Air Frying Tri-Tip: Is It Possible?

Tri-tip is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin. It can be cooked in an oven, on a grill, or in an air fryer. When cooked in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400-450°F, cook for 8 minutes per pound, and then let the meat rest for 10 minutes. The air fryer's convection function helps to cook the tri-tip to a crunchy crust with a juicy and tender center.

Marinating a tri-tip

The Marinade

There are many different options for a tri-tip marinade, but a blend of olive oil, herbs and spices is a popular choice. You can also add soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, dried Italian herbs and spices. Another option is to use a store-bought steak seasoning rub. If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different flavours such as cilantro lime, sesame ginger or garlic lovers.

Marinating Time

For maximum flavour, it is recommended to marinate your tri-tip for at least one hour, but preferably overnight or up to 24 hours. The longer you marinate, the more tender and flavourful your meat will be.

Helpful Hints

• You can make your marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• If you are watching your salt intake, you can use low-sodium soy sauce in your marinade.
• Italian seasoning is typically a blend of dried basil, parsley, garlic and oregano, but you can also blend your own combination of dried herbs.
• This marinade works well with other types of meat, including chicken, pork and seafood.

Cooking Tips

• After marinating, remove the tri-tip from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for more even cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the tri-tip to guarantee a juicy interior and a nice crust.
• Let the tri-tip rest for about 10 minutes after cooking, tented with foil, to allow the juices to collect inside and make the meat more flavourful and moist.
• When slicing your tri-tip, cut against the grain for the most tender bites of meat.
• You can also sear your tri-tip on a stovetop or grill before finishing it in the air fryer to ensure a good crust.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the process of cooking tri-tip. This step ensures that your steak develops a juicy interior and a desirable crust. Depending on your air fryer model, preheat your air fryer to a maximum of 400°F or 450°F for 4 to 10 minutes.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can season your tri-tip. First, rub olive oil over the tri-tip to ensure that the seasoning sticks to the meat and creates a nice crust. Next, season the tri-tip generously with your steak seasoning of choice, making sure to cover all sides. Then, add crushed garlic cloves for an extra burst of flavor.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned tri-tip in the air fryer basket and set it to the maximum heat setting. For a medium-rare steak, air fry for a total of 16 to 20 minutes, flipping the steak after about 8 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your tri-tip and your desired level of doneness. To ensure your steak is cooked to your preference, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 130°F, while for a medium steak, it should be 140°F.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for air-frying tri-tip steak depend on the level of doneness you want to achieve. For a rare steak, cook to an internal temperature of 120-130°F; for medium-rare, 130-135°F; for medium, 140°F; for medium-well, 150°F; and for well-done, 160°F and above.

At 400°F, the cook time should be anywhere between 14 to 18 minutes for a medium-rare steak. You can also cook at 450°F for 12 minutes for a medium-rare steak.

However, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak, the model of your air fryer, and personal preference for doneness. It is recommended to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Additionally, it is suggested to let the steak come to room temperature before cooking, pat it dry, add a drizzle of oil, and season well. After cooking, let the steak rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and prevent drying out.

Resting the meat

Additionally, the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise during the resting period. This is called carry-over cooking and is why meat is often taken out of the oven or grill before reaching its target doneness temperature. The amount of resting time varies, but it is usually between 10 and 20 minutes.

When resting the meat, it is important to tent it with foil to keep the meat warm and prevent it from drying out.

Seasoning the tri-tip

Seasoning a tri-tip is a crucial step in the cooking process, enhancing the flavour and texture of the meat. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for seasoning your tri-tip before air frying:

Choosing Your Seasoning:

The traditional Santa Maria-style tri-tip uses a simple blend of basic spices like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add a pinch of onion powder and paprika to this base for extra flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, try a steak rub with a kick, like Aleppo pepper, or a marinade with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and honey.

Preparing the Meat:

Take your tri-tip out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This step ensures more even cooking. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which can interfere with the cooking process.

Applying the Seasoning:

Drizzle or rub a small amount of olive oil onto the tri-tip. The oil helps the seasoning stick to the meat and promotes a crispy, golden crust. Next, generously apply your chosen seasoning blend or rub, ensuring the meat is evenly coated on both sides.

Letting it Rest:

After seasoning, let the tri-tip stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer. This resting period allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat, enhancing the flavour.

Air Fryer Settings:

Preheat your air fryer to 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the model. The high temperature is essential for achieving the desired crust and juicy interior.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook the tri-tip for about 12-18 minutes, and let it rest in the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes. For medium-well, cook for a longer duration, up to 20 minutes, and let it rest for up to 10 minutes.

Temperature Guide:

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the tri-tip. For rare, aim for 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit; for medium-rare, 130-135 degrees; medium, 140 degrees; medium-well, 140-150 degrees; and well-done, 160 degrees and above.

Final Thoughts:

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to bring out the natural flavours of the meat and create a delicious crust. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasoning blends and techniques to find your perfect tri-tip!

Frequently asked questions