Air Fryer London Broil Recipes

So you’re staring at that gorgeous London Broil, wondering how to turn it into dinner without a culinary degree or a time machine? Good news, my friend! Your air fryer is about to become your new bestie, and London Broil? Oh, it’s about to get a glow-up so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever did it any other way.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, let’s be real. This recipe is a game-changer because:

• It’s ridiculously fast. Like, ‘Netflix-and-still-have-time-to-eat’ fast.
• **Minimal cleanup.** Your air fryer basket is basically a non-stick miracle.
• **Perfectly cooked every time.** Seriously, it’s idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up, and I once set off a smoke alarm making toast.
• **Flavor bomb!** Tender, juicy, and packed with savory goodness. Your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• London Broil (1.5-2 lbs): The star of our show. Don’t skimp on quality, your belly deserves it.
• Olive Oil (1-2 tbsp): Just a little slick for that golden crust.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Because everything is better with garlic. Duh.
• Onion Powder (1 tsp): Garlic’s best friend.
• Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): For that “did you just grill this?” vibe, without the grill.
• Dried Thyme (1/2 tsp): A little herby freshness.
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): The basics, but oh-so-important. Don’t be shy!
• Optional: Soy Sauce or Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): For an extra umami kick. Totally worth it, IMO.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prep Your Broil:** Pat that London Broil super dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear. No soggy steak allowed!
2. **Season It Up:** In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. If using, add the soy/Worcestershire sauce.
3. **Rub-a-Dub-Dub:** Generously coat both sides of your London Broil with the seasoning mix. Get in there, give it a good massage. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes at room temp, or if you’re feeling fancy, an hour or two in the fridge.
4. **Preheat Your Air Fryer:** Fire up your air fryer to **400°F (200°C)**. Let it preheat for 5 minutes. This is non-negotiable for that perfect crust.
5. **Into the Basket:** Place the seasoned London Broil in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd it, or it’ll steam instead of sear. We want sizzle, not mush!
6. **Cook to Perfection:** Air fry for **12-18 minutes**, flipping halfway through. Times will vary based on thickness and desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer, seriously. It’s your secret weapon.
   • **Rare:** 125-130°F (52-54°C)
   • **Medium-Rare:** 130-135°F (54-57°C) – My personal faves!
   • **Medium:** 135-140°F (57-60°C)
7. **Rest, You Deserve It:** Once cooked, transfer the London Broil to a cutting board. **Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.** This lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. Don’t skip this, I’m watching you!
8. **Slice Against the Grain:** Carve the steak *thinly* against the grain. This makes it super tender and easy to chew. Serve immediately and bask in the glory!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• **Not Drying the Meat:** Leaving it wet means it’ll steam, not sear. You want a crust, not a sad, gray exterior. Rookie mistake!
• **Skipping the Preheat:** Thinking you don’t need to preheat your air fryer is like showing up to a party early and expecting it to be poppin’. Get that basket hot!
• **Overcrowding the Basket:** Your air fryer isn’t a sardine can. Give that meat some space to breathe and crisp up. Cook in batches if you need to.
• **Forgetting to Rest the Steak:** This is arguably *the most important step* after cooking. Cut it too soon and all those delicious juices will run out onto your board, leaving you with dry, sad steak. Don’t be that person.
• **Eyeballing Doneness:** Unless you’re a seasoned steak whisperer, invest in a meat thermometer. It takes out all the guesswork and prevents overcooked sadness. **No one likes shoe leather!**

Alternatives & Substitutions

• **Other Cuts of Meat:** While London Broil is awesome, this method works great for flank steak or even skirt steak. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness.
• **Marinade Magic:** Feeling lazy with the dry rub? A good store-bought marinade for beef works wonders. Just pat it dry before air frying!
• **Herb Swap:** Don’t have thyme? Rosemary or oregano would also be fantastic. Mix and match to your heart’s content.
• **Spice It Up:** Want some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to your seasoning mix. Make it your own!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• **”Can I cook it from frozen?”** Uh, no. Please, for the love of tender steak, thaw it completely first. Otherwise, you’ll end up with an unevenly cooked, potentially rubbery mess. We aim for deliciousness here!
• **”What if I don’t have all those spices?”** No sweat! A simple salt, pepper, and garlic powder combo will still get you a delicious steak. Just make sure you use enough!
• **”My air fryer basket is small, can I cut the London Broil?”** Absolutely! Cut it into two or three smaller pieces to ensure it fits in a single layer. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as smaller pieces might cook faster.
• **”How do I know when it’s done without a thermometer?”** Honestly, it’s really tough to get it right without one. But if you *must*, you can try the touch test (rare feels soft, well-done feels firm). However, for the best results, **get a thermometer, seriously!** It’s a game-changer.
• **”Can I use this method for thicker steaks?”** Yes, but you’ll need to significantly increase the cooking time. A good rule of thumb is to check the internal temp more frequently for thicker cuts.
• **”What should I serve with it?”** Oh, the possibilities! Roasted veggies, a crisp side salad, mashed potatoes, or even some air-fried asparagus. Get creative!

Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks! Your new go-to, stress-free, super-delicious Air Fryer London Broil recipe. See? I told you it was easy. Now go impress someone—or yourself, which is arguably more important—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! And remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy air frying!