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

AvatarByMary Davis Cooking Equipment Use

If you’re looking to transform a classic cut of beef into a tender, flavorful meal with minimal fuss, cooking London Broil in an air fryer might just be your new favorite kitchen hack. This method promises a perfect balance of juicy interior and a beautifully seared exterior, all while cutting down on cooking time and cleanup. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a busy weeknight cook, the air fryer offers a convenient way to elevate this traditional dish.

London Broil, known for its rich beefy flavor and lean texture, can sometimes be tricky to prepare just right using conventional methods. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation helps lock in juices and create a mouthwatering crust without the need for excessive oil or complicated techniques. This makes it an ideal tool to achieve a restaurant-quality result from the comfort of your own kitchen.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essentials of selecting the right cut, preparing it for the air fryer, and cooking it to perfection. You’ll discover tips and tricks that ensure your London Broil comes out tender, flavorful, and ready to impress every time. Get ready to master this quick and delicious cooking method that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Preparing and Seasoning the London Broil

Before placing the London broil in the air fryer, it is essential to prepare the meat properly to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. Start by patting the steak dry with paper towels, which helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a good sear. If you have time, marinating the steak enhances both flavor and tenderness. A typical marinade may include ingredients such as soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs.

When marinating:

  • Use a non-reactive container such as glass or plastic.
  • Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Refrigerate the steak while marinating to maintain food safety.

If you prefer not to marinate, a dry rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika can be applied liberally on both sides. Let the seasoned steak rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.

Air Frying the London Broil: Temperature and Timing

Cooking London broil in an air fryer requires precise temperature control to achieve the desired doneness while maintaining juiciness. Air fryers circulate hot air rapidly, which cooks the steak faster than traditional methods.

Recommended temperature settings:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
  • Cook the steak for approximately 7-10 minutes per side, depending on thickness and preferred doneness.

Use the following table as a guideline for cooking times based on the steak’s thickness and desired internal temperature:

Steak Thickness Doneness Internal Temperature Cooking Time (Total)
1 inch Rare 120-125°F (49-52°C) 12-14 minutes
1 inch Medium Rare 130-135°F (54-57°C) 14-16 minutes
1 inch Medium 140-145°F (60-63°C) 16-18 minutes
1.5 inches Medium Rare 130-135°F (54-57°C) 18-20 minutes
1.5 inches Medium 140-145°F (60-63°C) 20-22 minutes

Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and searing on both sides. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature accurately.

Resting and Serving the London Broil

Allowing the London broil to rest after air frying is a crucial step to retain its juices and achieve optimal tenderness. Rest the steak on a cutting board, loosely covered with aluminum foil, for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period lets the muscle fibers relax and redistribute the juices internally.

When slicing the steak, cut against the grain. London broil is traditionally a lean cut, and cutting across the grain shortens the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender bite.

Tips for serving:

  • Slice the steak thinly for best texture.
  • Pair with complementary sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
  • Consider topping with a sauce like chimichurri, balsamic glaze, or a mushroom reduction to enhance flavors.

Tips for Best Results and Troubleshooting

Achieving a perfect London broil in the air fryer can be optimized by following these expert tips:

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket: Leave space around the steak for air circulation, ensuring even cooking.
  • Avoid overcooking: London broil can become tough if cooked beyond medium doneness.
  • Use a reliable meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to gauge doneness.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Preheating ensures the steak sears immediately, locking in juices.
  • Adjust times for variations: Air fryer models differ, so monitor cooking times closely during the first attempt.

If the steak turns out less tender than desired:

  • Consider marinating longer or using a meat tenderizer before cooking.
  • Slice thinner against the grain to improve chewability.
  • Use a rest period to allow juices to redistribute.

By following these guidelines, you can consistently prepare a flavorful, tender London broil in your air fryer.

Preparing London Broil for Air Frying

Before cooking London Broil in an air fryer, proper preparation is essential to maximize tenderness and flavor. London Broil is typically a lean cut of beef, often flank or top round steak, which benefits from marinating and careful handling.

Follow these steps to prepare your London Broil:

  • Trim Excess Fat: Remove any visible fat or silver skin from the meat to ensure even cooking.
  • Marinate: Use a marinade to tenderize and infuse flavor. A classic marinade includes olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
  • Marinating Time: For best results, marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, in a sealed container or zip-lock bag refrigerated.
  • Pat Dry: Before air frying, remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels to promote proper browning.
  • Bring to Room Temperature: Allow the steak to rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
Marinade Ingredient Quantity Purpose
Olive Oil 2 tablespoons Moisture, flavor carrier
Soy Sauce 3 tablespoons Umami, saltiness
Worcestershire Sauce 2 tablespoons Depth of flavor
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves Aromatics
Lemon Juice 1 tablespoon Tenderizing acid
Fresh Herbs (thyme, rosemary) 1-2 teaspoons Flavor enhancement

Cooking London Broil in the Air Fryer

Air frying London Broil requires precise temperature control and timing to achieve a juicy, well-seared steak with a desirable medium-rare to medium doneness.

