Are you looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s both delicious and healthy? Look no further than pork cube steak cooked in an air fryer!
This dish is juicy and tender with a crispy outside, making it a crowd-pleaser for any dinner table. In this article, we’ll show you how to make pork cube steak in an air fryer, including seasoning tips and cooking times.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s get started!
How To Cook Pork Cube Steak In Air Fryer?
To cook pork cube steak in an air fryer, start by seasoning the pork with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. You can use a pre-made seasoning blend or create your own with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cumin.
Next, place the pork in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can affect the cooking time and result in unevenly cooked meat.
Once the pork is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
What Is Pork Cube Steak?
Pork cube steak is a cut of pork that is tougher and cheaper than other cuts, often taken from the shoulder but not necessarily. It is cut like a steak and then tenderized using one of three methods: hand-scoring it in both directions, pounding it with a meat mallet, or putting it through a “cuber” machine which scores the meat. This process partially breaks up the tissue in the meat, making it less chewy. The steak ends up looking like it’s made up of cubes, but it is still actually one piece of meat. Sometimes, the machine will put tiny pin-holes in the meat instead of or in addition to scoring it. Pork cube steak can be a great option for those on a budget or looking for a more affordable alternative to beef cube steak. It can be used in a variety of dishes, including being breaded and fried to create a delicious and flavorful southern-style meal.
Seasoning Your Pork Cube Steak
Seasoning your pork cube steak is an important step in preparing it for the air fryer. It helps to enhance the flavor of the meat and make it more enjoyable to eat.
To start, you can use a basic seasoning of salt and pepper. Simply sprinkle both sides of the pork with salt and pepper before placing it in the air fryer basket. However, if you want to add more depth of flavor, you can use a blend of other spices as well.
One popular seasoning blend for pork cube steak is a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cumin. You can mix these spices together in a small bowl and then rub them onto both sides of the pork. This will give your pork a smoky and slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with many different sides.
Another option is to use a pre-made seasoning blend that you enjoy. Many grocery stores carry a variety of seasoning blends that are specifically designed for pork. Simply follow the instructions on the package to season your pork cube steak before cooking it in the air fryer.
No matter which seasoning method you choose, be sure to evenly coat both sides of the pork with the seasoning mixture. This will ensure that every bite is flavorful and delicious.
Preparing Your Air Fryer
Before cooking your pork cube steak in the air fryer, it’s important to properly prepare the air fryer itself. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Preheat the air fryer: Just like with an oven, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer before cooking. This will help ensure that the pork cooks evenly and develops a crispy exterior. Most air fryers have a preheat function, but if yours doesn’t, simply heat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes before cooking.
2. Use a spray bottle for oil: Depending on what you’re cooking, you may want to grease the bottom of the basket. However, pouring oil directly into the basket can cause it to drain into the drawer and smoke. Instead, use a hand-pump spray bottle filled with oil to lightly coat the bottom of the basket. This will help prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
3. Don’t overcrowd the basket: It’s important to give your pork cube steak enough space in the air fryer basket to cook properly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy results. Stick to a single layer of pork in the basket, and cook in batches if necessary.
4. Shake the basket periodically while cooking: This will help ensure that all sides of the pork cube steak cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior. Use tongs or a spatula to gently toss the meat halfway through cooking.
5. Clean both the basket and drawer after each use: To maintain the quality of your air fryer and prevent any leftover residue from affecting future meals, be sure to thoroughly clean both the basket and drawer after each use. Use soap and water to wash them separately, and let them dry completely before storing.
Cooking Your Pork Cube Steak In The Air Fryer
Cooking pork cube steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. Here are some detailed instructions for cooking your pork cube steak in the air fryer:
1. Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes before cooking. This will ensure that your air fryer is at the right temperature when you start cooking.
2. Season the pork: Season the pork with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. You can use a pre-made seasoning blend or create your own with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cumin.
3. Place the pork in the air fryer basket: Place the seasoned pork in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. If you have a larger air fryer, you can cook more than one piece of pork at a time.
4. Cook the pork: Cook the pork for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip the pork halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.
5. Check the internal temperature: Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer to make sure it has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the recommended safe temperature for pork.
6. Let it rest: Once the pork is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
Cooking your pork cube steak in an air fryer is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy this cut of meat. With these simple steps, you can have a perfectly cooked and flavorful meal in no time!
Checking For Doneness And Serving Suggestions
To check if the pork cube steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer your pork to be more well-done, you can cook it for a few minutes longer until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once your pork cube steak is cooked to perfection, there are several ways to serve it. You can slice it up and serve it as a main dish with a side of vegetables or potatoes. Another option is to use the pork in sandwiches or wraps for a quick and easy meal. You can also chop up the pork and use it as a protein source in salads or stir-fries.
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Pork Cube Steak Every Time
If you want to achieve perfect pork cube steak every time, here are some tips and tricks to follow:
1. Tenderize the meat: Even though cube steak has already been tenderized, a second round at home can make a huge difference. Use a meat mallet to pound the meat until it is evenly thin and tender.
2. Season well: Pork cube steak can be bland if not seasoned properly. Be generous with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or seasoning blends.
3. Use a cast iron skillet: Cast iron is the best material to withstand high temperatures and give the cubed steaks that nice crust from searing. It also adds to the flavor.
4. Get the pan very hot: Before you add the oil, place your cast iron skillet over high heat on the stove and give it several minutes to heat up. The oil should shimmer and the meat should start to sizzle as soon as you add it to the pan.
5. Do not overcook the meat: Pork cube steak only needs minutes to cook. Otherwise, it will become tough and chewy. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
6. Let it rest: After cooking, let the pork cube steak rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your pork cube steak turns out perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful every time you make it in an air fryer or any other cooking method.