Air-Fryer Tri-Tip: A Quick, Crispy, And Juicy Delight

Tri-tip is a triangular cut of meat from the bottom of the sirloin. It is a flavorful and versatile cut of beef that can be cooked in an oven, on a grill, or in an air fryer. Air fryers are a convenient and efficient way to cook tri-tip, offering consistent results. The air fryer's convection function and high temperatures can create a crunchy crust and juicy, tender center. To cook tri-tip in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer, season the meat, and monitor the temperature to achieve the desired doneness. Marinades and room-temperature resting periods can also enhance the flavor and texture of the meat.

Choosing the right tri-tip steak

Freshness and Quality:

Start by looking for a steak with a fresh, bright red colour. Avoid steaks with excessive brown or grey areas, which may indicate ageing or improper storage. Look for marbling, the thin threads and flecks of fat within the muscle, as this adds flavour and juiciness to the meat. A good tri-tip should have a decent amount of marbling throughout, ensuring a tender and juicy texture.

Size and Thickness:

Tri-tip steaks are typically sold as triangular cuts, weighing around two pounds, which is a generous portion for sharing. The thickness of the steak is crucial for even cooking. Aim for steaks that are around 1-inch thick, as thinner cuts may overcook easily, resulting in a less juicy texture.

Source and Trim:

Consider the source of your tri-tip steak. Look for reputable butchers or suppliers who can provide information about the origin and quality of the meat. Tri-tip can be purchased trimmed or untrimmed. Buying untrimmed steaks can be more economical, but ensure you have the right tools to trim away any excess fat and silver skin at home. A well-trimmed tri-tip should have a lean, boomerang-shaped appearance.

Individual or Sharing Portions:

If you're cooking for a smaller household, consider buying tri-tip steaks individually. This way, you can ensure portion control and avoid waste. Individual steaks are also easier to manage and cook evenly, especially in an air fryer, where space might be limited.

Preparation and Seasoning:

When preparing your tri-tip steak, always bring it to room temperature before cooking. This allows for even cooking and helps achieve a crunchy crust. Pat the steak dry to remove excess moisture, as this will ensure a crispier exterior. Seasoning is key to enhancing the flavour of your steak. Use a neutral oil to help the seasoning stick, then coat the steak with your preferred spice mix. You can go for a classic salt and pepper rub or experiment with spice blends like herbes de Provence or Aleppo pepper. Don't be shy with the seasoning, as a thick cut like tri-tip can handle aggressive seasoning.

Remember, when choosing your tri-tip steak, look for a fresh, well-marbled cut with a good thickness and triangular shape. Consider your portion size and source, and don't skimp on the seasoning to elevate your air-fried steak to the next level!

Marinating the meat

Choosing the Right Tri-Tip Steak

The quality and characteristics of the tri-tip steak you select will significantly impact the final result. Look for a well-marbled steak, as the thin streaks of intramuscular fat within the meat add flavour and contribute to its tenderness and juiciness. Opt for a steak that is at least 1.5 to 2 inches thick, as thicker steaks are less likely to be overcooked on the outside while remaining undercooked in the centre. Aim for a steak with uniform thickness to ensure even cooking, and choose a fresh cut that hasn't been sitting in the meat case for too long.

Preparing the Marinade

There are various marinade recipes you can use to infuse your tri-tip steak with flavour. A classic combination includes soy sauce, garlic, and honey, but you can elevate this trifecta by adding Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil. Other ingredients you can use include lemon juice, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Experiment with different ingredients to find your favourite blend of flavours.

Combine your chosen marinade ingredients in a large plastic zipper bag. Add the tri-tip steak to the bag, release any excess air, and seal it shut. Massage the bag to ensure the meat is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the meat marinate for at least one hour, but preferably overnight, to allow the beef to absorb all the delicious flavours.

Bringing the Meat to Room Temperature

Before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is important for two reasons. Firstly, it ensures more even cooking, and secondly, it helps the steak develop a good crust. Cooking steak that is still cold from the fridge may result in a tougher texture and uneven cooking.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking tri-tip steak. It ensures even cooking and helps to achieve a nice crust on the steak. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer is between 425°F and 450°F. You can set the temperature gauge on your air fryer to the desired level. If you are using a Ninja air fryer, it has a roast option that you can use. Keep the fan on to prevent smoke.

Preheat your air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes. The higher the temperature, the shorter the preheating time. For example, if you preheat at 450°F, 5 minutes should be enough. If you are reheating leftover tri-tip steak, preheat your air fryer to 350°F.

While preheating, you can prepare the tri-tip steak. First, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will take around 20 to 30 minutes. Then, pat the steak dry with paper towels. This step is important because steak with excess moisture will not crisp properly. Next, rub olive oil into the steak.

After preheating, place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket. Make sure the basket is large enough to fit the steak with some space around it. If your air fryer doesn't have a basket, you can use a broiler lid instead.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for tri-tip steak in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. It is important to note that different air fryers hit different temperatures, so it is recommended to go by the temperature of the steak rather than the time on the air fryer.

Firstly, bring the steak to room temperature. This allows for more even cooking and helps the outside crisp faster, while also allowing the fat to render more. Simply let the steak rest on the counter for 20-30 minutes before cooking.

Next, preheat your air fryer. Preheating the air fryer ensures the steak starts cooking immediately when you place it inside, leading to better searing and flavor. Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes.

Now, place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a medium-rare steak. The cooking time typically ranges from 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak. For a steak that is 1.5 to 2 inches thick, you can cook it for 10-12 minutes per pound. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Reduce the time for rare steak and increase it for medium or well-done. For medium-well, you can cook the steak for up to 15 minutes, and for well-done, you can leave it in the air fryer for up to 10 minutes more.

To check if your steak is done, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 130°F (54°C), and for a medium steak, it should be 140°F (60°C). You can also cook the steak to 140°F and above for medium-well and well-done.

Resting the meat

To ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it is important to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. This will help you avoid overcooking the steak, which can result in a tough and chewy texture. Incorrect cooking, such as cooking at too low a temperature, can cause the steak to leach water and create a stewing environment, leading to a less-than-ideal texture.

To enhance the tenderness of the steak, you can marinate or brine it before cooking. A simple brine solution helps the meat retain moisture, while marinades add flavor and tenderness due to acidic components like vinegar or citrus juices. For example, honey can be applied thinly to the surface of the meat, and it should be left to marinate for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can soak the steak in yoghurt and let it rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, as the lactic acid bacteria and enzymes will help to soften the meat.

It is also important to consider the size of the steak and the temperature of the air fryer, as these factors can impact the cooking time and the final texture of the steak. Allowing the steak to come to room temperature before cooking can help achieve a crunchy crust and a juicy, tender centre. This can be done by letting the tri-tip rest on the counter for 20-30 minutes before cooking.

Frequently asked questions