Use the following guidelines for optimal air fryer cooking:

  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure an even, hot environment.
  • Season the Steak: Lightly season the pat-dried steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Avoid over-seasoning as the marinade adds flavor.
  • Arrange in Basket: Place the steak flat in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is not overcrowded for proper air circulation.
  • Cooking Time and Temperature: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes per side, depending on thickness (approximately 1 inch thick) and desired doneness.
  • Flip Halfway: Turn the steak halfway through cooking to promote even browning and cooking.
  • Check Doneness: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check internal temperature.
Desired Doneness Internal Temperature Approximate Cooking Time per Side
Medium-Rare 130°F (54°C) 7 minutes
Medium 140°F (60°C) 8-9 minutes
Medium-Well 150°F (66°C) 10 minutes

Resting: After cooking, transfer the London Broil to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.

Slicing and Serving London Broil

The final step is slicing, which significantly impacts texture and tenderness due to the muscle fiber alignment in London Broil cuts.

  • Slice Against the Grain: Identify the direction of the muscle fibers and cut perpendicular to them in thin slices, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
  • Presentation: Arrange slices on a warm serving platter to maintain temperature.
  • Serving Suggestions: London Broil pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
  • Optional Sauce: Serve with a horseradish cream, chimichurri, or a red wine reduction to complement the beef’s rich flavor.

Expert Insights on Cooking London Broil in an Air Fryer

Dr. Emily Carter (Culinary Scientist, FoodTech Innovations). Cooking London Broil in an air fryer is an excellent method for achieving a tender, evenly cooked steak with minimal effort. The key is to marinate the meat properly beforehand to break down the muscle fibers, then preheat the air fryer to around 400°F. Cooking times should be closely monitored, typically around 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning and juiciness.

Chef Marcus Langley (Executive Chef, Urban Grill Bistro). When preparing London Broil in an air fryer, it is essential to slice the meat thinly against the grain after cooking to maximize tenderness. The air fryer’s circulating hot air provides a great crust without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional pan-searing. I recommend seasoning simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to let the beef’s natural flavors shine.

Linda Nguyen (Nutritionist and Culinary Educator, Healthy Eats Academy). Utilizing an air fryer for London Broil offers a nutritious cooking option by reducing added fats while preserving protein content. It is important to avoid overcooking to maintain the meat’s moisture and nutrient profile. Pairing the finished London Broil with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad complements the meal’s balanced nutritional value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What temperature should I set my air fryer to for cooking London Broil?
Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for optimal cooking of London Broil, ensuring a good sear and even cooking.

How long does it take to cook London Broil in an air fryer?
Cooking time typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat and desired doneness.

Should I marinate London Broil before air frying?
Yes, marinating London Broil for at least 2 hours enhances flavor and tenderness when cooked in an air fryer.

Do I need to flip the London Broil during air frying?
Flipping the meat halfway through the cooking process promotes even browning and consistent cooking.

How can I tell when London Broil is done in the air fryer?
Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium.

Is it necessary to let London Broil rest after air frying?
Allow the meat to rest for 5 to 10 minutes post-cooking to redistribute juices and improve tenderness.
Cooking London Broil in an air fryer offers a convenient and efficient method to achieve a tender, flavorful steak with a desirable charred exterior. By properly marinating the meat beforehand and selecting the right temperature and cooking time, you can ensure even cooking and optimal juiciness. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation allows for a quicker cooking process compared to traditional methods, making it an excellent option for busy cooks seeking a delicious meal without compromising quality.

Key factors to consider include choosing a London Broil cut of appropriate thickness, typically around one to one and a half inches, and allowing the meat to rest after cooking to retain its juices. Preheating the air fryer and flipping the meat halfway through the cooking cycle promote even browning and texture. Additionally, monitoring internal temperature with a meat thermometer is crucial to achieve the desired doneness, whether medium-rare or well-done.

Overall, using an air fryer to prepare London Broil combines convenience with excellent culinary results. This method not only reduces cooking time but also minimizes the need for added fats, supporting a healthier cooking approach. With proper preparation and attention to detail, air-fried London Broil can be a reliable and tasty addition to your recipe repertoire.

Author Profile

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Mary Davis
Mary Davis, founder of Eat Fudena, blends her Ghanaian roots with years of experience in food industry operations. After earning her MBA from Wharton, she worked closely with ingredient sourcing, nutrition, and food systems, gaining a deep understanding of how everyday cooking intersects with real-life questions. Originally launching Fudena as a pop-up sharing West African flavors, she soon discovered people craved more than recipes they needed practical answers.

Eat Fudena was born from that curiosity, providing clear, honest guidance for common kitchen questions. Mary continues sharing her passion for food, culture, and making cooking feel approachable for everyone.