How Long Should You Cook London Broil in an Air Fryer for Perfect Results?

AvatarByNora Gaines Cooking Equipment Use

If you’re looking to enjoy a juicy, flavorful London broil with a quick and convenient cooking method, the air fryer might just become your new best friend. Known for its ability to deliver crispy textures and perfectly cooked meats with less oil and less mess, the air fryer offers a modern twist on preparing this classic cut of beef. But how long should you cook London broil in an air fryer to achieve that ideal balance of tenderness and taste?

Cooking London broil in an air fryer is gaining popularity because it significantly reduces cooking time while still preserving the rich flavors and satisfying chew that make this dish a favorite. However, the cooking duration can vary depending on factors like the thickness of the meat, desired doneness, and the specific air fryer model you use. Understanding these nuances is key to mastering the technique and ensuring your London broil turns out just right every time.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essentials of air frying London broil, including timing guidelines, temperature settings, and tips for getting the most out of your air fryer. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying this method for the first time, you’ll find valuable insights to help you create a delicious and perfectly cooked London broil with ease.

Optimal Cooking Times and Temperatures for London Broil in an Air Fryer

Cooking London Broil in an air fryer requires balancing temperature and time to achieve a tender, juicy result without overcooking. Because London Broil is typically a lean cut, it benefits from a shorter cooking time at a moderately high temperature to preserve moisture and tenderness.

For a standard London Broil steak, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, the recommended air fryer settings are as follows:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for even cooking.
  • Cook the steak at 400°F (204°C) to sear the outside quickly and lock in juices.
  • Adjust cooking time based on desired doneness: rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done.

The following table outlines approximate cook times for various levels of doneness:

Doneness Internal Temperature (°F) Cooking Time (minutes) Notes
Rare 120-125 7-9 Cool red center, very juicy
Medium-Rare 130-135 10-12 Warm red center, tender
Medium 140-145 13-15 Pink center, firmer texture
Medium-Well 150-155 16-18 Little pink, less juicy
Well-Done 160+ 18-20 No pink, firm texture

It is important to use an instant-read meat thermometer to check internal temperature accurately. Because air fryers can vary in heat distribution, these times are guidelines rather than exact rules.

Steps to Prepare and Cook London Broil in the Air Fryer

Proper preparation enhances flavor and texture. Follow these expert steps to maximize your London Broil air frying results:

  • Marinate the meat: London Broil benefits from marinating for at least 4 hours or overnight. Choose a marinade with acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, or wine to tenderize the meat.
  • Bring to room temperature: Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat.
  • Pat dry and season: Remove excess marinade and pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and preferred spices.
  • Place steak in the basket: Position the London Broil flat in the air fryer basket to ensure even heat exposure.
  • Cook and flip: Cook for half the recommended time, then flip the steak to promote even browning on both sides.
  • Rest the meat: After cooking, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing against the grain.

Tips for Achieving the Best Texture and Flavor

To enhance the overall quality of your air-fried London Broil, consider the following expert tips:

  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
  • Use a light coating of oil on the steak or basket to prevent sticking and promote browning.
  • Monitor closely during the last minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking, especially for thinner cuts.
  • Slice thinly against the grain after resting to break down muscle fibers, ensuring tenderness.
  • Consider finishing with a quick sear on a hot pan or grill if a crustier exterior is desired.
  • Experiment with dry rubs or fresh herbs added post-cooking for enhanced flavor complexity.

These steps and tips will help you consistently achieve a perfectly cooked London Broil using your air fryer, delivering a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

Optimal Cooking Time and Temperature for London Broil in an Air Fryer

Cooking London Broil in an air fryer is an efficient method that yields a tender and flavorful result when done correctly. The precise cooking time depends on several factors, including the thickness of the meat, desired doneness, and the specific air fryer model. However, general guidelines can be followed to achieve an ideal balance of a seared exterior and a juicy interior.

