How to Cook a Steak From Frozen Solid in 20 Min... in an Air Fryer

There are a lot of tools, methods and equipment that can be used to make a great steak. There are not a lot of options when it comes to a piece of steak that's still frozen-solid.

I can't be the only person out there who has a freezer full of food and then forgets to pull it out to thaw. Can't tell you how many times I served cereal for dinner because no-one though to take the meat out of the freezer.

In this Instructable I will show you how to cook a steak from frozen using an air fryer. This can save you in case you forget to pull the meat out of the freezer or find yourself with an unscheduled craving.

This method of cooking creates a wonderfully juicy steak. It's hard to believe, but despite being cooked from frozen, there is no change in texture, taste or quality.

# air fryer of any size

# frozen-solid steak at least 1 inch thick, but no thicker than 2 inches

# salt and pepper + seasonings

# olive oil or alternative

# additional fixings like carbs and veggies to complete a meal

You want the meat to be between 1 and 2 inches thick. 1.5 inch is the optimal thickness. Thinner steaks can be cooked using this method as well, but they will most likely end up being well done or just on the verge. Ideally, you should also use a cut with a lot of marbling, as fat will make the steak more flavorsome.

Preheat the air fryer while you deal with the steak.

Take it out of the freezer and coat liberally with olive oil on both sides and also edges. Sprinkle with a lot of salt, then add your spices and seasonings. Dried or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary or oregano.

Put the frozen steak (or steaks) directly on top of the shelf, don't use parchment or any liners.

Cook at 200C (400F) for 12 minutes. After the initial 12 min, flip the steak over and cook for further 12 minutes.

This timing should result in a medium rare to medium well done steak.

There is no way to accurately predict how the steak will be cooked without testing it a few times. Each air fryer is different and it also depends on the cut of the steak.

I've cooked it a few times before, so I know that 24 min at 200C will get me a medium-well steak.

My advice is this: cook your steak for 10 min on each side for the first time. Take it out and let it rest before tasting.

If it's overcooked, next time cook it 1-2 min shorter; if it's under cooked- cook it 1-2 min longer.

10 min on each side is a good bet either way.

Take out and let it rest on a chopping board for 5-10 min.

Rest time for a cooked steak is as important as a nap time is for a toddler. You have to let it rest for optimal results- meat will be more relaxed, all the liquid inside will redistribute and render the steak more juicy and less bloody. In the 5-10 min that the steak is resting you can finish cooking any side dishes or set the table.

I always keep parboiled veggies in my fridge. Potatoes, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, carrots. They are cooked in water (or steamed) in larger batches at the beginning of the week and then used as needed throughout the week. Very easy to just grab a handful of this or that and drop in the air fryer. Very convenient for adults and kids alike.

All I need to do is to add a bit of oil and seasoning, pop into the air fryer and cook for 5-10 min at 170-180C.