Ella Walter
Air fryers are a great way to cook beef steak tips. They are compact countertop convection ovens that use high heat and a fan to circulate hot air, crisping or browning food without the excess oil and grease of a deep fryer. Steak tips are a relatively inexpensive cut of beef, usually taken from the shoulder, and can be cooked in various ways. Air-frying steak tips gives them a beautiful charring that elevates their flavour, and they can be ready in as little as four minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cut of meat | Sirloin, ribeye, filet mignon, New York strip, chuck, tri-tip, round tip roast, or stew meat |
| Marinade | Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, steak seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or baking soda |
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Timing | 4-10 minutes, depending on the size of the steak bites and the desired level of doneness |
| Other ingredients | Mushrooms, asparagus, zucchini, potatoes |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of beef
Type of Beef
The type of beef you choose will depend on your budget and desired flavour profile. Here are some common options:
- Sirloin: Sirloin is a lean and tender cut of beef that works well for steak tips. It is located just under the ribs and in front of the hip. Sirloin is more expensive than some other cuts but is ideal for dishes that require shorter cooking times.
- Tenderloin: Tenderloin tips are also commonly sold as beef tips and are known for their tenderness. This cut is usually more expensive.
- Chuck: Chuck is a budget-friendly option that is perfect for slow-cooked dishes. It is a tougher cut of meat but becomes tender when cooked for an extended period.
Personal Preference
When choosing a cut of beef, consider your personal preferences. If you prefer a premium steak-like experience, opt for cuts like ribeye, tenderloin, or New York strip. These cuts are more expensive but offer a luxurious dining experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option that still delivers flavour, consider a round tip roast (also known as sirloin tip roast). This cut provides a juicy steak flavour at a more affordable price.
Cooking Method
The intended cooking method can also influence your choice of beef cut. Air fryers cook food quickly and evenly, making them ideal for cuts like sirloin that benefit from shorter cooking times. If you're slow-cooking or braising your beef tips, chuck roast is an excellent choice, as the longer cooking time will help break down the tougher meat fibres.
Dish Type
Finally, consider the type of dish you're preparing. If you're making a stew or a dish that requires longer cooking times, chuck roast or other economical cuts are suitable options. However, if you're aiming for a steak-like experience with a nice sear on the outside and a juicy, tender inside, opt for premium cuts like sirloin or ribeye.
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Preparing the beef for the air fryer
Firstly, select your cut of beef. While you can use a cheaper cut of meat such as chuck, for the best results, opt for a more tender cut like sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon. You want to cut the meat into bite-sized cubes, around 1-inch in size. Try to keep the pieces as evenly sized as possible to ensure even cooking.
Next, you'll want to season your steak tips. This is where you can get creative and use your favourite spices and herbs. A simple option is to use a dry rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. You can also try a technique called velveting, where you marinate the meat in a slurry of baking soda and water to help tenderize it. If you do this, be sure to rinse the meat thoroughly afterward to remove any residue.
Once your meat is cut and seasoned, it's time to cook! Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F for about 5 minutes. You can spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with perforated parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the steak tips in the basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. This ensures that hot air can circulate around each piece of meat.
Cook the steak tips for 2-3 minutes, then flip or shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes for medium-rare steak tips. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired doneness.
And that's it! Your beef tips are now ready to be served and enjoyed.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for your beef tips will depend on your preferred level of doneness. For a rare steak, cook the beef tips at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes on each side. This will give you an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you prefer your steak medium-rare, there are a few options. One source recommends cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes on each side, while another suggests 4 to 5 minutes in total (so 2 to 2.5 minutes on each side). These cooking times will give you an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
For a medium steak, cook the beef tips at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes on each side. This will give you an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you like your steak medium-well, cook the beef tips at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 8 to 10 minutes (4 to 5 minutes on each side). This will give you an internal temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Finally, for a well-done steak, there are a few options. One source recommends cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 8 to 10 minutes (4 to 5 minutes on each side). Another source suggests cooking at the same temperature for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. These cooking times will give you an internal temperature of 155 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your beef tips and the specific model of your air fryer. It's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak to ensure it's cooked to your desired level of doneness.
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How to serve the beef tips
There are many ways to serve beef tips cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:
As a Main Course
You can serve the beef tips with creamy mashed potatoes and honey-roasted carrots on the side. You could also try them with garlic red skin mashed potatoes, twice-baked potatoes, broccoli salad with bacon and cranberries, roasted cauliflower, or a leafy green salad, such as a Caesar salad.
As an Appetizer
The beef tips can be served as nibbles or appetizers at a party.
With a Dip
You could also make a garlic sauce for dipping.
With a Side of Vegetables
You can serve the beef tips with air-fried vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. Other vegetable options include roasted rainbow carrots, roasted broccolini, or grilled cauliflower steaks.
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Reheating and storing the beef tips
Reheating and storing your beef tips are important steps to ensure they remain tasty and safe to eat. Here is a detailed guide:
Storing the Beef Tips:
After cooking your juicy air fryer steak tips, let them cool down to room temperature. Place the beef tips into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within four days to ensure freshness and food safety.
Freezing the Beef Tips:
If you wish to freeze the beef tips for longer storage, use a freezer-safe container or a plastic freezer bag. They can be safely stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw the beef tips before reheating and consuming.
Reheating the Beef Tips:
You can reheat your beef tips in the air fryer or a cast-iron pan. To use the air fryer, preheat the appliance to 350°F for about five minutes. Then, place the beef tips in the air fryer basket and heat them for one to three minutes, just enough to warm them through without overcooking.
Alternatively, you can reheat the beef tips in a cast-iron pan on the stove. Use a heavy skillet and heat it to medium-high. Add a small amount of oil, such as avocado or canola, and cook the beef tips for one to two minutes per side, just until warmed through.
Tips for Reheating:
When reheating steak tips, it's important to avoid overcooking the meat, as this can lead to a tough and chewy texture. Therefore, reheat in short intervals, checking frequently, and remove the beef tips from the heat as soon as they are warmed through. Additionally, you can add a little oil or melted butter during the reheating process to enhance the flavour and moisture of the beef tips.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your air fryer beef tips multiple times while maintaining their taste and texture!
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on how well you want the beef cooked. For rare, cook for 2 minutes on each side. For medium, cook for 3 minutes on each side. For well done, cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.
You can use your favourite cut of steak. Ribeye, sirloin, tri-tip, and chuck shoulder steaks are good options.
Try to flip/turn the beef tips around three times to ensure even cooking. Also, make sure to cut your steak pieces as evenly as possible.
Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use oil with the seasonings.
You can serve beef tips with vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or potatoes.
