Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Chicken fried steak is deeply comforting. Imagine coming home to a house filled with savory smells. It’s like a warm hug from a loved one.

Traditionally fried, this Southern dish is loved by many. But, you might want a healthier version without losing the crunch. The air fryer is the answer. It makes chicken fried steak less greasy and quicker to make.

In just 12 minutes, you can have a tasty meal. It’s perfect for healthy dinner ideas and easy to cook. Let’s explore how to make this dish that will make your meals joyful.

Key Takeaways

• Prepare air fryer chicken fried steak in approximately 12 minutes.
• Cook at a temperature of 370°F for a healthier option.
• Use 3 beaten eggs, 1 cup of flour, and 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs for the breading.
• Enjoy less fat without sacrificing flavor thanks to air frying.
• The recipe minimizes dishwashing, appealing to those who prefer a cleaner cooking process.
• Serve with classic white gravy for an authentic taste of Southern comfort.
• This recipe serves up 417 calories, making it a delicious yet satisfying option.

Introduction to Chicken Fried Steak

Explore the tasty world of chicken fried steak. It’s a favorite in Southern comfort food and American cuisine. This dish has a breaded and fried beef cutlet, often covered in creamy gravy. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal.

What is Chicken Fried Steak?

Chicken fried steak is a tenderized beef steak, usually cube steak. It’s coated in seasoned flour and fried until golden. The name might suggest chicken, but it’s actually beef. This gives it rich flavor and texture.

The dish has a crispy outside and a juicy inside. It’s often served with a lot of gravy.

Origin and Popularity in the U.S.

The roots of chicken fried steak are in Southern cooking, influenced by German and Austrian traditions. It became a hit in the southern United States. Now, about 75% of households enjoy it regularly.

You can find chicken fried steak in diners and small restaurants. It shows its importance in American comfort food culture.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

Using an air fryer for cooking chicken fried steak has many benefits. It helps you cook healthier. You get a crispy finish without using much oil, which means fewer calories and fats.

Health Benefits of Air Frying

Air frying makes your dish up to 75% less fatty than regular frying. Each serving of air fryer chicken fried steak has about 417 calories. Here’s what it includes:

• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Protein: 39g
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 201mg
• Sodium: 809mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

This lower fat content makes air frying great for a healthy diet. You can still enjoy tasty meals.

Time Efficiency Compared to Traditional Methods

Air fryers are not just healthy; they’re also quick. Cooking chicken fried steak takes 10-15 minutes. That’s much faster than deep frying.

Preparation takes about 15 minutes. Then, it cooks for 30 minutes. The air fryer works well at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes for a quick, delicious meal with little cleanup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a tasty chicken fried steak, you need certain ingredients. These add to the dish’s flavor and texture. Having the right chicken fried steak ingredients makes cooking easier and the food better.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Fried Steak

• 1 pound of cube steak
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• Seasonings: 2 teaspoons seasoned salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce

Recommended Tools and Equipment

Using the right cooking equipment for air frying makes cooking better. You’ll need:

• An air fryer (recommended capacity of 5.8 qt)
• Shallow bowls for dredging
• Non-stick spray for optimal results

Preparing the Chicken Fried Steak

Preparing chicken fried steak is all about making it tender and tasty. You start by tenderizing the meat. This makes sure it cooks well and tastes great. Then, you season it to bring out the flavors.

Tenderizing the Meat

Tenderizing cube steak is key. Use a meat mallet to pound it to ⅛ inch. This breaks down the fibers for a soft texture. Take your time, as it greatly affects the final dish.

Seasoning Your Steak

After tenderizing, season the steak. Mix salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and hot sauce for a marinade. Add buttermilk for extra flavor and tenderness. Let it marinate for at least an hour. This way, the steak will be incredibly tasty.

Breading Process

Creating a crispy chicken fried steak coating is a detailed process. Setting up a breading station helps get it right. You’ll need three shallow bowls: one for buttermilk, another for seasoned flour, and a third for beaten eggs. It’s key to follow the right breading steps for a crunchy outside.

Setting Up a Breading Station

First, gather all your ingredients and bowls. Start with:

• 1 ½ cups of buttermilk or a mix of milk and vinegar.
• ½ cup of all-purpose flour mixed with seasonings like garlic powder and cayenne.
• 2 large eggs mixed with ¼ cup of water.

This setup makes your work easier and helps coat the steak evenly.

Tips for Perfectly Coated Steak

Here are some tips for a great coating:

1. Use one hand for wet ingredients and the other for dry to avoid clumps.
2. Dip each steak in buttermilk before coating it in seasoned flour.
3. Make sure to coat every part of the steak for a crunchy texture.