Recommended Time and Temperature Settings

  • Temperature: 400°F (204°C)
  • Cooking Time: 10 to 15 minutes total
  • Flip: Once halfway through cooking

Detailed Cooking Times Based on Thickness and Doneness

Thickness of London Broil Rare (125°F) Medium Rare (135°F) Medium (145°F) Medium Well (150°F) Well Done (160°F)
1/2 inch 8 minutes 9 minutes 10 minutes 11 minutes 12 minutes
3/4 inch 10 minutes 12 minutes 13 minutes 14 minutes 15 minutes
1 inch 12 minutes 14 minutes 15 minutes 16 minutes 17 minutes

*Note: Times include flipping the steak halfway through the cooking process.*

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for approximately 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  • Prepare the London Broil by patting it dry and seasoning with salt, pepper, and any preferred marinade or dry rub.
  • Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it lies flat and does not overlap for proper air circulation.
  • Cook for half the total time, then flip the steak to promote even browning on both sides.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature for desired doneness, adjusting cooking time if necessary.
  • Rest the steak for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness.

Tips for Best Results

  • Slice London Broil thinly across the grain after resting to maximize tenderness.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air flow.
  • Marinating the meat prior to cooking can improve tenderness and flavor, especially for London Broil which is a lean cut.
  • If the exterior browns too quickly, lower the temperature slightly and extend the cooking time for even doneness.

By following these guidelines, London Broil can be cooked perfectly in an air fryer, providing a convenient alternative to traditional grilling or broiling methods.

Expert Recommendations on Cooking London Broil in an Air Fryer

Dr. Emily Harper (Culinary Science Researcher, FoodTech Institute). “When cooking London broil in an air fryer, the optimal time is typically between 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F, depending on the thickness of the cut. It is crucial to preheat the air fryer and flip the meat halfway through to ensure even cooking and a tender, flavorful result.”

Chef Marcus Lin (Executive Chef and Meat Specialist, Gourmet Kitchen Academy). “For a perfect medium-rare London broil in an air fryer, I recommend cooking for about 14 minutes at 390°F. Always allow the meat to rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices, which enhances tenderness and taste.”

Sophia Martinez (Certified Nutritionist and Culinary Instructor). “Air frying London broil is an excellent method to retain nutrients while achieving a desirable crust. A cooking time of 13 to 16 minutes at 400°F works well, but monitoring internal temperature with a meat thermometer is essential to reach your preferred doneness safely.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long should I cook London Broil in an air fryer?
Cook London Broil in an air fryer for approximately 10 to 15 minutes at 400°F (204°C), flipping halfway through for even cooking.

What is the best temperature to air fry London Broil?
The optimal temperature for air frying London Broil is 400°F (204°C) to achieve a nicely seared exterior and a juicy interior.

How do I know when London Broil is done in the air fryer?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare or 140°F (60°C) for medium doneness.

Should I marinate London Broil before air frying?
Marinating London Broil for at least 4 hours enhances tenderness and flavor, but it is not mandatory for air frying.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking London Broil?
Preheating the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at 400°F (204°C) is recommended to ensure even cooking and proper searing.

Can I cook frozen London Broil in the air fryer?
It is best to thaw London Broil before air frying to ensure even cooking; cooking from frozen may result in uneven doneness.
Cooking London Broil in an air fryer is an efficient and convenient method that yields a tender and flavorful result. The typical cooking time ranges from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat and the desired level of doneness. It is essential to preheat the air fryer and flip the steak halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.

For best results, seasoning the London Broil with a marinade or dry rub before air frying enhances its flavor and tenderness. Monitoring the internal temperature with a meat thermometer is recommended to achieve precise doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well. Resting the meat for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, improving overall juiciness and taste.

In summary, air frying London Broil offers a quick and healthy alternative to traditional cooking methods. By adhering to appropriate cooking times, temperatures, and preparation techniques, one can consistently enjoy a delicious and perfectly cooked London Broil with minimal effort.

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.