Air Fryer Tri Tip Steak in Under 30 Minutes

Cooking air fryer tri tip steak is a hassle-free process that delivers juicy, flavorful results. Simply season your tri-tip steak, place it in the air fryer, and cook at 400°F for 20 minutes to achieve your desired doneness. This method ensures a delicious steak every time, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Trust me, it’s straightforward and delicious!

If you’re looking for a quick steak recipe or aiming to air fry tri tip steak for a memorable meal Trust me, it’s a straightforward approach to achieving a deliciously cooked steak every time.

What You Need to Know About Tri-Tip Steak

Tri-tip steak comes from the lower part of the sirloin and stands out because it’s lean yet tender. I’m very happy to share that it’s not just tasty; it’s also good for you. This cut is lower in fat, making it a great choice for those of us trying to eat better without giving up on flavor.

The best part about cooking it in the air fryer? It locks in those juices and flavors, making every bite worth it.

Why Choose Air Fryer?

Choosing an air fryer for cooking tri-tip steak brings a lot of benefits. Trust me, it’s a healthier way to cook.

You use less oil, which means fewer calories and less fat. But that doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing flavor.

Actually, it’s quite the opposite. The air fryer gets that crust just perfect—crispy on the outside, while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

When you compare traditional vs air fryer cooking, the air fryer wins for certain cuts of meat like tri-tip. It cooks evenly, and the cleanup is a breeze.

So, for benefits of air frying, you’re looking at healthier meals, delicious textures, and an easy cleanup. It’s clear why many are leaning towards healthy cooking with air fryer benefits.

Preparing Your Tri-Tip Steak

When you’re selecting tri-tip steak, look for good marbling. That fat running through it? It’s going to melt and flavor the meat as it cooks.

You want a piece that’s about 2 to 3 pounds, which is ideal for air frying. Before you cook, let’s talk steak preparation.

First, you’ll want to trim any excess fat to avoid too much smoke.

Then, give it a good seasoning. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper. Maybe add some garlic powder or your favorite spice mix.

And a big tip—bring your steak to room temperature before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.

So, when we talk about preparing tri-tip steak and seasoning tips, remember, these little steps make a big difference. They ensure your tri-tip steak quality shines through with every bite.

Must-Have Ingredients and Tools

Ingredients and for seasoning:

• 1 tri-tip steak (about 2-3 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: dried herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) for customization

Recommended air fryers and accessories:

• A high-quality air fryer capable of reaching at least 400°F.
• Meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
• Aluminum foil for resting the steak.

How to Cook Tri Tip Steak in Air Fryer

Whether you’re an experienced cook or trying this method for the first time, I’m very happy to guide you through each step, ensuring your steak turns out perfectly.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This ensures your steak starts cooking at the right temperature for a perfect sear outside while keeping the inside juicy.

2. Season the tri-tip steak. Rub the steak all over with olive oil. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any optional herbs you like in a bowl. Then, evenly coat the steak with this seasoning mix. This step is crucial for flavor enhancement.

3. Place the steak in the air fryer basket. Make sure it’s centered and not touching the sides for even cooking.

4. Cook for about 10 minutes, then flip the steak over to ensure even cooking on both sides. The exact time will depend on your steak’s thickness and your desired doneness.

5. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak. For medium-rare, look for a temperature of 135°F; medium should be around 145°F.

6. Let the steak rest for about 10 minutes after cooking. Cover it lightly with aluminum foil. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making your steak even more tender and flavorful.

7. Slice against the grain and serve. Cutting against the grain ensures each bite is as tender as possible.

Following these tri tip steak cooking instructions will help you learn to air fry the tri tip steak, resulting in a meal that’s not only quick and easy but also delicious and satisfying.

Essential Note:

Always let your tri-tip steak come to room temperature before air frying. This ensures even cooking and a juicier result. Trust me, it makes a significant difference in the texture and flavor of your steak.

Nutrition Facts

For a standard serving size of tri-tip steak (about 4 oz or 113 grams):

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	250
Total Fat	14g	18%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	85mg	28%
Sodium	60mg	3%
Total Carbohydrates	0g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	0g
Protein	29g
Vitamin D	0mcg	0%
Calcium	20mg	2%
Iron	2.4mg	13%
Potassium	380mg	8%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Tips for the Perfect Tri-Tip Steak

Preheating your air fryer is crucial. It ensures the steak starts cooking immediately, sealing in juices for that perfect crust.

Experiment with seasoning. While salt, pepper, and garlic powder are my go-tos, feel free to add your favorite herbs or spice blends to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Keeping an eye on the internal temperature is key to nailing your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer and aim for 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and so on. Resting the steak for a few minutes after cooking is also important; it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as possible.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

When you’re serving tri-tip steak, think about balance. You want sides that complement its rich flavor without overwhelming it. Here are my go-to choices:

• Vegetables: Think about air fryer vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers. These can be seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil for a healthy, crunchy side.
• Starches: A creamy mashed potato or sweet potato fries made in the air fryer are fantastic for soaking up any juices.
• Dips: A chimichurri or a simple yogurt-based dip can add a fresh, tangy contrast to the meat’s robust flavor.
• Salad ideas: A fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a nice peppery bite that pairs well with the steak.

Making the Perfect Sides in the Air Fryer

For air fryer side dishes, it’s all about timing and seasoning. Here’s how to ensure they come out perfectly:

1. Brussels Sprouts: Halve them, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes. They should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: Slice sweet potatoes into fries, season with your choice of spices, and air fry at 400°F for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
3. Asparagus: Trim the ends, toss with olive oil and garlic powder, and air fry at 400°F for 7-10 minutes.

Remember, the key is to trust me on not overcrowding the basket to ensure everything cooks evenly.

These sides are not just easy to prepare but also healthy, making your air-fried tri-tip steak dinner a balanced, flavorful meal.

FAQs about Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

Final Words

We’ve walked through everything from selecting the perfect cut to air fry tri tip steaks with ease.

The air fryer tri tip steak cooking instructions are designed to make your experience seamless and enjoyable.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try at home. It’s a straightforward process that promises delicious results.

If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, please don’t hesitate to comment.

I’m always happy to hear from fellow food enthusiasts. Let’s keep cooking and sharing together!

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes like Trip Tip Steak:

• Air Fry Pork Shoulder
• Air Fryer Hamburgers
• Trader Joe’s Carne Asada
• Trader Joe’s Beef and Broccoli
• Air Fryer Pig Shots

See all in at KitGiz for Air Fryer recipes.

Print