flank steak in the air fryer

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (optional but recommended)
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes to 1 hour 22 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Intensity: Moderate

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) flank steak
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil for greasing

Instructions:

1. Prepare Flank Steak:
   • If you have time, marinate the flank steak for 30 minutes to 1 hour in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This step is optional but enhances the flavor.
2. Preheat Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
3. Grease Air Fryer Basket:
   • Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
4. Air Fry Flank Steak:
   • Place the marinated flank steak in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cut the steak into smaller pieces to fit the basket.
   • Air fry the steak at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Cook longer for well-done steak or shorter for medium-rare, depending on your preference and the thickness of the steak.
5. Rest and Slice:
   • Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the flank steak from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender result.
   • After resting, slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips for serving. Slicing against the grain helps break up the muscle fibers and makes the steak more tender.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the air-fried flank steak slices hot, garnished with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
   • Pair with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Enjoy your flavorful and tender air-fried flank steak! Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your steak and your preferred level of doneness.