Pepper Steak in the Air Fryer
Juicy steaks coated in coarsely crushed peppercorns and served with a classic, creamy pepper sauce. French-inspired restaurant food you can easily make in the air fryer in under half an hour.
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Mortar and pestle Or the bottom of a heavy saucepan
- 1 Meat thermometer
- 1 Saucepan For the pepper sauce
Ingredients
Steaks
- 4 pcs ribeye or beef tenderloin steak About 200 g each, room temperature
- 3 tbsp black peppercorns Coarsely crushed
1 tsp salt Preferably flaky salt- 1 tbsp olive oil For brushing
Pepper Sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 pcs shallot Finely chopped
- 50 ml cognac Or calvados
- 2 dl whipping cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp green peppercorns Brined, drained
- 0.5 tsp salt To taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Take 4 pcs ribeye or beef tenderloin steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking so they reach room temperature. This gives a more even cook.
- Coarsely crush 3 tbsp black peppercorns in a mortar or with the bottom of a heavy saucepan. The peppercorns can be uneven in size for the best texture.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towel, brush them with 1 tbsp olive oil and season both sides with 1 tsp salt.
- Press the crushed peppercorns firmly onto both sides of the steaks to form an even pepper crust.
Cooking in the air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 200 °C on convection.
- Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer with a little space between them. Cook at 200 °C for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway. Use a meat thermometer: 54-56 °C for medium-rare, 58-60 °C for medium.
- Take the steaks out, place them on a platter and cover loosely with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute.
Pepper Sauce
- While the steaks are in the air fryer: melt 1 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add 1 pcs shallot and sweat for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and glossy without taking on colour.
- Pour in 50 ml cognac (pull the pan off the heat if you have a gas burner). Let the alcohol cook off for about 1 minute.
- Add 2 dl whipping cream, 1 tsp Dijon mustard and 1 tbsp green peppercorns. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it has slightly thickened and tastes rounded.
- Season to taste with 0.5 tsp salt.
Serving
- Plate the steaks on warm plates and pour the hot pepper sauce over them. Serve with fries from the air fryer, baked potatoes with herbs or a fresh green salad.
Notes
Tips for the perfect result:
Always let the steaks come to room temperature before cooking — cold steaks cook unevenly. A meat thermometer is the best tool for hitting your desired doneness. Don't forget the 5-minute resting time — it's crucial so the juices don't run out when you cut into the steak. Variation:
Use a mix of black, white and green peppercorns for a milder and more complex pepper flavour. The cognac can be replaced with calvados or a good dark beer. If you want more acidity in the sauce, add a splash of lemon juice at the end. Serving:
The classic serving is fries and a small salad. Try it also with sautéed mushrooms, oven-baked potato wedges or a creamy mashed potato. A glass of full-bodied red wine (Bordeaux, Rioja or another good red) pairs nicely with the dish. Portion size:
If your air fryer is smaller, you can cook the steaks in two batches and keep the first ones warm in the oven at 70 °C while the rest cook.
Always let the steaks come to room temperature before cooking — cold steaks cook unevenly. A meat thermometer is the best tool for hitting your desired doneness. Don't forget the 5-minute resting time — it's crucial so the juices don't run out when you cut into the steak. Variation:
Use a mix of black, white and green peppercorns for a milder and more complex pepper flavour. The cognac can be replaced with calvados or a good dark beer. If you want more acidity in the sauce, add a splash of lemon juice at the end. Serving:
The classic serving is fries and a small salad. Try it also with sautéed mushrooms, oven-baked potato wedges or a creamy mashed potato. A glass of full-bodied red wine (Bordeaux, Rioja or another good red) pairs nicely with the dish. Portion size:
If your air fryer is smaller, you can cook the steaks in two batches and keep the first ones warm in the oven at 70 °C while the rest cook.
Nutrition
Calories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 45gFat: 48gSaturated fat: 22gPolyunsaturated fat: 2gMonounsaturated fat: 20gTrans fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 5mgNet carbohydrates: 3g
