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

AvatarByCynthia Crase Cooking Equipment Use

If you’re looking to enjoy a tender, flavorful steak without firing up the grill or heating the oven, cooking London broil in an air fryer might be your new go-to method. This versatile cut of beef, known for its rich taste and satisfying texture, can be transformed into a juicy, perfectly cooked meal with the quick and convenient power of an air fryer. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or simply want to try a fresh approach to steak, this technique offers an exciting way to elevate your dinner routine.

Air frying London broil combines the benefits of high heat and circulating air to create a beautifully seared exterior while locking in the meat’s natural juices. This method not only speeds up cooking time but also minimizes cleanup, making it an ideal choice for those who want delicious results without the fuss. Plus, the air fryer’s consistent temperature control helps ensure your steak is cooked evenly, whether you prefer it rare, medium, or well done.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essentials of preparing London broil for the air fryer, including tips on seasoning, cooking times, and achieving the perfect finish. Get ready to discover a simple yet impressive way to enjoy this classic cut of beef that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Preparing the London Broil for Air Frying

Before cooking your London Broil in the air fryer, proper preparation is crucial to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor. Start by selecting a London Broil cut that is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker cuts require longer cooking times and careful monitoring to avoid overcooking.

Pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and crust during air frying. Next, marinate the steak for at least 2 to 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. A typical marinade might include ingredients such as olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper.

After marinating, remove the steak from the marinade and let it come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking. This step promotes even cooking throughout the cut. Lightly brush or spray the steak with oil to enhance browning in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Settings and Cooking Process

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 400°F and 425°F (204°C to 218°C) for optimal results. High heat is essential to quickly sear the outside of the London Broil while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Place the steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space around the meat for hot air circulation. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your preferred level of doneness. Use the following guidelines as a starting point:

  • Rare: 6-8 minutes total, flipping halfway
  • Medium-rare: 8-10 minutes total, flipping halfway
  • Medium: 10-12 minutes total, flipping halfway
  • Medium-well: 12-14 minutes total, flipping halfway

Flip the steak halfway through the cooking process to promote even browning on both sides. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and ensure precision:

Doneness Internal Temperature (°F) Internal Temperature (°C)
Rare 125°F 52°C
Medium-rare 135°F 57°C
Medium 145°F 63°C
Medium-well 150°F 66°C
Well done 160°F+ 71°C+

Resting and Serving the London Broil

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

When ready to serve, slice the London Broil thinly against the grain. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak easier to chew and enhancing tenderness.

Consider pairing your air-fried London Broil with complementary sides such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes for a balanced meal.

Tips for Enhancing Flavor and Texture

  • Use a dry rub or seasoning blend in addition to or instead of a marinade for a different flavor profile. Popular seasonings include garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and dried herbs.
  • Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the steak to ensure immediate high heat contact.
  • Avoid piercing the meat with forks during flipping to retain juices.
  • Adjust cooking times based on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the steak, as some units cook hotter or more efficiently.
  • Rest the meat properly after cooking to maximize juiciness and tenderness.
  • Experiment with finishing sauces such as chimichurri, horseradish cream, or a balsamic glaze to complement the robust flavor of London Broil.

By following these preparation and cooking techniques, you can achieve a perfectly cooked London Broil in your air fryer that is juicy, tender, and full of rich flavor.

Preparing London Broil for the Air Fryer

Proper preparation of London Broil before cooking in an air fryer is essential to achieve a tender, flavorful result. London Broil typically refers to a method of cooking a lean cut of beef, often top round, flank, or sirloin flap, that benefits from marinating and careful handling.

Follow these steps to prepare your London Broil:

  • Select the cut: Choose a London Broil cut weighing between 1 to 2 pounds for optimal air fryer cooking.
  • Trim excess fat: Remove large fat deposits or silver skin to ensure even cooking and a better texture.
  • Marinate the meat: Use an acidic marinade (such as a mixture of soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, vinegar, and herbs) to tenderize and infuse flavor. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Pat dry: Remove the meat from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels to promote a good sear and reduce excess moisture.
  • Bring to room temperature: Allow the London Broil to rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout the meat.

Optimal Air Fryer Settings for London Broil

Selecting the appropriate air fryer temperature and time is crucial for cooking London Broil to your desired doneness without drying it out. The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air mimics broiling, making it excellent for this cut.

