Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that's as fun to eat as it is to make! These Spicy Air Fryer Steak Fingers are the perfect blend of crispy, savory, and just the right amount of kick. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you'll have juicy, flavorful steak fingers that are healthier than traditional frying and absolutely addictive. Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and discover why everyone is raving about these spicy delights!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Remove flank steak from refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels. Cut steak into uniform strips approximately 1-inch wide and 3-4 inches long, ensuring even cooking.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: First dish with flour, second with beaten eggs, third with breadcrumbs mixed with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Season steak strips with additional salt and pepper before coating. Dredge each strip first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange coated steak strips in a single layer in air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in multiple batches.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until breadcrumbs are golden brown and steak reaches desired internal temperature (medium-rare: 135°F, medium: 145°F).
- Remove steak fingers from air fryer and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or spicy aioli.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Flank steak is ideal for this recipe due to its tenderness and flavor, but you can also use sirloin or ribeye if you prefer. Just ensure the strips are uniform for even cooking.
- Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning your steak strips before breading. A little extra salt and pepper can elevate the flavor significantly.
- Maintain Airflow: To achieve that perfect crispy texture, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each steak finger gets the heat it needs.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium to ensure juicy steak fingers.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the steak fingers to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite even more delicious.
- Dipping Sauce: Pair these steak fingers with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or spicy aioli, for an extra burst of flavor that will keep you coming back for more!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 135mg
