Ella Walter
Steak tips are a great way to enjoy steak without breaking the bank. They are cubed beef cut from the sirloin, which is the part of the cow just under the ribs and in front of the hip. Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook steak tips as they require very little oil, meaning less grease splatter and minimal cleanup. The high heat and fan of an air fryer also ensure a crispy outside without overcooking the inside. To make steak tips in an air fryer, start by trimming any large pieces of fat and cutting the steak into bite-sized cubes. Then, coat the steak with olive oil and your choice of seasonings or a marinade. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes, then place the steak bites in a single layer in the basket and cook for 4-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a tasty addition, toss the steak bites in garlic butter before serving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Any kind of steak can be used, but top sirloin, ribeye, and New York Strip are popular choices. |
| Steak preparation | Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes or bite-sized pieces. |
| Marinade | Oil, salt, black pepper, onion and garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. |
| Additional seasonings | Montreal Steak Seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or a simple salt and pepper mix. |
| Cooking time | 4-9 minutes for rare to medium-rare steak, 7-8 minutes for medium-well, and 12 minutes for medium. |
| Cooking temperature | 400°F. |
| Cooking method | Spread the steak pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch or overlap. Cook in batches if necessary. Flip the steak pieces halfway through. |
| Sides | French fries, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta salad, or a leafy green salad. |
| Clean-up | Minimal, as there is no grease splatter. |
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What You'll Learn
Steak preparation and seasoning
Steak tips are cubed beef cut from sirloin, the part of the cow just under the ribs and in front of the hip. They are not the same as beef tips, which usually come from cheaper cuts of meat. Sirloin is leaner and more tender than chuck, which works well for dishes that do not require long cooking times to break down the muscle fibres.
When preparing your steak tips, trim any large pieces of fat and cut the meat into one-inch bite-sized pieces. You can use any kind of steak you like for this recipe, such as ribeye, New York strip, or top sirloin.
To season your steak tips, coat them lightly with olive oil. This will help your seasoning stick to the meat and encourage browning. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with your favourite steak seasoning. Try a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, or a dry rub if your steak is leaner. You can also try marinating your steak tips in a mixture of oil, salt, black pepper, Montreal seasoning, onion and garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. If you have the time, let the beef marinate for up to four hours in the fridge for a more intense flavour.
If you're feeling indulgent, toss your cooked steak bites in garlic butter before serving. Simply melt some butter and mix in minced garlic and chopped parsley.
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Air fryer settings and cooking time
To cook steak tips in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, season the steak tips with spices and oil, and toss to coat well. You can also marinate the steak tips in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours for a more intense flavor, but be sure to bring the steak to room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer.
When the air fryer is preheated, place the steak pieces in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd the basket, as the circulating heat will create a crispy and charred outer layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the steak in batches.
Cook the steak tips for 7-9 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. You can add some chopped green vegetables during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. The total cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness, with medium-rare steaks requiring less time than medium-well.
After cooking, let the steak tips rest on a plate, loosely tented with foil, to prevent them from continuing to cook. You can also reheat any leftovers in the air fryer for a minute or two.
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Marinade and cooking oil
Marinating your steak tips before air frying will help to tenderise the meat and infuse it with flavour. A longer marinating time will result in a more intense flavour. You can marinate your steak tips for up to four hours in the fridge, but be sure to bring the meat back to room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer.
If you are short on time, a quick marinade can be made by coating the steak tips with olive oil and a generous amount of seasoning. You can use salt and pepper, or your favourite steak seasoning. You can also add balsamic vinegar for maximum flavour.
For a more intense flavour, you can use a technique called velveting, which is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. This involves marinating the steak tips in a slurry of baking soda and water.
When preparing your steak tips for the air fryer, coat them lightly with oil. This will help the steak tips to brown better and encourage the seasoning to coat the surface of the meat. You can use olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil.
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Side dishes and leftovers
Side dishes
Steak tips are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans are a healthy and tasty option. You can also toss them in olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper before roasting for extra flavour.
- Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, smashed potatoes, or roasted baby potatoes are a great option to pair with the steak tips. For a more indulgent option, try Boursin mashed potatoes.
- Salad: A leafy green salad, such as a Caesar salad, or a hearty salad with veggies can be a refreshing side dish.
- French fries: Crispy French fries are always a popular choice and pair well with steak tips.
- Pasta salad: For a more substantial side dish, pasta salad is a good option.
Leftovers
Now, let's talk about leftovers. Proper storage and reheating techniques are important to ensure food safety and optimal taste:
- Storing leftovers: Leftover steak tips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: When reheating steak tips, it's important not to overcook the meat, as it can become tough and chewy. You can reheat the steak tips in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 1-3 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a stovetop or skillet with a tiny bit of oil for 2-3 minutes.
- Leftover dishes: Get creative with your leftovers! You can use leftover steak tips in a variety of dishes such as steak and eggs for breakfast, steak sandwiches, steak tacos, fajitas, or toss them into a stir-fry or salad.
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Benefits of using an air fryer
Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to deep frying. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer to cook steak tips and other foods:
Health Benefits
Air fryers use significantly less oil than traditional deep frying, resulting in food with less fat and fewer calories. Research has linked the oils used in deep frying to adverse health effects, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. By reducing the amount of oil absorbed by the food, air fryers can help mitigate these risks. Additionally, air fryers may reduce the formation of acrylamide, a chemical produced when frying starchy foods like potatoes, which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Taste and Texture
Despite using less oil, air fryers still deliver on taste and texture. They create a crispy, golden-brown exterior similar to deep-fried foods while maintaining a soft and moist interior. The high heat and circulating hot air of an air fryer give steak tips a beautiful charring that elevates the flavor and makes them tender.
Ease of Use and Cleanup
Air fryers are easy to use and result in minimal cleanup. They heat up and cook faster than traditional ovens, making them ideal for quick and convenient meals. Additionally, there is no greasy splatter or smoke to deal with, as everything stays contained within the closed basket of the air fryer. This means less time spent cleaning up greasy surfaces and stove fans.
Versatility
Air fryers can cook a wide variety of foods, from steak tips and chicken to roasted vegetables and even desserts like muffins. They can also be used to reheat leftovers and deliver better results than a microwave, making them a versatile appliance for everyday use. Some models have additional functions like toasting and baking, further adding to their versatility.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking steak tips in an air fryer takes between 4-15 minutes, depending on the size of the steak tips and your desired level of doneness.
To get a crispy texture on the outside of the steak tips, ensure that the steak tips are spread out in the air fryer basket so that air can circulate freely around them.
There is no definitive answer, as different people have different preferences. Some commonly used cuts include ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, and filet mignon.
Set your air fryer to 400°F when cooking steak tips.
Some good side dishes to serve with air fryer steak tips include French fries, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and salad.
