How To Cook Tomahawk Steak In Air Fryer: Juicy Perfection

Can you cook a tomahawk steak in an air fryer? Yes, you absolutely can! This guide will show you how to achieve juicy perfection with an air fryer tomahawk steak recipe, offering a simple, efficient, and delicious alternative to traditional cooking methods.

Image Source: thestayathomechef.com

The Allure of Air Fryer Tomahawk Steak

The tomahawk steak, a ribeye with a long, elegant bone, is a showstopper. But tackling such a large cut can seem daunting. The beauty of using an air fryer lies in its ability to circulate hot air evenly around the steak, creating a beautiful sear and juicy interior without the hassle of grilling or oven roasting. An air fryer steak cooking guide can make the process straightforward and deliver impressive results.

Why Choose Air Fryer for Your Tomahawk?

• Speed: Air fryers preheat quickly and cook efficiently, saving you time.
• Convenience: No need to fire up the grill or heat up the entire oven.
• Even Cooking: Consistent heat circulation ensures a uniform cook throughout the steak.
• Less Mess: Cleanup is a breeze compared to grilling or pan-frying.
• Flavor Retention: The air fryer helps seal in the steak’s natural juices, resulting in a more flavorful final product.

Essential Equipment and Ingredients

Before diving into the air fryer tomahawk steak recipe, make sure you have these essentials:

• Tomahawk Steak: Choose a steak that is at least 1.5 inches thick for optimal results.
• Air Fryer: Ensure your air fryer is large enough to accommodate the tomahawk steak. Basket-style or oven-style air fryers both work well.
• Meat Thermometer: A reliable instant-read thermometer is crucial for achieving your desired doneness.
• Tongs: For safely handling the steak during cooking.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board for resting and slicing the steak.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for carving the steak against the grain.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tomahawk Steak (approx. 2-3 lbs)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
• 2 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (optional)
• 1 tsp Onion Powder (optional)
• Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme) (optional)
• Butter (for basting) (optional)

Getting Started: Preparing Your Tomahawk

Proper preparation is key to a successful air fryer tomahawk steak.

Thawing and Tempering

• Thawing: If frozen, thaw the tomahawk steak in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. This ensures even cooking.
• Tempering: Remove the steak from the refrigerator 1-2 hours before cooking. Allowing the steak to come to room temperature promotes more even cooking and a better sear.

Seasoning for Flavor

1. Pat Dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the steak dry. This helps create a beautiful crust during air frying.
2. Oil: Lightly coat the steak with olive oil or avocado oil. This helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning.
3. Season Generously: Season both sides of the steak generously with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). Don’t be afraid to use a good amount of seasoning to enhance the flavor.
4. Optional Herbs: Place fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs on top of the steak for added aroma and flavor.

Cooking Tomahawk Steak In Air Fryer: Step-by-Step

Now, let’s get to the main event: cooking the tomahawk steak in your air fryer.

Setting the Stage: Preheating and Preparation

1. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes. A hot air fryer is essential for achieving a good sear.
2. Placement: Carefully place the seasoned tomahawk steak in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer rack. Make sure it’s not overcrowded; if necessary, cut the bone off.

Air Frying to Perfection

Here is a general guideline for tomahawk steak air fryer time. Note that the time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness.

Air Fryer Tomahawk Steak Temperature Guide (400°F / 200°C):

Doneness	Internal Temperature (°F)	Internal Temperature (°C)	Approximate Air Fryer Time (minutes)
Rare	125-130	52-54	10-12
Medium Rare	130-135	54-57	12-15
Medium	135-145	57-63	15-18
Medium Well	145-155	63-68	18-20
Well Done	155+	68+	20+

1. Air Fry: Air fry the steak for the specified time, flipping it halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the steak.
2. Optional Basting: In the last few minutes of cooking, you can baste the steak with melted butter and fresh herbs for added richness and flavor.

