Published:
Feb 15th 2022
by 
Last updated: Dec 18th 2024
Flank steak often gets a bad rep for being tough. But as long as it is sliced across the grain, flank steak is tender and loaded with a beefy flavor. This Air Fryer Flank Steak is no different. It is coated with a dry rub and cooked perfectly to medium-rare.
Best of all, this keto recipe is served with a chili sauce that takes ordinary blank steak to another level. Make sure you purchase a flank steak that is 1-inch in thickness, and you will end up with a tender, flavorful air fryer flank steak.
- The air fryer cooks the steak to juicy perfection while the marinade and glaze deliver bold Asian flavors that rival your favorite takeout spot.
- The air fryer makes cooking the steak a breeze, with minimal prep and clean-up required.
- The marinade infuses the steak with savory goodness, and the sweet and spicy glaze adds an exciting kick. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Flank steak is a lean cut of meat, and the glaze uses a sugar-free sweetener, making this dish a delicious option for those following a keto diet.
- Slice your flank steak against the grain. The grain refers to the muscle fibers, and slicing against them creates shorter pieces that are easier to chew.
- Don't overcook your steak - flank steak is lean and dries out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired doneness (130°F for medium-rare).
- You can omit xanthan gum for a thinner sauce, or thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and whisk into the simmering glaze).
- If you don't have brown Swerve, use another keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust the amount to taste, as sweetness can vary between brands.
- Steamed rice: A bed of fluffy white rice is a perfect base for soaking up the delicious glaze.
- Sesame noodles: Cold sesame noodles offer a refreshing contrast to the warm steak and add a delightful textural element.
- Stir-fried vegetables: A colorful mix of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and peppers adds a healthy dose of vitamins and complements the Asian flavors of the dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes offer a healthy and flavorful side dish.
For the Glaze:
- Unseasoned rice vinegar: This mild vinegar adds a subtle tanginess to the glaze, balancing the sweetness and heat from other ingredients. Look for a rice vinegar labeled "unseasoned" to avoid adding unexpected flavors.
- Garlic & ginger: These aromatics form the base of the flavor profile. Freshly grated garlic and ginger add a pungent kick that mellows slightly during cooking.
- Tamari: A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, tamari provides a rich umami flavor without the wheat.
- Xanthan gum: This thickening agent helps create a nice glazed consistency. A small amount goes a long way, so be sure to measure carefully.
- Brown swerve sugar-free sweetener: This keto-friendly sweetener adds a touch of sweetness to the glaze without the sugar.
- Garlic chili sauce & keto hot sauce: The duo responsible for the "spicy" in "Spicy Asian Glaze." Adjust the amount of hot sauce depending on your heat preference. Garlic chili sauce offers a combination of heat and savory garlic flavor.
For the Flank Steak:
- Flank steak: The star of the show! Flank steak is a lean cut with a rich beefy flavor. Due to its leanness, it's important to marinate and cook it properly to avoid dryness.
- Brown swerve sugar-free sweetener: A touch of sweetness complements the savory marinade and pairs well with the sweet and spicy glaze.
- Spices: A combination of coarse salt, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, dried parsley, and paprika creates a flavorful crust on the steak. Experiment with different spice blends to find your favorite combination.
How long does a flank steak take to cook in air fryer?
Flank steak takes 4-5 minutes to cook in the air fryer. However, if you want a temperature above medium-rare, cook the flank steak for 5-7 minutes per side.
Should flank steak be marinated?
Marinating flank steak increases its tenderness, so yes, it is a good idea to marinate flank steak, but it is not the only way to tenderize it. You can also tenderize flank steak by pounding it with a meat mallet.
Is flank steak unhealthy?
Flank steak is very healthy. In fact, flank steak is one of the healthiest cuts of beef. It has fewer calories and more protein than popular steaks like Ribeye. A 100-gram serving of flank steak contains 141 calories, 21.57 grams of which are protein. In contrast, a 100-gram serving of Ribeye steak has 241 calories, 17.51 grams of which are protein.
Is flank steak the same as flat iron steak?
Flank steak is definitely not the same as flat iron steak. They come from different parts of the animal. Flank steak is fabricated from the hindquarters, while flat iron steak is cut from the neck and shoulder of the cow.
How to make Flank Steak in Air Fryer?
Whip up a restaurant-worthy meal in your air fryer with this juicy flank steak! First, simmer a spicy Asian glaze with tamari, garlic, ginger, and a touch of hot sauce. While it cools, let your steak come to room temperature and prepare a flavorful dry rub.
Then, it's air fryer time! How to air fry flank steak? Cook it to your liking (medium-rare is around 4-5 minutes per side), let it rest for tender perfection, and slice it thin against the grain. Finally, drizzle with the cooled glaze for maximum flavor!
Time & Serves
Ingredients
1/4 cup Unseasoned Rice Vinegar
1/2 cup Water
3 cloves Garlic, grated
1 tablespoon Grated, Ginger
2 tablespoons Tamari
1/4 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
1/4 cup Brown Swerve Sugar-Free Sweetener
2 tablespoons Garlic Chili Sauce
2 tablespoons Keto Hot Sauce
1 pound Flank Steak
1 tablespoon Brown Swerve Sugar-Free Sweetener
1 teaspoon Coarse Salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked Black Pepper
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Dry Mustard Powder
1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
1 teaspoon Paprika
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