These air-fried steak fingers with country-style gravy dipping sauce are everything you’re looking for in a weeknight meal, as they are quick, satisfying, and of course, delicious! Air frying has become very popular compared to traditional frying. Note: Cook times suggested are based on a counter-top oven-style air fryer**; times will vary with different appliances so always check for doneness with a reliable digital instant-read thermometer and texture cues and adjust cook time as necessary.
Ingredients
Steak Fingers
1½ lb (750 g) Beef Outside Round Steaks, about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick
1½ cups (375 mL) buttermilk, divided
2 eggs
2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour
2 tbsp (30 mL) cornstarch
1 tbsp (15 mL) baking powder
2 tsp (10 mL) onion powder
1 tsp (5 mL) EACH garlic powder, sweet paprika and salt
½ cup (125 mL) canola or sunflower oil (approx)
Country Fried-Style Dip
¼ cup (60 mL) butter
¼ cup (60 mL) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 mL) Montreal-style steak spice
2 cups (500 mL) milk
Directions
1. Steak Fingers: Pound steaks with a meat mallet until about ½ inch (1 cm) thick. Cut steaks into ¾-inch (2 cm) wide strips. Place in a shallow glass dish; pour 1 cup (250 mL) of the buttermilk beef and stir to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and salt in a large bowl. Whisk together eggs and remaining ½ cup (125 mL) of buttermilk in a medium bowl.
3. Dip each beef strip into the flour mixture, turning to coat. Dip into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture; shake off excess. Place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Discard any excess flour and egg mixtures.
4. Preheat air fryer to 450°F (230°C) if recommended by the manufacturer, and line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
5. In batches as necessary, spread a generous layer of oil over the entire surface of the parchment paper. Place each beef strip onto the prepared parchment, spacing them apart and place in air fryer. Set temperature to 450°F (230°C), if necessary, and time for 10 minutes for a crispy dark-brown crust (see Tip*) and cook. When the air fryer timer beeps, flip strips over then set time for 4 minutes. Cook until a digital instant-read thermometer inserted into several strips reads 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare at the least (or 160°F/71°C for medium, or 170°F/77°C for well-done). Transfer to a warmed platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Repeat cooking with remaining strips oiling parchment between batches, as necessary.
6. Country Fried-Style Dip: Meanwhile, cook butter, flour and Montreal steak spice over medium heat in a saucepan for about 5 minutes or until brown. Gradually pour in the milk, while whisking and bring to a simmer. Simmer, whisking, for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the gravy is bubbling and thickened.
7. Serve Steak Fingers with Country Fried-Style Dip.
Notes
If you prefer a softer golden-brown crust, set first cook time for 5 minutes, flip, then cook for 5 minutes or until a digital instant-read thermometer inserted into several strips reads 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare at the least (or 160°F/71°C for medium, or 170°F/77°C for well-done).
**Note: A Ninja® Foodi™ 8 in 1 Digital Air Fry Oven model was used for testing.