Doneness Internal Temperature (°F) Air Fryer Temperature (°F) Cooking Time (minutes) Instructions
Rare 120-125 400 8-10 Flip halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Medium Rare 130-135 400 10-12 Flip at the 5-6 minute mark for consistent searing.
Medium 140-145 400 12-14 Turning midway helps maintain juiciness and color.
Medium Well 150-155 400 14-16 Monitor closely to avoid overcooking and toughness.

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature accurately. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat without touching bone or fat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process for London Broil in Air Fryer

Executing the cooking process correctly will maximize flavor and texture. Follow this step-by-step guide:

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment.
  2. Prepare the meat: Lightly brush the London Broil with oil or cooking spray to encourage browning and prevent sticking.
  3. Place the meat in the basket: Lay the London Broil flat in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space around the meat for air circulation.
  4. Cook and flip: Air fry according to the chosen doneness time. Flip the meat halfway through the cooking time to promote even searing.
  5. Check temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer near the end of cooking to verify internal temperature.
  6. Rest the meat: Remove the London Broil from the air fryer and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  7. Slice correctly: Cut the meat thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.

Tips to Enhance Flavor and Texture

  • Marinade infusion: Include aromatics such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, or cracked black pepper in your marinade for added depth.
  • Dry rub option: Alternatively, after marinating or if skipping marinade, apply a dry rub of salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder for a flavorful crust.
  • Use a wire rack: If your air fryer basket allows, place the London Broil on a wire rack to ensure airflow on all sides and prevent steaming.
  • Do not overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can result in uneven cooking.
  • Resting is key: Always rest the meat after cooking; this step is critical to retain moisture and improve juiciness.

Expert Insights on Cooking London Broil in an Air Fryer

Dr. Emily Carter (Culinary Science Professor, Institute of Food Technology). Cooking London Broil in an air fryer requires precise temperature control to ensure even cooking and tenderness. I recommend marinating the meat for at least four hours beforehand to break down the muscle fibers, then air frying at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method locks in juices while creating a flavorful crust without overcooking the interior.

Marcus Lee (Executive Chef, Urban Grill Kitchen). When preparing London Broil in an air fryer, it is essential to start with a well-trimmed cut and a dry surface to promote browning. Preheating the air fryer helps achieve a seared exterior quickly. I suggest seasoning simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cooking at a high temperature for a short time to maintain a medium-rare center, followed by resting the meat to redistribute juices.

Sophia Nguyen (Food Technologist and Recipe Developer). The air fryer is an excellent tool for London Broil because it circulates hot air efficiently, reducing cooking time while preserving flavor. For best results, slice the meat thinly against the grain after cooking to enhance tenderness. Additionally, using a marinade with acidic components like vinegar or citrus juice can improve texture and complement the air fryer’s rapid cooking process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long should I cook London Broil in an air fryer?
Cook London Broil in an air fryer for approximately 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Adjust time based on thickness and desired doneness.

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

What internal temperature should London Broil reach when cooked in an air fryer?
Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well, 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 ensure even cooking and proper searing.

Can I cook frozen London Broil in an 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 by monitoring internal temperature closely and let the meat rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking to retain juices.
Cooking London Broil in an air fryer is an efficient and effective method that yields a tender, flavorful result with minimal effort. By marinating the meat beforehand, you enhance its natural flavors and tenderness, which is crucial given London Broil’s typically lean and tougher cut. Preheating the air fryer and selecting the appropriate temperature and cooking time are essential steps to ensure even cooking and to achieve the desired level of doneness.

Key takeaways include the importance of slicing the London Broil thinly against the grain after cooking to maximize tenderness. Additionally, allowing the meat to rest briefly post-cooking helps retain its juices, resulting in a more succulent texture. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation provides a convenient way to cook this cut evenly without the need for extensive monitoring or flipping.

Overall, using an air fryer to prepare London Broil combines convenience with quality, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quick yet satisfying meal. With proper preparation and attention to cooking details, the air fryer can consistently deliver a delicious London Broil that rivals traditional cooking methods.

Author Profile

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Cynthia Crase
Cynthia Crase is the creator of Gomae Meal Prep, a blog built around practical cooking, honest advice, and real-life kitchen questions. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she’s a self-taught home cook with a background in wellness and years of experience helping others simplify their food routines.

Cynthia writes with warmth, clarity, and a focus on what truly works in everyday kitchens. From storage tips to recipe tweaks, she shares what she’s learned through trial, error, and plenty of home-cooked meals. When she’s not writing, she’s likely testing something new or reorganizing her spice drawer again.