Achieving the Ideal Doneness

• Rare: 125-130°F (52-54°C) – Cool red center.
• Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C) – Warm red center. Many people prefer their air fryer tomahawk steak medium rare.
• Medium: 135-145°F (57-63°C) – Pink center.
• Medium Well: 145-155°F (63-68°C) – Slightly pink center.
• Well Done: 155°F+ (68°C+) – No pink.

The Importance of Resting

1. Resting: Once the steak reaches your desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board.
2. Tent: Tent the steak loosely with foil to prevent it from cooling down too quickly.
3. Rest Time: Allow the steak to rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Serving and Slicing Your Tomahawk

Proper slicing is crucial for maximizing tenderness and flavor.

Slicing Against the Grain

1. Identify the Grain: Look for the direction of the muscle fibers in the steak.
2. Slice Perpendicular: Use a sharp knife to slice the steak perpendicular to the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak easier to chew.
3. Presentation: Arrange the sliced steak on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme.

Pairing Suggestions

A perfectly cooked tomahawk steak deserves equally delicious side dishes. Consider these pairings:

• Classic Sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (asparagus, Brussels sprouts), and creamed spinach.
• Elevated Options: Truffle mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus with balsamic glaze, and a fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
• Sauces: Chimichurri sauce, Béarnaise sauce, and red wine reduction.

Tips for Air Fryer Success

• Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the steak has enough space in the air fryer for proper air circulation.
• Pat Dry: Always pat the steak dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear.
• Use a Thermometer: A meat thermometer is your best friend when it comes to achieving the perfect doneness.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryers vary, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and marinades to create your unique flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Steak is overcooked: Reduce the air fryer time or lower the temperature slightly.
• Steak is undercooked: Increase the air fryer time and ensure the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness.
• Steak is not searing: Ensure the air fryer is preheated properly and the steak is patted dry.
• Steak is smoking: Reduce the temperature, or ensure the air fryer is clean.

Beyond the Tomahawk: Other Air Fryer Steak Options

While the tomahawk is impressive, the air fryer works wonders with other steak cuts as well. An air fryer ribeye steak recipe, for example, is a great alternative for a smaller steak with similar marbling and flavor. Other cuts like New York strip, sirloin, and flank steak can also be cooked in the air fryer with delicious results. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness.

Grasping The Science of Air Frying Steak

Air frying isn’t actually frying; it’s more like a super-charged convection oven. Here’s what happens:

• Dry Heat: The air fryer circulates hot, dry air around the steak.
• Maillard Reaction: This intense heat triggers the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that creates hundreds of flavor compounds and a beautiful brown crust.
• Moisture Retention: The rapid cooking time helps to seal in the steak’s natural juices, keeping it tender and flavorful.

Easy Tomahawk Steak Air Fryer Recipe: A Quick Guide

For those who want a quick and easy reference, here’s a simplified version of the air fryer tomahawk steak recipe:

1. Prep: Thaw, temper, and pat dry a tomahawk steak.
2. Season: Coat with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Preheat: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Air Fry: Air fry for 12-15 minutes for medium-rare (130-135°F / 54-57°C), flipping halfway through.
5. Rest: Rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the best way to cook tomahawk steak air fryer? The best way is to preheat the air fryer, season generously, and use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature for your desired doneness.

• What is air fryer tomahawk steak internal temp for medium-rare? The ideal internal temperature for a medium-rare tomahawk steak is 130-135°F (54-57°C).

• Can I use frozen tomahawk steak in the air fryer? It’s not recommended to cook frozen steak directly in the air fryer. Thawing ensures even cooking and a better sear.

• Do I need to flip the steak while air frying? Yes, flipping the steak halfway through cooking ensures even cooking on both sides.

• How do I clean my air fryer after cooking a tomahawk steak? Allow the air fryer to cool completely, then remove the basket and wash it with soap and water. You can also use a non-abrasive sponge to remove any stubborn residue.