You won’t find a more flavorful recipe than this Air Fryer Skirt Steak! Marinated with soy sauce, lime juice, and olive oil, the steak is then seasoned with a combination of savory spices before it's cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
This affordable cut of meat is a great option if you are in the mood for steak but don’t want to break the bank. Plus, its thin and long shape ensures that it cooks up evenly and thoroughly.
If you like this air fryer steak recipe, you will love these Fajita Nachos With Steak, Slow Cooker Flank Steak and this Steak Ranchero.
Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Skirt Steak Recipe
- Customizable. You can easily swap out the marinade or seasonings to create different flavor combinations.
- Budget-Friendly. Skirt steak is a less expensive cut of steak that cooks up tender and delicious in the air fryer.
- Quick and Easy. Using the air fryer saves time but also reduces clean up so you are in and out of the kitchen more quickly.
Ingredients
- Skirt Steak: Known by steak lovers for being an affordable cut of beef that has robust flavor and is tender when cooked properly. You can substitute skirt steak with flank steak, hanger steak, or flat iron steak.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the steak. White pepper or a blend of spices work well in place of black pepper.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: These seasonings add depth of flavor to the dish.
- Olive Oil: Used in the marinade to help the flavors penetrate the meat and prevent it from drying out during cooking. Substitute it with avocado oil or another neutral-tasting oil if you prefer.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a rich, umami flavor to the marinade, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. For a gluten-free option, you can use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Lime Juice: The acidity in lime juice helps to tenderize the meat and adds a bright, citrusy note to the marinade. Lemon juice, orange juice, or vinegar (such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar) work well too.
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and exact quantities of each one.
Variations
- Change the marinade: Use your favorite steak or barbecue sauce, this Texas Roadhouse Steak Sauce or this Honey Hot Sauce make great options.
- Modify the seasonings: Instead of pepper, garlic, and onion powder, use dried basil, oregano, thyme, or any of your favorite dried spices.
- Kick up the heat: Add red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the dried spices, or mix a touch of sriracha into the marinade.
- For a deeper flavor: Mix Worcestershire sauce or red wine into the marinade for a stronger, savory flavor.
How to Make Skirt Steak in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Make the marinade. Combine the olive oil, soy sauce, and lime juice and mix well.
Step 2: Marinate the steak. Add the skirt steak to the marinade and turn it over to coat both sides. Allow the meat to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Step 3: Prepare the seasoning mixture. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to a bowl and stir to combine.
Step 4: Season the steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and rub both sides with the seasoning mixture.
Step 5: Place steak in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer and then place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket.
Step 6: Air fry. Cook the steak for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
If you love making steak in the air fryer, you'll also love this Air Fryer Round Steak.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Allow the cooked skirt steak to cool completely before storing. Wrap it in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cooled skirt steak in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Then place the skirt steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway during cooking, until it's heated through.
Serving Suggestions
This easy skirt steak goes well with loads of dishes to create great tasting meals. Here are some great ideas for serving it.
- Pair it with a salad like this Tortellini Pesto Salad, this Spinach Salad With Goat Cheese, or this Easy Asparagus Salad.
- Serve your steak with this Coconut Ginger Rice or this Jamaican Rice and Peas on the side along with this Air Fryer Garlic Bread or Onion Soup Bread.
- Repurpose the leftovers by adding them to your favorite salad, burritos, tacos, nachos, and more!
Recipe Tips
- Marinating the Steak: We don't recommend marinating the steak for longer than 2 hours because the acidic ingredients in the marinade may start to break down the meat fibers and gives them a mushy texture.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak and avoid overcooking. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
- Allow the Steak to Rest: Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Slicing the Steak: Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
FAQ
We don't recommend cooking the steak from frozen because it can lead to uneven cooking and a tough texture. For best results, thaw the steak in the refrigerator overnight before marinating and cooking.
Yes, you can cook the marinated skirt steak in the oven or on the grill. For the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and then cook the steak on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes per side. For the grill, cook over direct high heat for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak.
More Delicious Air Fryer Dishes
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Air Fryer Skirt Steak Recipe
Equipment
- Equipment
- Shallow dish or resealable plastic bag (for marinating)
Ingredients
- 1 lb skirt steak
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon lime juice about 2 limes
Instructions
- In a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, and lime juice. Mix them really well.
- Add the skirt steak to the quick marinade and turn it over to coat both sides. Cover the dish or seal the bag and marinate the steak at room temperature for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and then discard the remaining marinade.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over both sides of the steak, pressing it into the meat so it sticks.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned skirt steak in the preheated air fryer basket and cook it for about 8-10 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through cooking, until it reaches your desired doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C).
- Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest uncovered for 5 minutes before placing it on a cutting board and slicing it using a sharp knife. Serve the sliced steak with your side dishes. I like having mine with cilantro-lime rice.
Notes
- Marinating the Steak: We don't recommend marinating the steak for longer than 2 hours because the acidic ingredients in the marinade can start to break down the meat fibers and give them a mushy texture.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak and avoid overcooking. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
- Allow the Steak to Rest: Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Slicing the Steak: Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
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