Air Fryer Steak Tips: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Guide

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 such as chuck. Cooking steak tips in an air fryer gives amazing results! The air fryer uses high heat and a fan that circulates the heat so that the outsides get a crispy crust without overcooking the inside. The results are flavorful and super tender.

How to season steak tips

Seasoning is a crucial step in the process of making steak tips in the air fryer, as it enhances the natural flavour of the beef. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to season your steak tips to perfection:

Choosing the Right Cut of Steak:

Firstly, select a cut of steak that is tender, flavourful, and well-marbled. Sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, and filet mignon are excellent choices for air fryer steak tips. These cuts offer a rich, beefy flavour and a tender texture. When cutting the steak into tips, aim for pieces that are about 1 to 1.5 inches in size, perfect for bite-sized portions.

Marinating vs. Dry Rubbing:

You have two main options for seasoning your steak tips: marinating or dry rubbing. Marinating involves soaking the steak tips in a flavourful liquid, such as Worcestershire sauce, for several hours or overnight. This helps to tenderise the meat and infuse it with flavour. On the other hand, dry rubbing involves coating the steak tips with a mixture of dry spices and seasonings, allowing you to customise the flavour to your taste. For air fryer steak tips, dry rubbing is often preferred as it is quicker and allows the natural flavour of the beef to shine through.

Creating a Flavourful Seasoning Blend:

When it comes to seasoning, you can keep it classic with salt and pepper, or get creative by adding ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper for a kick of spice. Here is a simple and tasty seasoning blend that you can use:

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

Simply mix these ingredients in a small bowl, then sprinkle the blend generously over your steak tips.

Adding Oil:

Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over your steak tips and toss to coat them evenly. The olive oil helps the seasonings adhere to the meat and promotes a juicy, flavourful steak.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Before adding your seasoned steak tips to the air fryer, preheat your appliance to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the air fryer is hot enough to create a nice crust on the outside of the steak while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Arranging the Steak Tips in the Basket:

When placing the steak tips in the air fryer basket, arrange them in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each piece. This allows hot air to circulate evenly, ensuring even cooking and a crispy exterior. If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the steak tips in batches. Don't overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to steaming instead of air frying, resulting in less browning and flavour development.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

For medium-rare steak tips, cook at 400°F for about 6-8 minutes, flipping the steak tips halfway through. If you prefer your steak tips more well-done, increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes. Keep in mind that longer cooking times can make the steak tougher.

Checking for Doneness:

The best way to check if your steak tips are cooked to your desired doneness is by using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare steak tips, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of one of the steak tips to get an accurate reading. If the temperature is lower than 135°F, simply return the steak tips to the air fryer and cook for an additional minute or two.

Letting the Steak Rest:

Once your steak tips are cooked to perfection, resist the temptation to dig in immediately. Instead, let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.

How to tenderize steak tips

Steak tips are a convenient, flavour-packed cut of beef that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some tips on how to tenderise steak tips:

Marinating

Marinating is a great way to add flavour and tenderness to your steak tips. Common marinade ingredients include red wine, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, lemon, tomato, and balsamic vinaigrette. You can also try something different, like a coffee-bourbon barbecue sauce, a Korean barbecue sauce, or an orange rosemary sauce. When marinating, make sure the steak tips are fully coated and left to soak for at least an hour or up to 8 hours.

Velveting

Velveting is a technique commonly used in Chinese cuisine that involves marinating tough cuts of meat in a slurry of baking soda and water. The baking soda prevents the proteins in the meat from bonding together, making your steak tips chewy. Dissolve 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda in water, add the steak pieces, and let them soak for 15 minutes. Then, thoroughly rinse and dry the meat before cooking.

Enzymatic tenderisation

This method uses enzymes from fruits like kiwis and pineapples to break down the connective tissue in the meat. You can also try "dry-aging", where natural enzymes in the meat break down the collagen over time, resulting in a tender and flavourful piece of steak.

Physical tenderisation

A more traditional method of tenderisation involves using a mallet to physically beat the steak tips and break down the connective tissue.