By following these steps, you’ll make a tasty meal. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Your chicken fried steak will turn into a crispy, tasty dish.

Air Fryer Settings and Cooking

Cooking chicken fried steak in an air fryer can make it crispy and delicious. Knowing the right temperature and cooking time is key. Follow these tips to make your dish perfect.

Suggested Temperature Settings

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for chicken fried steak. This temperature helps the steak cook evenly. It also makes the texture crispy without too much oil.

Cooking Time Guidelines

The cooking time for chicken fried steak is 10 to 15 minutes. Start with 10 minutes of cooking. Then, flip the steak for even browning and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.

Make sure the internal temperature goes over 150 degrees Fahrenheit for safety. These steps will help you cook the steak perfectly.

Achieving the Perfect Crisp

To enjoy a delicious chicken fried steak, getting that perfect crispy coating is key. Using effective crisping techniques in the air fryer can make your dish amazing. This section will share methods to get an airy crunch that looks great and tastes even better.

Techniques for a Crispy Coating

A few simple methods can help you achieve crispiness. First, coat your steaks evenly with flour after tenderizing and seasoning. Use a light touch and avoid too much flour to prevent clumping.

• Fry the steaks at an optimal temperature of 350°F (175°C).
• Cook for approximately 4 to 6 minutes on each side to achieve a golden brown finish.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; this will ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.

Using Cooking Spray Effectively

Optimal cooking spray usage can greatly influence your chicken fried steak. Brushing or spraying a light coat of high-temperature cooking spray on the coated steaks before air frying aids in enhancing browning and crispiness.

• Choose a high-heat olive oil or canola oil spray for effective frying results.
• Apply a thin layer to both sides of the steak just before placing them in the air fryer.
• This technique aids in promoting a beautifully crispy texture while keeping the dish healthier.

Making Gravy to Pair

Chicken fried steak gets even better with homemade gravy. A creamy white gravy recipe is the perfect match. It makes the steak’s flavors richer. Making this gravy is easy and will make your meal unforgettable.

Classic White Gravy Recipe

To make your homemade gravy, you’ll need:

• 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil reserved from frying the steaks
• 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 to 3 cups of whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

First, heat the reserved oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, whisk in the flour and cook for about four minutes until it’s golden. Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps.

Keep cooking and stirring until the gravy thickens, about 5 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Velvety Texture

For a velvety texture, use whole milk for a richer taste. Adding a splash of heavy cream can make it even smoother. Whisk the flour into the warm milk slowly to avoid lumps.

This method ensures a smooth consistency that goes great with your crispy chicken fried steak.

Serving Suggestions

Choosing the right sides for chicken fried steak can make your meal better. Knowing the best sides can change how your food tastes and looks. You have many options to make your meal special.

Side Dishes That Complement Chicken Fried Steak

Many side dishes go well with chicken fried steak. They balance out the rich taste. Here are some great choices:

• Mashed potatoes with gravy for a classic feel.
• Collard greens for a unique earthy taste.
• Green beans with garlic for a fresh touch.
• A fresh salad with zesty dressing to lighten things up.
• Baked cream corn for a sweet and savory mix.

Creative Garnishes

Using the right garnishes can make your dish look and taste better. Here are some tips to make your dish stand out:

• Chopped chives for a hint of onion.
• Fresh parsley for color and freshness.
• Crispy onion rings for crunch and texture.
• Thinly sliced radishes for a sharp contrast.

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious chicken fried steak, you might have leftovers. Proper storage keeps the flavors for later. This way, you can enjoy it again without losing its quality.

Best Practices for Refrigerating

First, let the leftover chicken fried steak cool down. Then, put it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days in the fridge.

Following these steps keeps your steak tasty. It’s ready for when you want to enjoy it again.

Reheating Tips for Optimal Flavor

When reheating, choose the right method for the best taste. An air fryer is great for restoring crispiness. Set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and reheat for three to four minutes.

If you prefer the oven, use 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheat it first. Place the steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Exploring chicken fried steak can lead to many questions. One big mistake is not preheating the air fryer. This step is key for a crispy finish. Also, using too little salt and pepper can make the steak taste bland.

Common Cooking Mistakes

Getting the crispy coating right is a common challenge. Letting the breaded steak rest for an hour before frying helps. It ensures the coating sticks well. Knowing the right temperature in air frying is also crucial. It prevents overcooking or undercooking.

Dietary Modifications for Different Preferences

Chicken fried steak can be made healthier for those with dietary needs. Gluten-free folks can use a mix of gluten-free flour and cornstarch instead of regular flour. You can also try turkey or plant-based proteins for a healthier option. These changes let you enjoy the dish while meeting different dietary needs.

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