Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a mouthwatering Mexican classic? Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy carne asada, infused with bold flavors and cooked to perfection—all in just 25 minutes! This Air Fried Carne Asada recipe is not only quick and easy, but it also delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, you can impress your family and friends with this delectable dish. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the flank steak. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help achieve a better sear in the air fryer.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Add the flank steak to the bowl and ensure it is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the steak to a resealable plastic bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes while the steak marinates.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, remove the flank steak from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Place the flank steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is laid flat and not overlapping. If necessary, cut the steak in half to fit properly.
- Cook the steak in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Adjust the cooking time if you prefer your steak more or less done.
- Once the cooking time is complete, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, it should read around 135°F (57°C). If it needs more time, continue cooking in 1-2 minute increments until desired doneness is achieved.
- After cooking, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.
- While the steak is resting, chop fresh cilantro for garnish.
- Once rested, slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. This will help ensure tenderness in each bite.
- Serve the sliced carne asada on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy it with tortillas, rice, or your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best results, allow the flank steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 2 hours. This will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Don’t skip preheating your air fryer! This step is crucial for achieving a great sear and ensuring even cooking.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of your steak and your air fryer model. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; aim for 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
- Slice Against the Grain: To ensure each bite is tender, slice the carne asada against the grain. This technique breaks up the muscle fibers, making for a more enjoyable eating experience.
- Garnish for Freshness: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color to your dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle it on top before serving!
- Pair with Your Favorites: Serve your carne asada with warm tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that will satisfy your cravings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 442kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
