How to Cook Meat in an Air Fryer: Tips, Tricks & the Health Advantages

Cooking meat in an air fryer is a convenient and health-conscious choice that can transform your meals. Here’s a guide to get you started, along with some of the health benefits of using this compact kitchen appliance.

The Air Fryer Revolution

Air fryers are taking kitchens by storm, and for good reason! These gadgets use rapid air circulation to cook up crispy foods, juicy meats, and more with little to no oil. Air fryers are all about delivering delicious, healthier, and quick meals that retain all the flavour without the guilt.

Why Cooking Meat in an Air Fryer is a Win-Win for All

The air fryer’s ability to produce crispy exteriors while keeping the inside tender makes it an excellent choice for preparing meat and new-meat*. By mimicking the effects of frying, it ensures that everything from the Redefine Premium Burgers to the Redefine Meat Flank Steak turns out beautifully cooked and delectably juicy. If you’re part of a mixed meat-vegan diet family, this could be a game-changer, offering a versatile solution that satisfies everyone’s tastes.

Cooking Redefine Meat in the Air Fryer

We gave our in-house chefs a fun challenge: to discover the best ways to cook our Redefine Meat Flank Steak, Pulled Beef, Burgers, and Lamb Kabab in an air fryer. Below, you’ll find their top tips, along with a few of my own, to help you create delicious, nutritious meals with new-meat even on your busiest evenings.

Air Fryer Redefine Flank Steak: Quick & Delicious

If you’ve been craving a succulent steak but don’t want to spend over an hour in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered. Our Redefine Flank Steak is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a steak in a fraction of the time. Plus, Redefine Flank Steak is a fantastic source of plant-based protein, essential for maintaining muscle and supporting overall body health.

Air Fryer Flank Steak Recipe

Our Redefine Flank Skewers cooked in the air fryer are a breeze to prepare and deliver on taste. Set the temperature of your air fryer to 180°C, and in just 10 minutes (make sure to flip the skewers half way through!), you can have a juicy flank steak on your plate. We suggest using garlic, curry powder, cilantro, parsley, olive oil, and salt and pepper as the marinade. Before brushing on the marinade, cut the steak against the grain into 1cm thick slices and thread them onto skewers. 

Pair your air-fried flank skewers with seasonal veggies for a well-rounded meal. The crispy exterior and juicy interior of the steak complement a variety of sides, making it a versatile option for any meal.

Chef’s Tip: Season your steak with salt and pepper right after cooking for maximum flavour.

Air Fryer Redefine Pulled Beef: Tender & Flavourful

Preparing pulled barbacoa-style beef traditionally takes hours, but with our Pulled Beef, you can achieve that slow-cooked texture without the long wait. Simply toss the Redefine Pulled Beef in the air fryer, and add veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for an added nutritional boost.

Pulled New-Meat Fajitas in the Air Fryer

Craving a delicious, hearty meal but short on time? Our Redefine Pulled Beef Fajitas cooked in an air fryer are just what you need. Simply preheat the air fryer to 200°C and set the timer for 12 minutes. For this recipe, add the pulled beef and your preferred veggies to the air fryer together. After a few minutes of cooking, give the basket a good shake and cook for an additional 5 minutes. 

Chef’s tip: Don’t be afraid to let the Pulled Beef get a bit crispy; the more you let it brown, the tastier it will be.

Air Fryer Redefine Premium Burgers & Kababs: Quick & Healthy

Cooking burgers or kababs on a pan can be messy with oil splatters and smoke. An air fryer simplifies the process, offering a faster, less messy, and healthier alternative. It reduces the fat content while achieving a satisfying texture that enhances your burger and kabab experience.

Air Fryer Burger Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a juicy burger but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen, pop our Premium Burgers in the air fryer. Preheat the airfryer to 180°C and cook the patties for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. While you’re waiting for your burger to cook, chop up your favourite vegetables for toppings to complete your burger. 

Pair your air-fried new-meat with a whole wheat bun and roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal rich in protein, carbs, fibre, and vitamins.

Air Fryer Kabab Recipe

If you love Mediterranean flavours, this recipe is a must-try! Start by preheating your air fryer to 180°C and cook the Redefine Kabab for 10 minutes, turning halfway through. For the sauce, mix tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and serve with a fresh vegetable salad. 

Chef’s Tip: Use olive oil spray before cooking in the air fryer for an even better texture and flavour.

Complete your Meal with Air Fried Sides

The air fryer isn’t just for cooking protein-rich new-meat! It’s also fantastic for preparing carbs and veggies to complete a balanced meal. Whether you’re roasting potatoes, zucchini, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mushrooms, garlic bulbs, or red onions, the air fryer ensures they come out crisp and delicious.

Air Frying vs. Traditional Oil Frying  

Reducing the intake of traditionally fried foods offers numerous health benefits. The most obvious is that deep frying, while delicious, involves excessive oil use, which adds calories and can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Less obviously, deep frying can also create trans fats and harmful compounds that are best avoided.

The Health Benefits of Air Frying

Air fryers provide a healthier option, using little to no oil while still delivering great flavours and textures. This method aligns with Redefine Meat’s goal of offering more of the good and less of the bad. Plus, for vegan, vegetarian, or even a flexitarian diets, air frying offers an extra boost to a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Wrapping It Up: Why I’m a Fan of the Air Fryer

As a nutritionist and busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for kitchen tools that simplify meal prep. The air fryer stands out for its ease and versatility, making it perfect for cooking everything from new-meat to fresh veggies. Combining these new-meat options with your favorite vegetables in the air fryer not only supports a healthier lifestyle but also ensures you can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals with minimal effort. With its ease of preparation and unbeatable taste, these recipes are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!