Air Fryer Tri-Tip: Timing For Perfection

Air fryers are a great alternative to grilling or oven-cooking your tri-tip steak. The high-speed circulation of hot air in an air fryer cooks your food faster, giving it a fried texture with minimal oil. But how long should you air-fry your tri-tip for?

The cooking time depends on the thickness of the cut, how well you like your meat cooked, and the temperature of your air fryer. As a rule of thumb, you should cook your tri-tip for 10-12 minutes per pound of meat. For a 3-pound tri-tip, this means cooking it for 30-36 minutes.

If you're aiming for a medium-rare finish, you want the internal temperature of the meat to reach 130°F. For medium, cook it to 140°F, and for medium-well, 150°F.

It's important to remember that the steak will continue to cook after you've removed it from the air fryer, so take it out when it's about 10°F cooler than your desired level of doneness.

Marinating the tri-tip

Firstly, prepare your chosen marinade. A simple yet effective marinade can be made by whisking together a combination of low-sodium soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, garlic powder and black pepper. You can also add your own twist with extra ingredients such as lemon juice, brown sugar, onion powder, paprika, and aleppo pepper.

Next, place your tri-tip into a large sealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade into the bag, ensuring that the meat is well-coated. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bag shut. It is best to marinate the steak for a minimum of one hour in the refrigerator, but for the most intense flavour and tender texture, it is recommended to leave it overnight.

Once the steak has been marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for around 20-30 minutes. This step is important as it ensures more even cooking.

After this, you can cook your tri-tip in the air fryer, following the instructions provided by your air fryer model. As a general rule, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8 minutes per pound, or until your desired level of doneness is reached.

Finally, let the tri-tip rest for around 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to collect inside the meat, making it more moist and flavourful.

By following these steps, you will be well on your way to achieving a juicy and tender tri-tip steak with a delicious crust.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the tri-tip cooking process. This step is crucial to achieving the desired crust and juicy interior of the meat. Here is a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for cooking tri-tip:

Understanding the Importance of Preheating

When cooking tri-tip in an air fryer, preheating ensures that the appliance reaches the desired temperature before adding the meat. This initial heating step is vital as it helps create the ideal environment for cooking. By preheating, you guarantee a consistent and even cooking temperature, promoting even browning and sealing in the juices of the tri-tip.

Preheating Steps:

• First, ensure your air fryer is clean and free of any residue from previous cooking sessions.
• Set the temperature: Adjust the temperature setting on your air fryer to 400°F. This temperature is ideal for cooking tri-tip, allowing it to develop a delicious crust while remaining juicy inside.
• Allow sufficient preheating time: Depending on your air fryer model, it may take a few minutes to reach the set temperature. Refer to your air fryer's user manual to determine the recommended preheating time.
• Use an oven thermometer: If your air fryer doesn't have a built-in temperature display, consider investing in an oven thermometer. This tool will help you accurately gauge the temperature inside the air fryer, ensuring it reaches the desired 400°F before proceeding.

Tips for Optimal Preheating:

• Ensure proper ventilation: During preheating, your air fryer may release some smoke or odours, especially if it's a new appliance. Make sure the room is well-ventilated by opening a window or turning on the range hood fan.
• Preheat with the basket inside: For optimal results, place the air fryer basket inside the appliance during preheating. This ensures that the basket also reaches the desired temperature, providing a more consistent cooking environment for the tri-tip.
• Don't rush the preheating process: Allow your air fryer to reach the set temperature fully. Cutting the preheating time short may result in uneven cooking and affect the quality of your tri-tip.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to master the art of preheating your air fryer for cooking tri-tip. This crucial step will ensure your meat is cooked to perfection, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that your family and friends will rave about!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your tri-tip in the air fryer will depend on your desired level of doneness.

As a general rule of thumb, you should cook your tri-tip for 10-12 minutes per pound. For example, if you have a 3-pound tri-tip roast, you should cook it for 30-36 minutes in total.

If you are aiming for a medium-rare finish, you should remove the tri-tip from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F. For medium, remove it from the air fryer at 140°F, and for medium-well, take it out at 150°F. The internal temperature of the tri-tip will continue to rise by about 10°F while it rests.

It is recommended to let the tri-tip come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking. This will help the steak crisp on the outside faster, and allow the fat to render more.

To achieve the desired internal temperature, it is also important to let the tri-tip rest in the air fryer for at least 5 minutes after the timer goes off. This will ensure that the steak is not raw in the middle.

If you are using a Phillips air fryer, a Ninja Foodi, or an Instant Pot with a broiler lid and basket, you should set the temperature to 450°F. For other air fryer models, preheat to 400°F.

For a rare finish, you are aiming for an internal temperature of 120-125°F. For medium-rare, you want the internal temperature to reach 130-135°F. For medium, the internal temperature should be 140-145°F, and for well-done, you are looking at 160°F and above.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your tri-tip and the heat of your air fryer.

Resting the meat

During cooking, the juices and moisture in the meat are driven to the centre of the cut due to the high heat. By letting the meat rest, the juices are reabsorbed throughout the steak, ensuring that it is moist and flavourful. If the meat is sliced too soon, the juices will run out, leaving the steak dry and less tasty.

The resting period also gives the fibres in the meat time to relax, which further contributes to tenderness. This is why it is important to slice against the grain, as this shortens the muscle fibres and enhances the tenderness of each bite.

Additionally, resting the meat gives you time to prepare any sides or sauces to accompany your meal. So, while the steak rests, you can quickly whip up some mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a crisp green salad to create a well-rounded and satisfying dish.

Finally, resting the meat allows you to confirm the desired level of doneness. Using a meat thermometer, you can check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it has reached the ideal temperature for your preferred level of doneness, whether that is medium-rare, medium, or well-done.

Serving suggestions

Tri-tip steak is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some ideas to elevate your air-fried tri-tip steak and make it a delicious and memorable meal:

Sides

• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Crispy and tender Brussels sprouts cooked to perfection in the air fryer make a great healthy side dish.
• Air Fryer Mac and Cheese: Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and cheesy macaroni, prepared in the air fryer for a quick and convenient meal.
• Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a perfect side dish to complement the steak.
• Baked Sweet Potato in the Air Fryer: Sweet and fluffy baked sweet potatoes are a great option to pair with the steak for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Air Fryer Blooming Onion: Add a touch of fun and flavour with this blooming onion appetiser, cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer.
• Roasted Carrots and Asparagus: A classic combination of roasted vegetables, carrots and asparagus, make a great side dish to round out your meal.

Sauces

• Chimichurri Sauce: A fresh and flavourful sauce made with herbs, garlic, and olive oil. It adds a bright and tangy twist to your steak.
• Barbecue Sauce: Slather on some sweet and smoky barbecue sauce for a classic flavour that pairs perfectly with the steak.

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of sides and sauces to find your favourite pairings!

Frequently asked questions