This Flank Steak Air Fryer recipe is the easiest way to make a juicy flank steak in less than 30 minutes. Filled with intense beefy flavor, despite having very little fat, making it a budget-friendly option for steak lovers. Topped with a sweet tomato-balsamic sauce, there's no marinade or dry rub required.
What is Flank Steak?
Flank steak comes from the cow’s abdominal muscle, and is an inexpensive, tasty, and versatile cut of beef. Cuts from the flank tend to be lean and very tough, but flavorful when properly cooked. Ideal for fajitas, stir-fries, and other recipes that call for beef strips.
Why Make Flank Steak In An Air Fryer?
Flank steak is typically cooked through high-heat methods like grilling, but it’s also great in the air fryer. While I’m a big fan of firing up the grill in the summertime, the air fryer keeps it perfectly brown and juicy, just the way we like it.
- This is our go-to recipe in the summer, but this method make it perfect for winter when you don't want to be outside grilling.
- It only takes about 8 minutes to cook and 12 minutes to cook to medium rare (the ideal temp with flank steak).
- NO SPLATTER! Much easier clean up when using the air fryer.
- Perfect for anyone still trying to figure out how to light the grill (been there, done that) or beginning grillers.
What You'll Need
- Air fryer: keep in mind, all air fryers are NOT created equal. Time and temperatures can vary based on the make and model (silly, I know). Before you get started, check your manual to see if there's a recommended cooking temperature and time for flank or skirt steak. I use a Cuisinart Air Fryer, but any air fryer will do.
- Flank steak: it should also only be cooked to medium-rare to prevent it from becoming too tough and dry. When serving, it should also be sliced very thin and against the grain for maximum tenderness. Skirt steak can be substituted and tends to have more fat.
- Seasoning: kosher salt and pepper! Be sure to season both sides.
- Tomato-Balsamic Sauce: made from ingredients you probably already have - shallots + garlic + balsamic + tomatoes - this adds a burst of flavor to an already tender, juicy steak without having to marinate.
How to make flank steak in the air fryer?
Like I said, no dry rub or marinade required. When cooked properly, flank steak packs in a ton of flavor. If overdone, you’ll end up with that tough, chewy texture.
Season flank steak
Season flank steak with salt and pepper. Use your hands to really massage the seasoning into the steak. Flip the steak and season the other side.
Air Fry the steak
Cook for 8 minutes at 350F. Check the internal temperature - you’ll want it to be around 130F for a medium rare. Let it sit when done.
Prepare Tomato-Balsamic Sauce
Sauté oil, garlic and shallot in a skillet. Add balsamic, tomatoes, scallions and basil, and cook until tomatoes begin to burst..
Cut against the grain and serve
Slice flank steak into strips going against the grain. Serve tomato mixture over sliced steak.
What to Eat Air Fryer Flank Steak With
You can serve this flank steak with fajitas, chimichurri sauce, creamy basil dressing, or as a salad topper. Flank Steak with Tomato-Balsamic Sauce is delicious over jasmine rice or quinoa.
Air Fryer Flank Steak With Tomato-Balsamic Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, trimmed
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup scallions thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup basil, torn
Instructions
- Place the cooked steak on a cutting board and rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil, garlic and shallot to pan; sauté 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Add vinegar, and cook until liquid almost evaporates. Add tomatoes, scallions and basil. Cook until tomatoes begin to burst, stirring occasionally.
- Slice flank steak into strips going against the grain. Serve tomato mixture over sliced steak and enjoy!
Brenda Schrier says
Hi, That was very interesting; my problem though, is that my husband MUST eat a very low sodium diet so I cannot even use salt – he would have a fit. I am right now marinating with honey, barbecue seasoning (from Tastefully Simple) and garlic, pepper, steak seasoning (sodium free) onions and a little – very little barb sauce. I was wondering if I should broil it or fry it up in a pan…if I don’t hear back, i’ll keep checking. Good tip, just probably not for us. Maybe I can use it when I’m at friends’ homes.
Kelsey Sackmann says
Hi Brenda, glad you found the tips helpful! That marinade sounds delicious! Great to see you found a way to add flavor without salt. If it's a flank steak you are marinating, I would recommend pan searing it in a cast iron skillet or stainless steal pan for 2-3 minutes on each side (depending on the thickness). Let it rest for 10 minutes, slice against the grain, and enjoy!