Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak: Make this incredibly crispy air fryer version for a healthier take on comfort food. Enjoy golden-brown perfection and tender beef.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cube steaks
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce

Method

 

1. In a large shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder. Whisk thoroughly until well combined.
2. In a second separate bowl, whisk together the egg and hot sauce until fully mixed.
3. Take each cube steak and first dip it into the dry flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, dip it back into the dry flour mixture for a double coating.
4. Repeat the breading process for all your cube steaks and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Lightly spray both sides of each prepared, breaded cube steak with oil cooking spray.
6. Prepare your air fryer basket by spraying it with olive oil cooking spray or lining it with perforated parchment paper.
7. Place the breaded cube steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes per side.
8. Carefully flip each steak using a spatula, spray once more with olive oil cooking spray, and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the coating is crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.

Notes

– For extra crispy chicken fried steak, ensure your air fryer is preheated and don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary. – Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; beef cube steak is typically safe at 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, or 160°F (71°C) for well-done. – If your breading isn’t sticking, lightly press the flour mixture onto the steak after each dip to help it adhere better. – Leftover chicken fried steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for best crispness.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

The Science of Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

Achieving that perfect crispy coating on chicken fried steak in the air fryer relies on a few key principles. Firstly, the coating’s structure is crucial. The combination of all-purpose flour with baking powder creates a lighter, crispier crust than plain flour alone. Baking powder, a chemical leavener, produces carbon dioxide gas when heated, creating small pockets that expand and contribute to a brittle texture. Secondly, the egg acts as a binder, ensuring the flour mixture adheres effectively to the cube steak. The hot sauce mixed into the egg wash adds a touch of moisture and acidity, which can help tenderize the meat slightly and also contributes to browning. The air fryer’s circulating hot air is the final element, mimicking deep-frying by rapidly cooking the exterior, driving off moisture, and promoting the Maillard reaction – the complex chemical process responsible for the desirable browning and savory flavors. Proper preheating of the air fryer is essential to immediately begin the crisping process upon insertion of the coated steak, preventing sogginess.

Troubleshooting

• Soggy Coating: Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded, allowing air to circulate freely around each piece of steak. Also, make sure the steaks are fully coated and that the air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature before adding the food.
• Coating Falling Off: Pat the cube steaks very dry before dipping them in the egg wash. Ensure the egg wash is evenly distributed and that the flour mixture is pressed on firmly.
• Uneven Browning: Flip the chicken fried steaks halfway through the cooking time. If some pieces are browning much faster than others, you may need to rearrange them in the basket or remove them early if they reach desired crispness.
• Tough Steak: Cube steak is already tenderized, but overcooking can still make it tough. Cook only until the coating is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature of the steak reaches a safe level (around 160-165°F).

Substitutions

• All-Purpose Flour: You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The crispiness might be slightly different, but it will still yield a good result.
• Hot Sauce: If you prefer not to use hot sauce, a tablespoon of milk or buttermilk can be used in the egg wash. This will still help bind the coating but will omit the slight tang and heat.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika can be used instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor profile in the coating.
• Cube Steaks: While cube steaks are traditional, thinly pounded boneless chicken breast or pork cutlets can be used. Adjust cooking time as needed based on thickness to ensure they cook through without drying out.

Pro tips

– For extra crispy chicken fried steak, ensure your air fryer is preheated and don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary. – Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; beef cube steak is typically safe at 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, or 160°F (71°C) for well-done. – If your breading isn’t sticking, lightly press the flour mixture onto the steak after each dip to help it adhere better. – Leftover chicken fried steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for best crispness.

This air fryer chicken fried steak recipe proves you don’t need a deep fryer for delicious, crispy results. Enjoy this healthier twist on a classic comfort food, and feel free to serve it with your favorite sides!

Frequently asked questions

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