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How do you cook a frozen steak in a ninja Foodi?

Cooking frozen steak in a ninja Foodi is quick and easy! The ninja Foodi is an all-in-one multicooker that can sauté, air crisp, pressure cook, steam, slow cook, yogurt, dehydrate, and more. Its versatility makes it perfect for cooking frozen foods like steak from frozen to fork tender in no time.

Can you put frozen steak in a ninja Foodi?

Yes, you can absolutely cook frozen steaks in the ninja Foodi! The Foodi’s pressure cooking function is ideal for cooking frozen meats like steaks, chicken, or pork chops. The high pressure environment helps thaw and tenderize frozen steaks quickly.

The key is to adjust the cook time based on the cut and thickness of the frozen steak. Be sure to increase the cook time by 50% compared to cooking thawed steak to allow the frozen meat to fully cook through. Refer to the Foodi owner’s manual for recommended cook times for different cuts of frozen meat.

How to Cook Frozen Steak in a Ninja Foodi Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked frozen steak in the ninja Foodi every time:

  1. Select a suitable cut of frozen steak. The best cuts to use are ribeye, sirloin, NY strip, filet mignon, or tenderloin. Avoid using steaks with a lot of connective tissue.
  2. Trim any freezer burn or ice crystals from the steak while still mostly frozen. This prevents extra moisture from affecting the cooking.
  3. Season the frozen steaks on both sides with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Seasonings will help add flavor to the meat as it cooks.
  4. Add 1 cup water to the inner pot of the ninja Foodi and insert the pressure cooker cooking rack.
  5. Place the frozen steaks directly on the rack, without overlapping.
  6. Close and lock the lid, making sure the pressure release valve is sealed.
  7. Select the Pressure Cook function and set to High pressure.
  8. Set the cook time based on the steak cut:
    • 1-inch thicksteak – 16-18 minutes
    • 1 1/2 inch thick steak – 22-25 minutes
    • 2-inch thick steak – 25-30 minutes
  9. Allow pressure to fully natural release, about 15 minutes. Carefully open lid once float valve drops.
  10. Use tongs to transfer steaks to a plate or cutting board and tent loosely with foil.
  11. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicy, tender steaks.

The pressure cooker thaws and cooks the frozen steak all in one go. Allowing the pressure to naturally release ensures the meat is cooked through without overcooking the outer edges.

Tips for Best Results

Follow these tips for the highest quality frozen steaks from your ninja Foodi:

  • Pat steaks dry before cooking for better browning and caramelization.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness, removing when 5°F below target temp.
  • For thicker cuts, cook on HIGH pressure. For 1-inch steaks, MED pressure may be enough.
  • Avoid overlapping steaks or stacking in a pile, which can lead to uneven cooking.
  • Let steaks rest after cooking for moisture retention and easier slicing.
  • Add seasoning after cooking if needed to avoid excess saltiness.

Can You Sear Frozen Steak in the Ninja Foodi?

Yes, you can absolutely sear frozen steaks in the ninja Foodi before or after pressure cooking. There are a couple different methods to get a flavorful sear:

  • Pre-Sear: Season steaks and first sear in the Foodi on Saute mode for 1-2 minutes per side. Then pressure cook using steps above.
  • Post-Sear: Pressure cook frozen steaks completely using above steps. Once pressure is released, open lid and select Saute mode to sear steaks for 1 minute per side.

Searing helps develop a browned crust on the steaks for enhanced flavor. Just be sure to sear for short times to avoid overcooking.

What Temperature Should Frozen Steak Be Cooked To?

Cook frozen steaks to the following minimum internal temperatures for safety and proper doneness:

Doneness Minimum Internal Temperature
Rare 125°F
Medium-Rare 130°F
Medium 135°F
Medium-Well 145°F
Well-Done 160°F

Use an instant read thermometer to check temperature in thickest part of steak. Remember to account for carryover cooking and remove from heat just before reaching desired doneness.

Can You Cook Frozen Steak from Frozen in the Ninja Foodi Grill?

Yes, you can cook frozen steak directly from the freezer in the Ninja Foodi Grill. The Grill’s Cyclonic Grilling Technology circulates hot 500°F air to quickly thaw and cook frozen steaks with grill marks and juicy tenderness.

