Air Fryer Carne Asada
Ready in about 30 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Zesty, citrus-marinated carne asada chars beautifully in the air fryer, giving you smoky, tender strips for tacos and burritos. The lime and garlic marinade tenderises the beef while the high heat delivers those craveable charred edges.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 600 g skirt or flank steak
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- Small handful of coriander, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
Method
- 1Blend the lime juice, oil, garlic, cumin, chilli, coriander and salt into a marinade.
- 2Coat the steak and marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- 4Cook the steak for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, to 63°C (145°F) for medium.
- 5Rest for 5 minutes to keep it juicy.
- 6Slice thinly against the grain and pile into warm tortillas.
Tips for the best results
- Skirt and flank are thin, so keep a close eye near the end to avoid overcooking.
- Chopping the rested beef finely gives the classic taqueria texture.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer carne asada steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer Carne Asada is ready at 63°C / 145°F in the thickest part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer carne asada?
A typical starting point is 200°C / 400°F for 8-12 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer carne asada is cooked through?
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer Carne Asada should reach 63°C / 145°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer carne asada serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.