Cody Casey
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a delicious meal. Air fryers are compact countertop convection ovens that use a combination of a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air for faster and more even cooking. This method is perfect for achieving a crispy texture on the outside without overcooking the inside, resulting in juicy and tender steak bites. The high heat and even heat circulation also mean minimal cleanup, as there is no dangerous grease splatter. With an air fryer, you can enjoy the same flavours and textures as grilling without the hassle of stepping outside your kitchen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Ribeye, New York Strip, or any other cut |
| Steak size | 1-inch thick, bite-sized pieces |
| Marinade | Olive oil, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, coconut aminos, mustard, fresh garlic, salt, and pepper |
| Marinade time | 30 minutes to 4 hours |
| Air fryer temperature | 400-450°F |
| Air fryer preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Air fryer cook time | 4-9 minutes |
| Air fryer cook time (medium-rare) | 5 minutes |
| Air fryer cook time (medium) | 6-7 minutes |
| Air fryer cook time (medium-well) | 8 minutes |
| Air fryer cook time (medium-rare, 1-inch thick) | 10 minutes, flipping halfway |
| Air fryer cook time (medium, 1-inch thick) | 12 minutes, flipping halfway |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of beef
Tender or Tough?
The tenderness of the beef is a key factor in determining the right cut. The most tender cuts of beef come from the primal cuts with lesser-worked muscles, typically found in the center of the cow. These include the tenderloin (also known as filet mignon), ribeye, strip steak, T-bone, and porterhouse. The tenderloin is considered the most expensive and tender cut, while the T-bone and porterhouse offer a combination of tenderness and flavor.
Marbling and Fat Content:
The amount of fat marbling in the beef will impact the juiciness and flavor of your steak tips. Cuts like ribeye and strip steak have a good balance of marbling, tenderness, and flavor. If you prefer a leaner cut, options like top sirloin, tri-tip, or round steak are ideal. However, very lean cuts may require a marinade to prevent dryness and improve tenderness.
Budget-Friendly Options:
If you're looking for a more affordable option without compromising on flavor, consider cuts like the round tip roast (also known as sirloin tip roast or French roll roast). These cuts offer a juicy steak flavor at a more reasonable price. Additionally, the tri-tip, while tender, is usually less expensive than premium cuts like ribeye due to its location within the bottom sirloin group.
Thickness and Cooking Method:
The thickness of your steak tips will impact the cooking method and desired doneness. For air fryer steak tips, aim for bite-sized pieces of approximately one-inch thickness. Thicker cuts are generally better for achieving a crisp sear on the outside while retaining a juicy, pink center.
Remember, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right cut of beef. Experiment with different cuts, cooking methods, and seasonings to find what suits your taste buds the best!
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Marinade ingredients and preparation
Marinating your steak tips before air frying is a great way to add flavour and tenderise the meat. There are many different ingredients you can use to marinate your steak, and the length of time you leave it to marinate will depend on how intense a flavour you want.
If you are short on time, you can leave the steak to marinate on the counter for 30 minutes. A simple marinade can be made by coating the steak tips in a small amount of olive oil, and then sprinkling with a dry rub of kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper and dried thyme. You can also add red pepper and parsley to this mixture.
If you have longer, you can leave the steak to marinate for up to 4 hours in the fridge. A tasty marinade for this could be a combination of garlic, olive oil, butter, and soy sauce or coconut aminos. You can also add mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and chilli flakes or chipotle for a spicier flavour.
Before marinating, you should trim your steak of any fat and cut it into 1-inch cubes. You can also tenderise the meat using a technique called velveting, which involves marinating the steak tips in a slurry of baking soda and water.
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Air fryer settings and cooking time
Air fryers are compact countertop convection ovens that cook food with the help of a heating element and a fan that circulates hot air. This results in faster and more even cooking times. The air fryer is an excellent option for cooking steak tips as it requires little to no oil, cooks food evenly without any oil, and ensures minimal cleanup.
To cook beef steak tips in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer at 400°F for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, trim any fat from the steak and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Then, toss the steak with the ingredients for the marinade and massage the spices onto the meat to coat evenly. You can use a ziplock bag for easier cleanup.
Once the steak is marinated and the air fryer is preheated, spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with a non-stick spray and spread the prepared meat along the bottom of the basket. Make sure the steak bites are not overlapping and are placed in a single layer with adequate space between each bite to allow hot air to circulate and create a nice crust.
The cooking time for the steak tips in the air fryer depends on your preference. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 5-7 minutes without turning them over. For a medium steak, cook for about 6-7 minutes, and for medium-well, cook for around 8 minutes. If you prefer your steak well done, you can cook it for 10 minutes, flipping it halfway.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of the steak. For thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Serving suggestions
You can serve your air fryer steak tips with a side of your choice. Here are some options:
- French fries
- Southern Green Beans
- Baked potatoes
- Smashed potatoes
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Pasta salad
- Steamed broccoli with lemon juice and Parmesan
- Air fryer Greek chicken and potatoes
- Oven-baked crinkle-cut fries
- Cajun fries
- Ranch potato wedges
- Horseradish sauce
- Salad
You can also use any leftovers to make a steak sandwich, steak tacos, fajitas, or a stir fry.
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Storing and reheating
If you've cooked up a batch of beef steak tips in your air fryer, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. If you don't think you'll get through them in time, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
When it comes to reheating, it's best to avoid the microwave, as this can make your steak tips chewy. Instead, heat them up in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the air fryer, but be careful not to overcook them. Place them in the basket and heat in 1-minute intervals until they're warmed to your liking.
If you're planning on storing your steak tips, it's best to undercook them slightly so they don't become overcooked when you reheat them. They should be nicely browned on the outside but still have a little give when pressed. This way, you can ensure they stay juicy and tender when you enjoy them later.
So, there you have it! By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your air-fried beef steak tips over a few meals without compromising on taste or texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes, then season with a dry rub or marinade. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes, then cook the steak for 7-10 minutes.
Cooking times vary depending on the thickness of the steak and how well done you like it. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium. For thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Air fryers require little to no oil, so they are healthier than pan-frying or deep frying. They also minimize cleanup because they contain the food within a closed basket, preventing grease splatter.
