With simple ingredients and minimal effort, air fryer carne asada can spice up your meal time. It is a quick and easy weeknight dish that whole of your family and friends will love. The ingredients of this recipe are not very costly but offer flavorful and tender results.
In this post, you will learn how to cook carne asada in air fryer, tips for the best results, variations, and much more.
Meat Selection for Air Fryer Carne Asada
If you want to make the perfect Air Fryer Carne Asada, the best meat choices are flank steak and skirt steak. These cuts of beef are ideal because they are both flavorful and relatively lean, which makes them excellent candidates for this recipe.
They absorb the marinade and retain their juiciness during the air frying process. Flank steak and skirt steak are known for their tenderness and perfect carne asada taste. So, whether you choose flank or skirt steak, you are getting ready for a delicious and juicy meal.
Ingredients
- Flank or Skirt Steak - 1 pound
- Fresh Lime Juice - 1/4 cup
- Fresh Orange Juice - 1/4 cup
- Ground Cumin - 1 teaspoon
- Chili Powder - 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder - 1 teaspoon
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro - 2 tablespoons
- Dried Oregano - 1 teaspoon
- Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Paper Towels
- Resealable Bag or Shallow Dish
- Tongs
- Meat Thermometer
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Bowls
How To Cook Air Fryer Carne Asada
- Pat the meat dry using paper towels to remove any moisture.
- In a resealable bag or shallow dish, combine lime juice, orange juice, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, cilantro, oregano, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the meat to the marinade and ensure it is evenly coated with the marinade.
- Now seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Take the marinated meat out and let it reach room temperature.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the meat in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the meat for 5 minutes, flip the side, and cook it again for 5 minutes.
- Once the carne asada is perfectly cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Now, take a sharp knife and slice the meat against the grain into thin strips.
- Your Air Fryer Carne Asada is ready to serve. Enjoy!
How To Check The Donness Of Meat
The internal temperature of the meat may be different according to your desired doneness level.
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium Rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Medium Well: 150°F (66°C)
- Well Done: 160°F (71°C)
When cooking Air Fryer Carne Asada, go with an internal temperature that suits your preferred level of doneness. Using a meat thermometer will ensure that your meat reaches the desired temperature, and you can enjoy a perfectly cooked and flavorful dish.
Tips For Success
- Slice Against the Grain: When cutting your cooked carne asada, be sure to slice against the grain. This ensures maximum tenderness in each bite.
- Experiment with Marinades: Don't hesitate to customize the marinade to match your taste preferences. You can add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes or a hint of sweetness with a touch of honey.
- Don't Overcrowd the Fryer: For that perfect sear, make sure there's enough space between each piece of meat in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Monitor Carefully: Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the meat and the air fryer model. Keep an eye on your carne asada to avoid overcooking.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the cooked meat to rest for a few minutes before slicing helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Serving Suggestions For Air Fryer Carne Asada
- Tacos: Create flavorful carne asada tacos by serving the sliced meat in warm tortillas. Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a flavorful touch.
- Burrito Bowls: Prepare burrito bowls with a base of rice or quinoa, then layer on the sliced carne asada. Add black beans, sautéed peppers and onions, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Salads: Add protein to your salads by placing sliced carne asada on a bed of mixed greens. Top with tomatoes, avocados, corn, and a tangy vinaigrette.
- Quesadillas: Create mouthwatering quesadillas by placing sliced carne asada and shredded cheese between two tortillas. Cook until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Sides: Serve your Air Fryer Carne Asada with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or grilled corn on the cob.
Recipe Variations
- If you want some heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinade. This will give your carne asada a delightful kick.
- Add a touch of sweetness by including a drizzle of honey or maple syrup in the marinade. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is sure to be a hit.
- Experiment with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme in the marinade. The aromatic herbs will add a unique and fragrant flavor to the meat.
- Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder into the marinade for a smoky and slightly spicy profile. Serve the sliced carne asada in smoky-flavored tacos.
How To Store Leftovers
- Allow the cooked carne asada to cool down at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before storing.
- Place the leftover air fryer carne asada in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
- Now refrigerate the leftovers for 3-4 days.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C).
- Reheat the leftovers for 2-3 minutes or until they are properly warmed.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Steak Tips
- Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
- Air Fryer Carrot Chips
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Tasty Air Fryer Baby Carrots Recipe
- Air Fryer Tuna Melt
FAQ's
Can I Use A Different Type Of Meat For Air Fryer Carne Asada?
Yes, you can experiment with different cuts of meat. While flank and skirt steak are traditional choices, you can try cuts like sirloin or even chicken for a unique twist on the classic dish.
How Do I Prevent My Carne Asada From Turning Out Dry?
To avoid dryness, it's essential not to overcook the meat. Follow the recommended cooking time, and use a meat thermometer to ensure you reach your desired level of doneness. Letting the meat rest before slicing also helps retain its juiciness.
Can I Make Air Fryer Carne Asada Without Marinating It For Too Long?
Yes! While longer marination enhances the flavors, you can still achieve a delicious result with a shorter marination time. Even 30 minutes of marination can infuse the meat with enough flavor to make your dish enjoyable.
Can I Use Store-Bought Marinade For Air Fryer Carne Asada?
Absolutely! While making your own marinade allows for customization, you can use pre-made marinades available in stores.
Can I Add Cheese To The Carne Asada While Air Frying?
Certainly! About a minute before the cooking time is done, you can sprinkle grated cheese over the meat and continue air frying until it melts for a cheesy twist.
Air Fryer Carne Asada
⏱️Cook Time
- Prep Time: 05 minutes
- Marinate Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
🥘Ingredients
- Flank or Skirt Steak - 1 pound
- Fresh Lime Juice - 1/4 cup
- Fresh Orange Juice - 1/4 cup
- Ground Cumin - 1 teaspoon
- Chili Powder - 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder - 1 teaspoon
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro - 2 tablespoons
- Dried Oregano - 1 teaspoon
- Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
📝Instructions
- Pat the meat dry using paper towels to remove any moisture.
- In a resealable bag or shallow dish, combine lime juice, orange juice, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, cilantro, oregano, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the meat to the marinade and ensure it is evenly coated with the marinade.
- Now seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Take the marinated meat out and let it reach room temperature.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the meat in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the meat for 5 minutes, flip the side, and cook it again for 5 minutes.
- Once the carne asada is perfectly cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Now, take a sharp knife and slice the meat against the grain into thin strips.
- Your Air Fryer Carne Asada is ready to serve. Enjoy!
📝Recipe Notes
- Slice Against the Grain: When cutting your cooked carne asada, be sure to slice against the grain. This ensures maximum tenderness in each bite.
- Experiment with Marinades: Don't hesitate to customize the marinade to match your taste preferences. You can add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes or a hint of sweetness with a touch of honey.
- Don't Overcrowd the Fryer: For that perfect sear, make sure there's enough space between each piece of meat in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Monitor Carefully: Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the meat and the air fryer model. Keep an eye on your carne asada to avoid overcooking.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the cooked meat to rest for a few minutes before slicing helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
🔍Nutrition
Calories: 550kcallFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 35gSodium: 550mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gIron: 3mg
These values are approximate and can differ based on the specific recipe and ingredients.
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