Air-Fryer Steak Tips: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Steak tips are bite-sized pieces of steak cooked in an air fryer, offering a convenient, quick, and tasty meal. They are a great option for a busy weeknight, as they can be prepared in under 10 minutes and require minimal clean-up. The air fryer's high heat and fan create a crispy crust without overcooking the inside, resulting in juicy and tender steak tips.

Choosing the right cut of steak

Tenderness

The tenderness of the steak is largely determined by the location on the animal. Cuts from the loin section, such as the tenderloin, short loin, and top sirloin, tend to be more tender due to less connective tissue in these areas. The filet mignon, for instance, is known for its exceptional tenderness.

Marbling

Marbling refers to the intramuscular fat within the steak, which appears as white flecks and lines. While you may want to avoid fatty steaks, a moderate amount of marbling adds juiciness and richness to the meat. Cuts like ribeye and strip steak are known for their excellent marbling.

Aging

Aging beef involves letting it sit in controlled conditions after it has been cut. Dry-aged steaks, for example, are left in very controlled conditions for a full 60 days, resulting in beef with rich, earthy flavors.

Diet of the Animal

The debate between grass-fed and grain-fed beef is ongoing. Grain-finished beef will provide superior marbling and texture, while grass-fed beef will result in a leaner cut with less marbling.

Thickness

When it comes to cooking methods, the thickness of the steak matters. Thicker cuts, such as those at least 1-inch thick, give you more time to work with and are less likely to overcook.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the "best" cut of steak depends on your personal preferences. If you're looking for a balance of flavor and tenderness, consider ribeye, T-bone, top sirloin, or filet mignon.

Marinating vs. dry rubbing

When it comes to making steak tips in an air fryer, you can either marinate the meat or apply a dry rub. Both methods have their own advantages and will ultimately result in a delicious dish.

Marinating

Marinating is a process of steeping meat in a strongly flavoured liquid made with herbs and spices. Marinades typically contain salt, oil, flavourings such as spices and herbs, and an acidic liquid. While some chefs believe that marinades help tenderise the meat, others disagree. Marinades can enhance the flavour of tougher cuts of meat, but they won't turn them tender. It's important to note that the flavour of the marinade only penetrates the surface of the meat, and it should never be used as a sauce unless boiled separately.

When marinating steak tips, it's best to use a tender cut of meat, such as sirloin or filet mignon, and to marinate for a shorter period, typically 15 minutes to 1 hour. This will ensure the meat absorbs the desired flavour without becoming mushy.

Dry Rubbing

Dry rubs, on the other hand, are a blend of seasonings and spices that are rubbed onto the surface of the meat. They create a savoury crust and seal in the meat's juices. Dry rubs can be applied just before cooking or hours in advance, allowing the flavours to penetrate deeper into the meat.

For steak tips, a dry rub is a good option as it won't add moisture to the meat, which can interfere with the desired sear. A simple dry rub can be made with salt, pepper, and brown sugar, but feel free to experiment with additional spices like cayenne, paprika, cumin, coriander, or garlic powder.

Both marinating and dry rubbing are excellent methods for adding flavour to steak tips cooked in an air fryer. Marinating may be preferred for tougher cuts of meat to enhance their flavour and potentially improve tenderness, while dry rubbing is ideal for creating a savoury crust and sealing in juices. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the desired flavour profile and texture, as well as the cut of meat being used.

Preheating the air fryer

Firstly, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to a temperature of around 400°F. This temperature setting is ideal for cooking steak tips as it allows for the formation of a desirable crust on the exterior of the meat without overcooking the inside. Preheat your air fryer for approximately 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature.

If your air fryer has different settings, select the air fry or regular setting. The air fryer essentially functions as a super broiler, cooking the food evenly on all sides. The high heat and good fan circulation are what create the crispy exterior without overcooking the interior of the steak tips.

To check if your air fryer has preheated sufficiently, some models may have an indicator light or a beep to signal that it is ready. Alternatively, you can use an infrared thermometer to check the temperature of the basket or insert a small piece of bread or a tiny amount of oil, which should sizzle if the air fryer is hot enough.

When preheating, it is important to ensure that the air fryer basket is empty. This is because you want the hot air to circulate freely and heat up all the surfaces of the basket evenly. If there are any items in the basket, they may interfere with the airflow and prevent uniform heating.

Additionally, it is worth noting that different models of air fryers may have specific instructions or recommendations for preheating. Always refer to the user manual provided with your air fryer for any model-specific guidelines or precautions. By following these instructions, you'll be on your way to cooking steak tips like a pro!

Arranging the steak tips in the basket

Now that your air fryer is preheated, it's time to arrange your steak tips in the air fryer basket. The key here is to arrange the pieces in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each piece, ensuring even cooking and a crispy exterior. If your air fryer basket is on the smaller side, you may need to cook your steak tips in batches.

Before you toss your steak into the basket, hit it with a quick spray of cooking spray. This little trick keeps the meat from sticking and helps create that delicious crust.

Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. It's tempting to cook as much as possible at once, but resist the urge. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of air frying, resulting in less browning and flavour. Space out your steak bites so the hot air can circulate around each piece.

If you double the recipe, you may need to cook in two batches. You want there to be room for the hot air to circulate, so make sure the steak tips aren't touching or overlapping.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for steak tips in an air fryer will depend on how well-done you like your steak.

For a medium-rare steak, cook the steak tips at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you prefer your steak tips more well-done, increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes. However, keep in mind that the longer you cook the steak, the tougher it will become.

For a medium-rare steak, you are looking for an internal temperature of 135°F. To check the temperature, use a meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of a steak piece. If the temperature is lower than 135°F, put the steak back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.

If you like your steak medium, cook the steak tips for 3 minutes on each side. For well-done steak tips, cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.

Frequently asked questions