Making steak in an air fryer is not only quick and easy, but it also yields a deliciously cooked piece of meat.
Say goodbye to lengthy marinades when you want a juicy and tender piece of steak. All you need to make delicious air fryer tri-tip every time is a little olive oil, some seasonings, and an appetite.
Instead of dealing with sauces, vinegars, and other lengthy concoctions, simply make a blend of your favorite spices, pat dry your steak, douse it with some olive oil, and then give it a quick massage with your spice rub. I like to let it sit for 30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer, as cooking room-temperature steaks is always better—it allows for more even and faster cooking. However, if you are rushed for time, you can cut the resting time from 30 minutes down to 10. It’s important to give those seasonings a chance to flavor the meat a bit before cooking.
If you have family members who claim that the only way to get a nice smoky flavor on their steak is to use a grill, swap the regular paprika for some smoked paprika. Problem solved. If you have favorite seasonings that you like to use on steak, by all means substitute away or add them to this mixture. Then sit back and reap the rewards as you bite into that juicy, succulent meat.
What are the benefits of cooking steaks in an air fryer?
I sometimes think the hardest decision I face is not what to cook, but how to cook it. That is especially true when making steaks, such as tri-tips and sirloins. Should I fire up the grill, turn on the oven, or grab a skillet? It’s often an afterthought to use the air fryer because that is my newest piece of cooking equipment. You would think that by now, it would be the first thing to come to mind. After making this air-fryer tri-tip recipe, it will likely be the first place I think of when it comes to making steaks.
There are so many benefits of cooking steaks, such as tri-tips, in an air fryer. First, it is fast! Air fryers cook most foods faster than other cooking methods, saving time in the kitchen. Unlike cooking steaks on the stove, you don’t have to contend with splatters all over the place. Clean up is nice and easy. Air fryers also cook food evenly, allowing for a better quality of your finished meat. I love that I can set the timer, walk away to do other things, and not have to worry about it overcooking. Air fryers also use less oil, making the food healthier (in my opinion), and the steak still turns out with a beautifully seared crust and juicy, moist interior.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow leftover air fryer tri-tip to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to wait and slice leftovers after they’ve chilled, as I find that cold steak is always easier for me to cut. That is especially helpful when freezing the leftover tri-tip. I recommend wrapping individual portions of steak in plastic wrap or freezer paper, then storing them in silicone or zippered freezer bags for up to 3 months. Frozen steak can be defrosted overnight in the refrigerator or reheated from frozen in the oven, air fryer, or microwave.
Serving suggestions
Since it’s essential to let the cooked air-fryer tri-tip rest for at least five to 10 minutes before slicing (to let the juices seep into the meat rather than out onto the cutting board), that gives you time to make a few quick side dishes. Air-Fryer Frozen Green Beans, Frozen Onion Rings In An Air Fryer, Air-Fryer Portobello Mushrooms, and Air-Fryer Shishito Peppers all take 10 minutes or less cooking time in the air fryer, making them the perfect side dishes for your tri-tip. Orange Fluff Salad is also a great dessert, as it takes only a few minutes to put together, and then an hour in the refrigerator to set. Make it before you start your dinner and then by the time you are ready for dessert, it will be ready for you.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds tri-tip
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the tri-tip until, then rub the olive oil evenly over it.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne, if desired. Rub the mixture over both sides of the meat and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the tri-tip in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway if desired. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature until you achieve your desired doneness. Cooking times will differ based on the appliance.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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