Name: Air-Fryer Spice-Rubbed Steaks with Snap Pea and Cucumber Salad
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1½ teaspoon ground cumin; 1½ teaspoons chili powder; Salt and pepper; ¾ teaspoon ground coriander; ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 (1½-pound) boneless top sirloin steak , 1½ inches thick, trimmed and halved crosswise; 1 teaspoon plus 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1½ tablespoons white wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill; 1 small garlic clove , minced; ½ English cucumber , halved lengthwise and sliced thin; 8 ounces sugar snap peas , strings removed, cut in half on bias; 2 ounces (2 cups) baby arugula; 2 radishes , trimmed, halved, and sliced thin

Why This Recipe Works

These hefty cuts often command equally hefty prices, but we wanted a reasonably priced option ideal for an easy weeknight meal. Top sirloin, known for its lean texture and nice flavor, fit the bill. Cutting the steak into two pieces enabled it to fit snugly in the air fryer. Since the air fryer would essentially be roasting, rather than searing, the meat, we applied a fragrant spice rub to give it a bold crust. Rubbing the steak with a little oil first helped the spices adhere to the lean meat. We placed our steak in the air fryer and set it to 400 degrees to blast it with heat. Even with the circulated hot air, we found that flipping and rotating the pieces halfway through cooking produced more even results. After 15 minutes, our steaks emerged juicy and a perfect medium-rare. Since the beef could cook virtually unattended in the air fryer, we used the downtime to prepare a simple salad. Fresh snap peas, crisp radishes, and peppery baby arugula tossed in a creamy dill dressing offset the rich flavor of the spice-rubbed steak.

Instructions

Combine cumin, chili powder, 1¼ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne in bowl. Pat steaks dry with paper towels, rub with 1 teaspoon oil, and sprinkle evenly with spice mixture.

Arrange steaks in air-fryer basket, spaced evenly apart. Place basket in air fryer and set temperature to 400 degrees. Cook until steaks register 120 to 125 degrees (for medium- rare) or 130 to 135 degrees (for medium), 15 to 20 minutes, flipping and rotating steaks halfway through cooking. Transfer steaks to cutting board, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest while preparing salad.

Whisk remaining 1½ tablespoons oil, mayonnaise, vinegar, dill, garlic, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper together in large bowl. Add cucumber, snap peas, arugula, and radishes and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Slice steaks and serve with salad.