When craving a simple yet delicious dinner, you can’t go wrong with a good steak. You can pair it with so many things, from sauces and marinades to potatoes and noodles, making it a real all-rounder that rarely misses.
However, cooking steaks to perfection isn’t always easy. It’s down to your personal preference, whether you like your steak rare, well done, or anything in between. But the slightest mistake could ruin your steak, which is never ideal when you’re hungry and in need of some protein.
However, a foolproof steak cooking technique is loved by the world’s strongest man, Tom Stoltman, from Invergordon, Scotland.
The three-time world champion recently took to Instagram to show off his go-to method: the humble air fryer.
In the video, Tom adds a generous knob of butter to the top of each steak before cooking for 13 minutes. And while the reviews in the comments were quite mixed, experts from Campbell’s Meat say that this is a great way to cook your steak – but it’s got to be done right.
A spokesperson said: “Despite the controversy, we can’t fault Tom for his uncommon yet easy to follow method when it comes to cooking the perfect steak. Air fryers are a great addition to any kitchen and can be used to cook a variety of different meats and dishes, and steak is no different.”
How to cook steak in the air fryer
First, choosing the right cut is crucial. The experts recommend opting for a ribeye or sirloin which are about one inch thick. Preheat the air fryer to between 200C-230C and season your steak generously with salt, pepper and a dash of oil.
Depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness, it will usually take six to ten minutes for your steak to cook.
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the internal temperature of your preferred doneness.
The experts at Campbell’s Meat recommend the following temperatures for each level:
- 52C for rare
- 57C for medium-rare
- 63C for medium
- 66C for medium/well
- 71C for well done

