Air Fryer Steak Tips: How Long To Fry?

Steak tips are a cut of beef taken from the shoulder of the cow. They are usually cooked in various ways, such as marinating, frying, grilling, or baking. However, cooking them in an air fryer gives amazing results. The air fryer uses high heat and a fan to circulate the heat, giving the steak tips a crispy crust without overcooking the inside. The cooking time for steak tips in an air fryer depends on the desired level of doneness, with rare steak tips requiring less time and well-done steak tips requiring more time.

Steak tips cooking time

Steak tips are an incredibly easy and quick meal to make in an air fryer. They are a great way to get your meat fix without having to heat up the grill. The air fryer's high heat and fan give the steak tips a beautiful charring that elevates the flavor.

Ingredients:

• Steak tips (any kind will work, but ribeye, New York Strip, and Top Sirloin are popular choices)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic (freshly minced or granulated)
• Optional: steak seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or garlic butter

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
• Let the meat rest at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before cooking.
• Cut your steak into 1-inch cubes or bite-sized pieces.
• Toss the steak cubes with olive oil and your desired seasonings. Make sure they are evenly coated.
• Place the steak tips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
• Air fry at 400°F for 4-7 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. For a good sear, you can flip the steak tips after 2-3 minutes.
• Let the steak tips rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time will depend on how you like your steak cooked. As a guide:

• Rare: Cool Red Center; 135 °F
• Medium-Rare: Warm Red Center; cook for 4-5 minutes
• Medium: Warm Pink Center; cook for 6 minutes
• Medium-Well: Slightly Pink Center; cook for 7-8 minutes
• Well Done: Little to No Pink; cook for 9 minutes

Steak types

Steak tips are a versatile dish that can be made with various types of steak, depending on your preference and budget. Here are some common options for steak types to use when making steak tips in an air fryer:

Ribeye

Ribeye is often considered the best cut for steak tips due to its marbling and flavour. However, it is also the most expensive option. Ribeye steak tips will result in juicy and tender bites with a nice crust.

Sirloin

Sirloin is a leaner and more affordable option than ribeye. It is still tender and can be used to make delicious steak tips. Sirloin steak tips are a good choice if you want to balance flavour and budget.

New York Strip / NY Strip

New York Strip, also known as strip loin, is another popular option for steak tips. It offers a good balance of flavour and tenderness, though it may be slightly less tender than ribeye or sirloin.

Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is a tender and lean cut of steak that can be used for steak tips. It is a pricier option but will result in melt-in-your-mouth bites.

Chuck Shoulder Steaks (London Broil)

Chuck shoulder steaks, also known as London Broil, are a budget-friendly option for steak tips. They tend to be a little firmer and may require a longer cooking time to tenderise, but they are still a good choice if you are used to working with this cut of meat.

Round Tip Roast (Sirloin Tip Roast)

A round tip roast, also known as a sirloin tip roast, is another budget-friendly option. When prepared correctly, it can still offer a juicy steak flavour for your steak tips.

Remember, the key to delicious steak tips is to season the meat well and ensure even cooking. You can also marinate the steak tips before air frying for extra flavour and juiciness. Enjoy experimenting with different steak types to find your favourite!

Marinade

Marinating your steak tips is not necessary, but it can add extra flavour and juiciness to your meat. If you're short on time, you can skip the marinade and go straight to cooking your steak tips in the air fryer. However, if you want to add a little extra something to your dish, here are some tips and tricks for marinating your steak tips before air frying.

If you decide to marinate your steak tips, it is recommended to leave the meat in the marinade for at least an hour or up to eight hours. This will allow the flavours to really penetrate the meat and give it that extra boost of taste.

Wet vs. Dry Marinade

There are two main types of marinades: wet and dry. A wet marinade typically consists of oil, acid (such as vinegar or lemon juice), and various herbs and spices. This type of marinade is best for adding moisture to the meat and infusing it with flavour. On the other hand, a dry marinade, or rub, is simply a mixture of dried herbs and spices that are rubbed onto the surface of the meat. While a dry marinade may not add as much moisture, it can still pack a punch in the flavour department.

Ingredients for Marinade

The great thing about marinades is that you can get creative and experiment with different ingredients. However, some typical ingredients used in steak tip marinades include:

• Olive oil or another type of oil, such as canola or avocado oil.
• Garlic powder and onion powder for flavour.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Dried thyme, rosemary, or other herbs.
• Worcestershire sauce for a savoury kick.
• Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Preparing the Meat

Before adding your steak tips to the marinade, trim any large pieces of fat or connective tissue from the meat. Then, cut the meat into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch in size. Try to make the pieces as evenly sized as possible to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Putting it All Together

Now, simply combine your chosen ingredients for the marinade in a small bowl and mix well. Add the meat to the marinade and ensure that each piece is well coated. You can do this in a ziplock bag for easier cleanup. Once the meat is nicely marinated, you're ready to start cooking your steak tips in the air fryer!

Garlic butter sauce

Ingredients

• Butter
• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley
• Salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Soy sauce
• Red pepper flakes
• Brown sugar
• Onion powder

Instructions

• Mix the butter with garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
• For extra flavor, add olive oil, minced garlic, and soy sauce to the mix.
• If you like your sauce with a kick, add some red pepper flakes.
• For a sweeter sauce, include brown sugar and onion powder.
• Melt the butter and mix all the ingredients together.
• Refrigerate the sauce until it's time to serve.
• Top your freshly cooked steak tips with a generous serving of the garlic butter sauce.

The garlic butter sauce is a perfect complement to the juicy steak tips, adding a burst of flavor to your meal. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and create a sauce that's mild, spicy, or sweet.

Enjoy your delicious air-fried steak tips!

Sides

Steak tips are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for sides to accompany your air fryer steak tips:

Mashed Potatoes

For a classic, comforting side dish, mashed potatoes are an excellent choice. They provide a soft and creamy texture to balance the steak's heartiness. You can make them even more indulgent by adding garlic or herbs, such as Boursin mashed potatoes.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables add a nice contrast in taste and texture to your meal. Some options include roasted rainbow carrots, baby potatoes, or broccolini. These vegetables can be easily prepared in the oven while your steak tips cook in the air fryer.

Salad

A leafy green salad, such as a Caesar salad, can be a refreshing side dish to accompany your steak tips. It adds a crisp and fresh element to your meal. You can also top your salad with the steak tips for a hearty main course.

French Fries

For a more indulgent side, French fries are always a popular choice. They provide a crispy and salty contrast to the steak. You can even make them in your air fryer for extra convenience.

Roasted Chickpea Salad

If you're looking for something a little different, a roasted chickpea salad can be a tasty and healthy option. It adds a crunchy and protein-packed element to your meal.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a classic steak side dish and can be easily prepared in your air fryer. Simply toss them in a little olive oil and salt and pepper, and cook them alongside your steak tips for a delicious and healthy option.

Frequently asked questions