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How to Air Fry Pork Shoulder Steaks: A Delicious and Simple Guide

Air frying has become a popular cooking method in recent years, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying while still delivering that sought-after crispiness. One cut of meat that works remarkably well in an air fryer is the pork shoulder steak. Known for its rich flavour and succulent texture, pork shoulder steak is versatile and easy to prepare. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to perfectly air fry pork shoulder steaks, ensuring a delicious meal every time.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather the following ingredients and tools:

Ingredients:

• Pork shoulder steaks (2 to 4, depending on serving size)
• Olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
• Salt and pepper
• Optional seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried herbs)

Tools:

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Preparation Steps

1. Choose the Right Cut: Look for pork shoulder steaks that are well-marbled with fat for the best flavour and tenderness. They should have a good amount of meat, with a slight pink hue, indicating freshness.

2. Marinate or Season: You can either marinate the pork for a few hours or overnight for maximum flavour or simply season them just before cooking. If marinating, consider a mixture of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and your choice of spices. If you prefer quick seasoning, a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika can work wonders.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Most air fryers require a preheating step to ensure even cooking. Set your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.

4. Prepare the Pork Steaks: If you’ve marinated the pork, remove excess marinade but don’t rinse. For seasoned steaks, lightly brush both sides with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and to promote browning.

5. Place in the Air Fryer Basket: Arrange the pork shoulder steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook in batches.

6. Cooking Time: Cook the pork shoulder steaks at 180°C (356°F) for 12-15 minutes. Flip the steaks halfway through cooking for even browning. For larger or thicker cuts, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

7. Check for Doneness: Using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature has reached at least 70°C (160°F) to ensure the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into one of the steaks; the juices should run clear with no pink visible.

8. Rest the Meat: Once cooked, remove the steaks from the air fryer and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps to lock in the juices, resulting in a more succulent steak.

9. Serve: Slice the pork shoulder steaks against the grain and serve with your preferred sides. These steaks pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Tips for Perfect Air Fried Pork Shoulder Steaks

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. It’s better to cook in batches if necessary.
• Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to try different marinades and seasonings to suit your palate. Asian-inspired marinades with soy sauce and ginger can give a lovely twist.
• Add a Crunch: For an extra crunch, consider coating the steaks in a mix of bread crumbs and herbs before air frying.

Conclusion

Air frying pork shoulder steaks is a straightforward and efficient way to prepare a hearty meal with minimal fuss. The air fryer not only cooks the steaks quickly but also ensures they retain their moisture and beautifully brown on the outside. Enjoy your perfectly air-fried pork shoulder steaks with family and friends – they’re sure to be a hit!

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