Don’t you love a plate of warm, crispy steak fingers? If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to reheat your favorite fast food at home, then an air fryer is the perfect solution. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to reheat steak fingers in the air fryer so that they come out just as delicious as when you first had them!
Can You Reheat Cooked Steak Fingers in An Air Fryer?
Yes, you can reheat cooked steak fingers in an air fryer. An air fryer is great for quickly and evenly reheating cooked foods like steak fingers. The air frying process uses hot air to crisp up the outside of the steak fingers while gently warming them through, giving them a perfectly cooked texture with a crunchy exterior. It’s a much healthier way to reheat food than deep frying and can be done quickly and easily with an air fryer.
How Long Do You Reheat Steak Fingers in An Air Fryer?
Reheating steak fingers in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Depending on the thickness of the steak, the reheating time will vary – usually between 3 to 6 minutes. To ensure that the steak is cooked to the desired doneness, it’s recommended to preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes before adding the steak in a single layer. After flipping the steak halfway through, check if they’re warm and adjust cook time as needed. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also bake these steak fingers at 425°F for 12-14 minutes.
How to Reheat Steak Fingers in Air Fryer?
Reheating steak fingers in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal in a fraction of the time. Here are the steps to follow:
- Start by preheating the air fryer to 350°F.
- Take the steak fingers out of the refrigerator and allow them to come up to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
- Lightly coat the steak fingers with vegetable oil spray and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8 minutes, carefully turning it over halfway through.
- Check that the internal temperature of the steak fingers has reached at least 165°F before serving.
Enjoy your delicious reheated steak fingers!
How to Check Reheat Steak Fingers for Doneness?
Checking the doneness of reheated steak fingers is easy with this guide.
First, determine the thickness of your steak fingers. This will determine how long they will need to be in the oven. A 1 1/2-inch steak will take about 90 seconds to two minutes to reheat. Preheat the oven, then place the steak fingers inside and let them cook for 20 to 30 minutes, checking regularly.
Next, warm a skillet on medium-high heat and add some oil until it smokes. Place the steak fingers in the pan and sear each side for 60 seconds or until a thermometer reads 125°. This will help keep the reheating process even and prevent your steak from overcooking.
Finally, check for doneness without a meat thermometer with the handy finger test method. Touch your thumb and forefinger together and press on the fleshy part below your thumb (illustrated in the photo). It should feel soft to the touch when your steak fingers are done.
By following these steps, you can easily check for doneness on reheated steak fingers.
Serving idea with Steak Finger
- If you’re looking for a classic side dish to go with your steak fingers, mashed potatoes are always a safe bet. Add a little extra flavor with a dollop of dill butter to make the perfect accompaniment.
- French fries are another popular side dish for steak fingers. Serve them up with plenty of ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and easy snack.
- For a more unusual side dish, try stir-fried vegetables. They’ll add an Asian twist to your meal and provide plenty of nutrients too!
- For an extra crunchy side dish, try crispy potatoes. These golden potatoes are deep-fried for an extra crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with steak fingers.
- Try grapes if you want something light and summery to serve with your steak fingers! The sweet and tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the savory steak strips.
- Finally, remember to serve up some country gravy! This creamy white gravy is the perfect dipping sauce for steak fingers, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Reheated Steak Fingers
- For perfectly reheated steak fingers, start by taking the steak out of the fridge and putting it in a microwave-safe dish. Be sure to pour some gravy or meat juices over the top to keep it moist.
- Reheat in the microwave in increments of 30 seconds on a medium heat setting.
- Preheat your oven to 250°F—this low temperature will help retain your steak’s juices. Set a wire rack over the top of a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.
- Air frying is an easy way to reheat steak fingers. Place them in the basket and set your air fryer to 350°F for 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cut.
- To get that perfect sear, preheat your oven to 250°F and then transfer the steak to a shallow baking sheet with a steady cooling rack for about 10 minutes before searing it for 2-3 minutes per side.
FAQS
Is It Better to Reheat Steak in Microwave or Air Fryer?
Reheating steak in the air fryer is often seen as the best option. It cooks the steak quickly and evenly without running the risk of overcooking it as you do with an oven. Air fryers are especially good for reheating steak fingers and thin steaks, as heat only takes three to five minutes. To get the best results, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, add the steak in a single layer, then give it a light spray or brush with olive oil before air frying for six to eight minutes, flipping halfway. Four to five minutes should be enough for thicker steaks like ribeye.
Can You Put Aluminum Foil in An Air Fryer?
Yes, you can put aluminum foil in an air fryer, which is helpful. It is safe to use a small amount of foil in the bottom of the basket as long as it does not cover the entire basket. However, following safety protocols and not overdoing it with aluminum foil is important. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, so check the manufacturer’s instructions and watch your food to ensure it stays upright.
Do You Need to Preheat Air Fryer Before Reheating Food?
Using an air fryer to reheat leftovers can help bring back the signature crispiness that many of us love. Preheating the air fryer before cooking is not always necessary, but in some cases, it can be beneficial. For example, if you are reheating thick cuts of raw or frozen meats like frozen bone-in chicken breasts, preheating will help ensure even cooking. When preheating, always ensure the fry basket is inside the unit. Once the preheating process is finished, place the food in the air fryer basket. If you’re short on time, you can skip preheating when reheating leftovers, as it usually has little effect. However, if you don’t preheat, you may need to add an extra few minutes to the cooking time as your food may cook less evenly, and the outside will get less crispy. An air fryer can be a great way to reheat leftovers quickly and efficiently!
Conclusion
And there you have it—a quick and easy way to reheat steak fingers in your air fryer! I hope you found this post helpful, and if you have any ideas for other delicious recipes that can be cooked in an air fryer, please let us know in the comments below. Bon appetit!
References:
https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/can-you-put-foil-in-air-fryer
https://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/meat/activity-fingertest.html
I love cooking. There’s something about taking a bunch of disparate ingredients and turning them into a cohesive, delicious meal that just really scratches an itch for me. I’m not the world’s best cook, but I enjoy it and am always looking to learn more.
Plus, it’s a great way to show my loved ones that I care about them. When I cook for someone, I’m telling them that I want them to be happy and well-fed – and isn’t that really the best thing you can say to someone?