Follow these steps to grill frozen steak in the Foodi Grill:

  1. Preheat Grill on Hi for 5 minutes.
  2. Season steaks on both sides while Grill preheats.
  3. Place steaks directly on grill grate, spread into single layer.
  4. Close lid and grill for time listed for desired doneness:
    • 1-inch steak – 12-15 minutes
    • 1 1/2 inch steak – 15-18 minutes
    • 2-inch steak – 18-22 minutes
  5. Flip steaks halfway through cooking time.
  6. Check internal temp and remove when 5°F below target.
  7. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

The intense heat from all sides sears the outside while cooking the inside evenly. Letting meat rest allows juices to redistribute.

Frozen Steak Cooking Tips for the Ninja Foodi Grill

  • Trim off any ice or freezer burn before grilling for best quality.
  • Pat steaks dry for better browning.
  • Avoid overcrowding grill grate which can lead to steaming.
  • Use tongs instead of fork to flip to avoid losing juices.
  • Add a wood chunk to grill grate for smoky flavor.
  • Brush with barbecue sauce or compound butter the last 2-3 minutes only.

Can You Air Fry Frozen Steak in the Ninja Foodi?

While the Ninja Foodi air fryer function won’t fully cook a steak from frozen doneness like pressure cooking or grilling can, it can be used to quickly sear or finish cooking partially thawed steaks.

Follow these guidelines for air frying frozen steak in the Foodi:

  • Partially thaw steak in refrigerator overnight until pliable but still very cold.
  • Preheat Foodi air fryer 400°F for 5 minutes.
  • Cut steak into smaller pieces or thin slices across the grain.
  • Toss steaks pieces in cornstarch, seasonings, or light oil.
  • Air fry 6-8 minutes, tossing halfway, until browned and 140°F internal temperature.

The super hot circulating air will brown and crisp the exterior of the steaks for added texture. Air frying partially frozen steak slices is also great for quick fajitas or stir fry.

How to Make Steak Fajitas with Frozen Steak

Make easy steak fajitas for a crowd by air frying frozen steak strips in the Ninja Foodi!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 lbs frozen steak strips (skirt, flank or sirloin)
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp fajita seasoning
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • Toppings like salsa, guacamole, cheddar cheese, lime wedges

Instructions:

  1. Partially thaw steak strips overnight in fridge.
  2. Toss steak strips with 1 Tbsp oil and 1 Tbsp fajita seasoning.
  3. Preheat Foodi 400°F air fry setting for 5 minutes.
  4. Add steak strips and air fry 8 minutes, tossing halfway.
  5. Meanwhile, toss peppers and onions with remaining 1 Tbsp oil and 1/2 Tbsp seasoning.
  6. After 8 minutes, add veggies to Foodi basket with steaks.
  7. Air fry 5 more minutes until veggies are tender and steaks reach 140°F.
  8. Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave 30 seconds to warm through.
  9. Serve fajita mixture with warmed tortillas and desired toppings!

The Ninja Foodi lets you make this tasty Tex-Mex favorite any night of the week with frozen steak and crispy veggies!

Common Questions on Cooking Frozen Steak in the Ninja Foodi

What is the best cut of frozen steak to use?

The best cuts of frozen steak include ribeye, NY strip, sirloin, tenderloin, or filet mignon. Choose steaks labeled with a grade of Choice or Select for the most flavor and tenderness. Avoid thin steaks like minute or flank which become tough.

Can you refreeze steak after cooking from frozen?

It’s not recommended to refreeze previously frozen steak after cooking. Refreezing cooked meats can increase risk of bacteria growth. Cooked steaks should be stored covered in fridge 3-4 days. Freeze any uneaten portions within that time frame for longest quality.

How long does it take to pressure cook frozen steak?

Cooking time can vary based on cut and thickness, but average cook times are:

  • 1-inch thick steak – 16-18 minutes
  • 1 1/2 inch thick steak – 22-25 minutes
  • 2-inch thick steak – 25-30 minutes

Always allow full natural pressure release for at least 10-15 minutes after cooking to ensure steak is fully cooked through.

Should you thaw steak before cooking?

There’s no need to thaw frozen steaks before cooking in the ninja Foodi pressure cooker or grill. Both methods safely cook steaks straight from frozen. Thawing may slightly shorten cook time. For pan searing or air frying, partially thaw steaks in the refrigerator overnight until pliable but still icy cold in the center.

Conclusion

The ninja Foodi offers several fast, convenient methods for cooking frozen steak. Pressure cooking makes steaks fork tender, while the grill crisps the outside and locks in juiciness. For quick weeknight meals, partially thaw then air fry steak slices.

No matter which ninja Foodi function you use, adjust cook times up for frozen meat and use a thermometer to confirm safe doneness. Let steaks rest before slicing into tender, flavorful results from the freezer to your family’s plates.