Thermal tenderisation

This method uses heat to break down the meat fibres. Slow cookers are a great option for this technique.

Choosing the right cut of meat

When selecting your steak tips, opt for premium cuts like sirloin, tri-tip, flank steak, or coulotte. These cuts are more tender and require less tenderisation.

How to cook steak tips

Ingredients

• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 pounds top sirloin – cut into one-inch bite-sized pieces
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil

Utensils

• Air fryer (basket style)
• Instant-read thermometer
• Bowl
• Paper towels
• Cooking spray

Method

• Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces.
• Dissolve the baking soda in water and add the steak pieces. Leave to soak for 15 minutes.
• Drain the water and rinse the meat.
• Spread the steak pieces out on a layer of paper towels and blot any excess moisture.
• Combine the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper and thyme in a bowl.
• Drizzle the meat with olive oil and stir to coat.
• Sprinkle the meat with half the seasoning, stir, then repeat with the other half.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes.
• Spray the bottom of the basket with cooking spray.
• Spread the steak pieces out in an even layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Cook the steak tips at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for three minutes.
• Flip the steak tips or shake the basket, then cook for another three minutes.
• Check the temperature of the steak with an instant-read thermometer. For medium-rare, the temperature should be between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If you prefer your steak tips more well-done, cook for another two minutes for medium-well, or another four minutes for well-done.
• Allow the steak tips to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• You can use a different herb to thyme, such as rosemary.
• You can marinate the steak tips before cooking, but this is optional.
• If marinating, do not add salt until right before cooking.
• Trim any connective tissue or large pieces of fat from the meat.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• You can check on the meat at any time by opening the air fryer.

How to store and reheat steak tips

Air fryer steak tips should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Consume within four days.

If you want to keep your steak tips for longer, you can freeze them. Store them in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag and consume within three months. Make sure you thaw them before reheating.

When it comes to reheating steak, you have to be careful not to overcook the meat and make it tough and chewy. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for five minutes. Then, add the steak tips to the basket and heat for one to three minutes, until the steak is heated through.

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat steak in the oven or on the stovetop. Here's how:

Reheating Steak in the Oven:

• Place your steak on a cooling rack over a sheet tray. This allows heat and air to circulate and any fat to drip away.
• Leave the steak on the rack while you preheat your oven to 250°F.
• Put the steak in the oven and heat for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads an internal temperature of 110°F.
• To finish, heat some oil in a pan and sear the steak for one to two minutes on each side to recreate a crispy crust.

Reheating Steak on the Stovetop:

• As with the oven method, bring the steak to room temperature before reheating.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of neutral cooking oil, like vegetable or grapeseed oil.
• Place the steak in the skillet and cook for two to three minutes on each side. If you're unsure about the doneness, use a meat thermometer. Rare steak will be 120°F, medium will be 140°F, and well-done will be 160°F.

Sides to serve with steak tips

Steak tips are a versatile dish that can be paired with various sides to enhance your dining experience. Here are some mouth-watering options to consider:

Mashed Potatoes:

• Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes will add a creamy and savory dimension to your meal.
• For an extra indulgent twist, try stirring in some shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh herbs like chives into your mashed potatoes.

Roasted Vegetables:

• Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.

Salads:

• A simple salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions with a tangy vinaigrette or creamy ranch dressing is always a good choice.
• For a heartier option, try a Caesar salad.

Carbohydrates:

• Air Fryer French Fries are a classic side that pairs well with steak tips.
• For breakfast, Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes will complement your steak tips perfectly.

Baked Potatoes:

• Twice-baked potatoes are a delicious and filling option.
• For an air-fried option, poke and oil medium-russet potatoes, then air fry at 400°F for 40 minutes.

Green Vegetables:

• Air Fryer Broccolini or roasted asparagus pairs well with steak tips.
• For a more indulgent option, try Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes with your steak tips.

Mushroom Dishes:

Garlic Herb Mushrooms will add an earthy and savory note to your meal.

Sweet Potato Creations:

Mashed Sweet Potatoes or Air-Fried Sweet Potatoes offer a sweet and savory contrast to the steak tips.

Frequently asked questions