Beef Neck Air Fryer Recipe – Tender, Juicy & Delicious in No Time
The Beef Neck Air Fryer Recipe is a flavorful and efficient way to prepare a tender, juicy cut of meat with minimal effort. To start, season beef neck pieces generously with your favorite spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For an added kick, marinate the meat with soy sauce, olive oil, and a dash of vinegar for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), then arrange the beef neck pieces in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Air fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the meat is golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness. The air fryer locks in moisture while delivering a crispy exterior, making the beef neck irresistibly delicious. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. This recipe is perfect for quick dinners or weekend gatherings!
Beef Neck Air Fryer Recipe – Tender, Juicy & Delicious in No Time
Beef neck is a lesser-known cut of meat that offers rich, deep flavors and incredible tenderness when cooked properly. While it is often overlooked in favor of more traditional cuts, beef neck can be a surprisingly versatile and delicious option for various dishes. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to prepare a savory, melt-in-your-mouth beef neck in an air fryer, ensuring you get all the tenderness of slow-cooked beef with a fraction of the time and effort. Air frying beef neck results in a beautifully roasted exterior with juicy, tender meat on the inside, making it the perfect addition to your weeknight meals or special gatherings.
The air fryer is the star of the show in this recipe, offering a quick and efficient way to cook beef neck without compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and guarantees a delicious result. The high heat and circulating air of the air fryer allow for a crisp outer crust while keeping the beef juicy and tender inside. Paired with a rich seasoning blend, this beef neck is sure to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at the nutritional benefits of beef neck. Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, iron, and other essential nutrients. Here is a general breakdown of the nutrition for a typical serving of beef neck (based on a 3 oz serving of cooked beef neck):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Iron: 2.5mg (14% of Daily Value)
Beef neck is also a good source of vitamins like B12 and other minerals like zinc and phosphorus, which are essential for healthy blood, bones, and metabolism.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare beef neck in the air fryer:
- 2-3 lbs beef neck, bone-in or boneless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (for basting)
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. You can experiment with adding other seasonings, like cumin or chili powder, to suit your liking.
Equipment
To make this air fryer beef neck recipe, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Air fryer (a basket-style or tray-style air fryer will work)
- Meat thermometer (for ensuring the beef reaches the desired doneness)
- Basting brush (for applying the beef broth during cooking)
- Tongs (for flipping the beef halfway through cooking)
- Sharp knife (for slicing the beef after cooking)
- Small mixing bowl (for combining spices and oil)
Prep Time, Active Time, Resting Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Active Time: 25 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
This recipe is quick and requires minimal active preparation, allowing you to enjoy tender beef neck with just a short time commitment.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Neck Begin by trimming any excess fat from the beef neck, if necessary. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove moisture, which helps achieve a crisp exterior during air frying.
Step 2: Season the Beef In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, dried thyme, and rosemary. Stir until the ingredients form a smooth paste. If you’re using soy sauce, add it to the mix for an extra layer of flavor. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over the beef neck, making sure all sides are coated.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the beef will cook evenly and crisp up on the outside.
Step 4: Cook the Beef Neck Place the seasoned beef neck into the air fryer basket or tray. Set the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C). Cook the beef for about 20 minutes for a medium-rare to medium level of doneness. For a well-done finish, cook for 25–30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to flip the beef neck for even cooking.
Step 5: Baste with Beef Broth During the last 10 minutes of cooking, baste the beef neck with beef broth to keep it moist. This will also help enhance the flavor. You can use a basing brush to coat the meat or simply pour the broth over the beef.
Step 6: Check for Doneness Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the beef. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C), medium at 145°F (63°C), and well-done at 160°F (71°C).
Step 7: Rest the Beef Once the beef has reached your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and enhance the flavor.
Step 8: Slice and Serve Slice the beef neck against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. Serve with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Cuisines and Course
- Cuisines: American, BBQ, Comfort Food
- Course: Main Course
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 280 calories per serving (3 oz of beef neck)
Tips for Perfect Beef Neck in the Air Fryer
- Trim the Fat: While some fat is essential for flavor, trimming excess fat will prevent the meat from becoming too greasy during cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To get the perfect level of doneness, always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Marinate Overnight: For even more flavor, marinate the beef neck overnight with your seasonings and a bit of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
- Rest the Meat: Don’t skip the resting time. Letting the beef sit for a few minutes after cooking ensures that the juices stay locked inside.
Conclusion
Cooking beef neck in an air fryer is an excellent way to achieve a tender and flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of a crispy exterior and juicy interior makes this recipe a winner every time. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a new addition to your holiday spread, this beef neck air fryer recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try today and experience the magic of air fryer cooking at its finest!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.