Air fryer chicken fried steak is a delightful and hearty dish that brings a touch of comfort food to your table. Using the air fryer not only makes this dish healthier by reducing the need for excess oil, but it also delivers that crispy coating you love without the mess of traditional frying. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know to prepare this flavorful meal, impressing your family or guests with your culinary skills.
Why We Love This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
Air fryer chicken fried steak offers several advantages that make it a favorite in many kitchens. First, the air fryer cooks the steak to perfection, achieving crispy exteriors while keeping the meat tender inside. This method also cuts down on cooking time compared to frying on the stove, allowing for quicker meal preparation without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, using an air fryer means less oil, which can make the dish feel lighter and more approachable for those watching their calories. The flavor combinations are versatile, suiting various palates and dietary preferences. Importantly, air fryer chicken fried steak is easy to adapt, allowing you to customize seasonings and sides to suit your tastes.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
- 4 beef cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Directions
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs mixed with buttermilk, and one for a mixture of flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each cube steak first in the plain flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip it into the egg and buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat it in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Place the coated steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Spray the steaks lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the steaks are golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Once done, remove the steaks and let them rest for a few minutes.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
Serving air fryer chicken fried steak can be as simple or as intricate as you wish. For a classic presentation, serve the steak alongside mashed potatoes or a fluffy biscuit, giving a nod to traditional Southern cuisine. You can smother the steak with creamy gravy made from the drippings or a basic white sauce to enhance the dish further. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider pairing it with sautéed greens or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the steak. Drizzle a bit of hot sauce or tangy mustard for a kick of flavor if you prefer a bit more heat. Don’t forget to add pickles or a side of coleslaw to provide a refreshing crunch.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
To achieve the best air fryer chicken fried steak, pay attention to the preparation and cooking method. First, ensure the cube steaks are pounded to an even thickness. This helps in cooking evenly and prevents drying out. Marinating the steaks in buttermilk for a few hours or overnight can also enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat. When coating the steaks, avoid rushing the process; ensure each piece is thoroughly coated in the flour mixture. This helps create that signature crispy crust. Preheating the air fryer is essential, as it promotes an even cook and a crispy result. Lastly, if you have a larger batch, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can result in steaming rather than frying.
How to Store Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
If you have leftovers, storing air fryer chicken fried steak correctly will help preserve its flavor and texture. Allow the steak to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Place the cooled steaks in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each steak tightly in plastic wrap then foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, use the air fryer set to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to keep the coating crispy.
Variations of Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
There are many ways to customize air fryer chicken fried steak to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. For a spicy twist, try adding more cayenne pepper or even hot sauce to the breading mixture. If you want a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Consider using chicken cutlets instead of beef for a lighter, leaner meal. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as adding Italian herbs or Cajun seasoning for a flavorful kick. For a healthier version, try a light coating of crushed cornflakes or panko to create a unique texture while still achieving a crisp outer layer without excess fat.
FAQ about Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
What is air fryer chicken fried steak?
Air fryer chicken fried steak is a healthier version of the traditional dish, made using an air fryer to create crispy, delicious breaded beef steaks without the excess oil.
How do you achieve a crispy crust?
To achieve a crispy crust, ensure that you coat the steaks evenly and lightly spray them with cooking oil before air frying. Preheating the air fryer is also crucial for optimal crispiness.
Can you use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, you can easily substitute chicken cutlets for beef cube steaks to create a lighter version of this comfort dish that still tastes fantastic.
What can you serve with air fryer chicken fried steak?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or fresh salads. You can also top it with gravy for an added indulgence.
How long does it take to cook air fryer chicken fried steak?
Cooking time generally ranges from 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C), allowing for a perfectly golden brown and cooked-through steak.
Experiment with this delectable dish, and enjoy the wonderful flavor combinations you can create in your air fryer.
Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
Ingredients
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
- to taste salt and pepper to taste
- cooking spray or olive oil
For the Steak
- 4 pieces beef cube steaks
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs mixed with buttermilk, and one for a mixture of flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each cube steak first in the plain flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip it into the egg and buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Coat it in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
Cooking
- Place the coated steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Spray the steaks lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the steaks are golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Once done, remove the steaks and let them rest for a few minutes.
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