Beef Tips: Air-Fryer Style — Quick, Easy, Delicious

Cooking beef in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare a delicious meal. Air fryers are countertop convection ovens that use a heating element and fan to circulate hot air, cooking food faster and more evenly than a traditional oven. When it comes to cooking beef tips in an air fryer, the key is to choose the right cut of meat and to ensure proper airflow during cooking. By following a few simple steps, you can achieve tender, juicy, and flavourful beef tips with a crispy crust.

Choosing the right cut of beef

Type of Dish

The type of dish you want to prepare will dictate the best cut of beef to use. For example, if you're making steak bites or tips, you'll want to choose a cut that is suitable for slicing into small, bite-sized pieces. On the other hand, if you're making a roast, you'll need a larger cut of beef that can be cooked whole.

Cooking Time

Different cuts of beef have varying cooking times. If you're short on time, opt for a cut that cooks relatively quickly, such as a steak bite or tip. For a slower cook, you could choose a cheaper, tougher cut with a lot of connective tissue that benefits from a longer cooking time to break down the muscle fibers.

Tenderness

Some cuts of beef are naturally more tender than others. For example, the top sirloin is known for being more tender than the bottom sirloin. If you're looking for a tender cut, you might also consider filet mignon, which comes from the smaller part of the tenderloin and has a rich, smooth taste.

Marbling

Marbling refers to the amount of fat interspersed in the meat. Selecting cuts with a higher degree of marbling will generally give you a better eating experience when using an air fryer. The fat helps to keep the meat moist and juicy, especially when cooking with dry heat. However, if you're making beef jerky, a leaner cut like Eye of Round or Top Round is recommended.

Personal Preference

Lastly, don't forget to consider your personal preferences. Do you prefer a leaner or fattier cut of beef? Are you looking for a budget-friendly option or are you willing to splurge? By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the perfect cut of beef that will deliver delicious results when cooked in your air fryer.

Marinating vs dry rubbing

When it comes to seasoning your steak tips, you have two options: marinating or dry rubbing. Both methods will give your steak tips a delicious flavour, but there are some key differences to consider.

A dry rub is a blend of seasonings, spices, and sometimes a small amount of liquid, that you rub onto the surface of the meat. It adds flavour and a crusty texture to the exterior of the meat without adding moisture. This makes it ideal for achieving a good sear on the meat. You can apply a dry rub just before cooking, or for a more intense flavour, you can apply it a few hours before cooking or even overnight. An example of a simple dry rub mixture includes salt, pepper, and brown sugar.

On the other hand, a marinade is a mixture of liquids, spices, herbs, and other seasonings combined with oil. It adds flavour and tenderness to the meat by breaking down the cell walls of the protein. Marinades work well with thin cuts of beef and tougher cuts of meat, such as skirt and flank steak. It's recommended to soak the meat in the marinade for at least 8-12 hours or overnight. A simple marinade can be made by mixing your favourite vinegar salad dressing with salt and a little water.

When cooking steak tips in an air fryer, it's important to note that overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to steaming instead of air frying, resulting in less browning and flavour. Therefore, it's crucial to space out the steak tips and shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Whether you choose to marinate or dry rub your steak tips, the key is to use quality ingredients and give the flavours time to develop. So, decide based on your time constraints and personal preference for flavour and texture.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for beef tips in an air fryer depend on your preferred level of doneness. For a rare steak, cook the beef tips for 2 minutes on each side. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 3 minutes on each side. For a medium steak, cook for 4 minutes on each side. For a well-done steak, cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.

It is important to preheat the air fryer, which ensures the food cooks evenly and gets crispy and/or caramelized. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.

The cooking time will depend on how small each piece of steak is and how packed the air fryer is. It is recommended to cut the steak into even cubes so they cook at the same rate. Only cook as much steak as fits in one layer in your air fryer, leaving some room between the pieces for even cooking. Cook in batches if needed.

Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs or a spatula to flip each piece over. Shake the basket to redistribute the beef steak bites or tips for optimal airflow. Once the steak is cooked to your liking, let it rest for about 2-3 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to spread evenly through the meat, making each bite more tender and juicy.

Resting the meat

The reason for resting the meat is to allow the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the steak. This process makes each bite more flavourful and moist. It is best to let the steak rest at room temperature, uncovered, for at least 20 minutes before cooking. This is also a good time to season the meat with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice.

Finally, resting the meat ensures that the steak tips are not overcooked. The internal temperature of the steak will continue to rise slightly as it rests, so it is important to take this into account when deciding on your desired level of doneness.

Sides and sauces

While your beef tips are cooking in the air fryer, you can prepare a variety of side dishes and sauces to complement your meal. Here are some ideas:

Sides

Roasted vegetables are a great option to pair with your beef tips. You can toss some broccoli, carrots, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly caramelized. You can also steam broccoli with lemon juice and parmesan, or serve with a simple salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.

Mashed potatoes are another classic side dish for steak. You can whip up a batch of your favorite recipe and even add some shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh herbs like chives or parsley. For a more indulgent option, you can serve oven-baked crinkle-cut fries or potato wedges.

If you're looking for something lighter, a leafy green salad like a Caesar salad can be a good choice. You can also serve your beef tips with a side of pasta salad or steamed parsley rice.

Sauces

A simple and classic sauce to accompany your beef tips is garlic butter. You can easily make this by melting some butter and mixing in minced garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some red pepper and parsley for extra flavor. Simply drizzle this sauce over your beef tips or toss them in the sauce before serving.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can sauté some minced garlic, shallots, and fresh herbs in a pan before adding in your cooked beef tips. This will add a depth of flavor to your dish.

For a creamy option, you can serve your beef tips with a horseradish sauce or a steak sauce on the side.

Remember to allow your beef tips to rest for a few minutes after cooking, and then you can add your desired sauce and enjoy your delicious meal!

Frequently asked questions