Ella Walter
Tri-tip is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin, a staple in Santa Maria, California. It is a versatile, flavorful, and relatively affordable cut of meat that can be cooked in an oven, on a grill, or in an air fryer. The air fryer cooking process ensures a juicy steak with a perfect crust, enhanced by olive oil, steak seasoning, and garlic cloves. The time it takes to cook tri-tip in an air fryer depends on various factors, including the desired level of doneness, the thickness of the cut, and the air fryer's heat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 14-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the tri-tip and the desired level of doneness |
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Rest time | 10 minutes |
| Calories | 172-193 |
| Carbohydrates | 0-18g |
| Protein | 2-23g |
| Fat | 9.2-14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2-2.9g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 1208mg |
| Potassium | 140-285mg |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0-14g |
| Vitamin A | 10IU |
| Vitamin C | 1mg |
| Calcium | 15.7-18mg |
| Iron | 1-1.5mg |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer and pat the tri-tip dry
To make a delicious tri-tip steak in an air fryer, you'll want to preheat your air fryer and pat the meat dry before you start cooking.
First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Most recipes recommend cooking tri-tip at this temperature, but you can adjust it slightly if you want your steak more or less done. Remember that the temperature and cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness, how thick your steak is, and how hot your air fryer gets.
While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your tri-tip. Start by rinsing the meat and patting it dry with a paper towel. This step is important because steak with excess moisture or water will not crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Next, rub oil on both sides of the tri-tip. You can use olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and promote browning.
After oiling the meat, it's time to season it. In a small bowl, mix together your desired seasonings. A simple combination of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and paprika will add flavour to the steak, but feel free to get creative and use your favourite steak rub. Once you've mixed your seasonings, rub them evenly over both sides of the tri-tip.
Let the seasoned tri-tip stand at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer. This step helps ensure even cooking and allows the steak to crisp up nicely on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
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Marinate the tri-tip for at least 30 minutes
Marinating your tri-tip is a great way to add flavour to the meat, as well as ensuring it is moist and tender. There are many different marinades you can use, but a simple combination of soy sauce, garlic and honey with Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce will give your meat a perfectly balanced blend of salty and sweet flavours. You can also add olive oil, steak seasoning, and garlic cloves for maximum flavour.
It is recommended that you marinate your tri-tip for at least one hour, but preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. Then, remove the steak from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This will ensure more even cooking and allow you to achieve the perfect crust and a juicy interior.
While your steak is coming to room temperature, you can prepare the rest of your meal and preheat your air fryer. It is important to preheat your air fryer before adding the tri-tip, as this will help guarantee the essential crust and a juicy interior.
Finally, once your steak has finished marinating and reached room temperature, simply place it in the hot air fryer and cook according to your desired level of doneness.
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Cook at 380°F for 8 minutes for rare, 10 for medium, or 12 for well done
When cooking tri-tip in an air fryer, it's important to consider how well you like your beef cooked, how thick the cut of meat is, and the temperature of your air fryer. A good way to ensure your steak is cooked to your preference is to use a food thermometer to check its internal temperature.
If you like your steak rare, set your air fryer to 380°F and cook for 8 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the steak; for rare, it should be 130°F. If you'd like your steak to be medium-rare, increase the cooking time to 10 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F. For a well-done steak, cook for 12 minutes, or until the steak reaches an internal temperature of 170°F.
It's important to remember that different air fryers heat to different temperatures, so it's a good idea to check the internal temperature of your steak regularly to ensure it's cooked to your preference. Additionally, the cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak, so you may need to adjust the timing accordingly.
Once your steak has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Tent it with foil to retain heat and moisture, allowing the juices to settle and preventing the steak from drying out.
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Let the tri-tip rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking
Allowing the tri-tip to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking is a crucial step in the cooking process. This resting period enables the juices within the meat to redistribute and settle, ensuring the steak is juicy and flavourful. The meat will continue to cook during this time, so it is important to remove it from the air fryer before it reaches your desired level of doneness. For example, if you are aiming for a medium-rare steak, with an internal temperature of 130°F, you should remove the steak from the air fryer at around 120°F, as the temperature will continue to rise by about 10°F while it rests.
During the resting period, it is important to keep the steak covered with aluminium foil to retain heat. This will also help to keep the steak moist, preventing it from drying out.
The length of the resting period depends on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, 5 minutes of resting time is recommended, while for a medium-well to well-done steak, 10 minutes is more appropriate.
Additionally, the thickness of the steak and the temperature of the air fryer will also impact the resting time. A thicker cut of meat will require a longer resting period to allow the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the steak. Similarly, if your air fryer cooks at a higher temperature, you may need to adjust the resting time accordingly to avoid overcooking the steak.
By following these guidelines and allowing the appropriate resting time, you can ensure your air-fried tri-tip steak is juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection.
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Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes if you have leftovers
When cooking tri-tip in an air fryer, there are several factors that determine the cooking time, including the desired level of doneness, the thickness of the meat, and the temperature of the air fryer. While it's important to follow recommended cooking times, it's even more important to cook the meat to the desired internal temperature.
For a rare steak, cook at 400°F for 15 minutes on each side, checking that the internal temperature has reached a minimum of 130°F. For a medium-rare steak, remove the tri-tip from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. For a medium steak, the internal temperature should be 150°F.
Once the steak is cooked to the desired level of doneness, it's important to let it rest. Cover the steak loosely with foil and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to collect inside the meat, making it more flavorful and moist.
If you have leftovers, reheat your steak in the air fryer to maintain its crispy exterior. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the steak for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the steak in the microwave or on the stovetop.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook tri-tip in an air fryer for 8 minutes for rare, 10 minutes for medium, and 12 minutes for well-done. However, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the meat and the temperature of the air fryer.
To ensure your tri-tip is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use a digital meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The minimum internal temperature for rare is 130°F, 145-150°F for medium, and 160°F and above for well-done.
To achieve a nice crust, make sure your air fryer is preheated before placing the meat inside. Rubbing the meat with olive oil will also help create a beautiful sear.
Marinating your tri-tip before cooking will add extra flavor and make the meat more tender and juicy. It is recommended to marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes, and you can use store-bought or homemade marinades.
