Air Fryer Carne Asada - Quick and Easy Guide
Learn how to make tender and flavorful carne asada in the air fryer. Perfectly cooked with a delicious sear, it's a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic dish!
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer Essential for cooking carne asada evenly with a perfect sear.
- 1 Meat thermometer Useful for checking the internal temperature to ensure perfect doneness (145°F/63°C for medium-rare).
- Mixing bowl To prepare and mix the marinade.
- 1 Tongs For flipping the meat halfway through cooking without damaging it.
- Cutting Board Necessary for slicing the meat against the grain after cooking.
- Sharp Knife To cut the meat precisely into thin and uniform slices.
- Brush (optional) To lightly oil the air fryer basket if needed, preventing the meat from sticking.
Ingredients
- 17 ounces pound skirt steak or flank steak
- 2 tablespoons tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Limes to squeeze
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon teaspoon salt
Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sliced onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- Marinate the Meat: Add the sliced carne asada to the marinade, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and preheat for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Carne Asada: Remove excess marinade from the meat and place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes for thin slices, flipping halfway through. For thicker cuts, cook for 8-10 minutes.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.
- Rest the Meat: Let the carne asada rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the meat against the grain and serve with your favorite sides, like tortillas, rice, or grilled vegetables.
Video
Notes
- Air Fryer Size: If your air fryer has a smaller basket, cook the carne asada in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Meat Thermometer Tip: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat for the most accurate reading.
- Non-Stick Tip: If your air fryer basket is prone to sticking, lightly grease it with oil using the brush or a paper towel.
- Knife Sharpness: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts against the grain, making the carne asada tender and easy to chew.
- Tongs vs. Forks: Always use tongs to flip the meat. Piercing it with a fork can cause juices to escape, making the meat less juicy.
- Have extra carne asada? Use it in one of these 10 Best Recipes for Leftover Carne Asada to create tacos, burritos, or even pizza!"
Nutrition
Serving: 4ozCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mg
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