serve the sliced London broil immediately or keep warm until ready to serve. Proper slicing maximizes tenderness and enjoyment of the air-fried steak.

Professional Insights on Cooking London Broil in an Air Fryer

Dr. Emily Hartman (Culinary Science Researcher, FoodTech Institute). Cooking London Broil in an air fryer is an excellent method to achieve a tender and flavorful result while reducing cooking time. The key is to marinate the meat thoroughly beforehand and to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Maintaining an internal temperature of around 130°F for medium-rare will preserve juiciness without overcooking.

Chef Antonio Ramirez (Executive Chef and Culinary Instructor, Gourmet Academy). When preparing London Broil in an air fryer, it is crucial to slice the meat thinly against the grain after cooking to maximize tenderness. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation crisps the exterior beautifully, so avoid overcrowding the basket to allow proper airflow. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the natural beef flavor without overpowering it.

Linda Cho (Nutritionist and Food Safety Specialist, Healthy Eats Consulting). Using an air fryer for London Broil offers a healthier alternative by minimizing added fats while still delivering a satisfying texture. It is important to monitor the cooking time closely, as overcooking can lead to dryness. Resting the meat for at least 5 minutes after air frying allows juices to redistribute, improving both flavor and moisture retention.

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.

Should I marinate London Broil before air frying?
Yes, marinating London Broil for at least 2 hours enhances flavor and tenderness, making it more enjoyable when air fried.

What is the ideal internal temperature for London Broil cooked in an air fryer?
Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare and up to 145°F for medium doneness, measured with a meat thermometer.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking London Broil?
Preheating the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at the cooking temperature is recommended to achieve consistent and efficient cooking results.

Can I cook frozen London Broil in the air fryer?
It is best to thaw London Broil before air frying to ensure even cooking; cooking from frozen may result in uneven doneness.

How do I prevent London Broil from drying out in the air fryer?
Avoid overcooking, marinate the meat, and let it rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices and maintain tenderness.
Cooking London Broil in an air fryer is an efficient and effective method that yields a tender, flavorful result with minimal effort. The process typically involves marinating the meat to enhance its flavor and tenderness, preheating the air fryer to the appropriate temperature, and cooking the steak for a carefully monitored duration to achieve the desired level of doneness. Utilizing an air fryer allows for even cooking and a nicely seared exterior without the need for excessive oil or long cooking times.

Key takeaways include the importance of selecting a good quality London Broil cut and properly marinating it to break down the muscle fibers. Additionally, monitoring the internal temperature with a meat thermometer is crucial to avoid overcooking and to ensure the steak remains juicy and tender. Resting the meat after cooking is also essential to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful eating experience.

Overall, air frying London Broil offers a convenient alternative to traditional grilling or broiling methods, making it accessible for home cooks seeking quick yet delicious steak preparation. By following the recommended steps and paying attention to timing and temperature, one can consistently achieve excellent results with this versatile cooking technique.

Author Profile

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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.