Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a great way to cook steak tips, yielding delicious, juicy, and tender results in under 10 minutes. The high heat and fan of an air fryer allow for even cooking and a crispy exterior without overcooking the interior. Steak tips are bite-sized pieces of beef, usually cut from sirloin, and are distinct from beef tips, which are typically cheaper cuts of meat. When preparing steak tips in an air fryer, it is important to not overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent even cooking and browning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Marinade | Oil, salt, black pepper, Montreal seasoning, onion, garlic powder, cayenne pepper |
| Marinade container | Ziplock bag |
| Basket preparation | Coated with cooking spray |
| Steak preparation | Trimmed of fat, cut into cubes, coated in marinade |
| Cooking time | 4-10 minutes |
| Cooking method | Spread in an even layer, flip halfway through |
| Resting time | 2-3 minutes |
| Sides | French fries, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta salad, asparagus, broccoli |
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What You'll Learn
Steak types and cuts
Steak tips are cubed beef cut from the sirloin, the part of the cow just under the ribs and in front of the hip. Authentic beef tips are typically made with sirloin and round cuts. However, you can also use rib eye, New York strip, tri-tip, flank steak, or sirloin steak for your air fryer steak bites.
When preparing your steak tips, you can choose to marinate them in the fridge for up to four hours for a more intense flavor. You can also opt for a dry rub with kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and dried thyme. Coat the tips with a small amount of olive oil and sprinkle with the seasoning.
Now, on to steak types and cuts. The beef industry is always looking for new cuts of beef to market, so it's no surprise that there are many options for steak cuts. Here are some of the most common types:
Tenderloin
The tenderloin, also known as filet mignon, beef loin steak, or filet, is known for its tenderness and flavor. It is cut from the larger tenderloin from the beef loin primal. This cut is lean, extremely tender, and usually quite expensive.
Rib and Ribeye
These steaks are cut from the rib section of the carcass. While the muscles binding the ribs are chewy and tough, the muscles inside the ribs are tender and marbled. Ribeye steaks are known for their rich, beefy taste and are best served grilled with their juices.
T-Bone and
The T-Bone steak is cut from the short loin and includes both the strip and tenderloin muscles, separated by a small T-shaped bone. The Porterhouse is similar but contains a larger section of the tenderloin muscle.
Strip
Strip steaks, also known as striploin, New York strips, or shell steak, come from the animal's loin, a long muscle that runs along the backbone.
Flank
Flank steaks are tougher cuts that benefit from a tenderizing marinade. They are best cooked medium-rare and thinly sliced.
There are many other steak cuts, such as the hanger steak, skirt steak, and chuck, but the ones mentioned above are some of the most popular and well-known options.
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Marinade and seasoning
Marinating your steak tips before air frying is a great way to infuse flavour into the meat. The length of time you choose to marinate for will depend on how intense you want the flavour to be. For a stronger taste, marinate the steak tips in the fridge for up to 4 hours in an airtight container. If you're short on time, you can still achieve a tasty result by marinating the steak tips at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
When preparing a marinade, it's important to use oil to help the seasoning stick to the meat. Olive oil is a good option, but you could also use canola, avocado, or grapeseed oil. You don't need to use a lot of oil—just enough to coat the steak tips.
Once you've coated the steak tips in oil, it's time to add your choice of seasoning. A simple combination of salt and pepper is always a good option, but you can also experiment with other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, or cayenne pepper. If you want a more complex flavour profile, try using a pre-made steak seasoning blend such as Montreal Steak Seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or Italian seasoning.
After you've added your seasoning, massage the spices into the meat to ensure an even coating. You can use a bowl or a ziplock bag for this step, whichever you find easier. If you're using a ziplock bag, simply seal the bag and give it a good shake.
Another option is to use a dry rub instead of a wet marinade. Combine kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and dried thyme in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over the steak tips, stir well, and then repeat with the remaining half of the seasoning.
If you're feeling indulgent, you can even add garlic butter to your steak tips. Simply melt some butter and mix in garlic and parsley. Toss the finished steak tips in this delicious sauce before serving.
Now that your steak tips are well-seasoned and marinaded, it's time to cook them to perfection in your air fryer!
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for steak tips in an air fryer depend on your desired level of doneness. Steak tips are best cooked over high heat to get a nice char on the outside without overcooking the inside.
First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, let the steak come to room temperature for at least 20 minutes. You can also trim the steak of any fat and cut it into cubes, then toss with olive oil and spices so they are evenly coated.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the steak tips in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded so that air can circulate freely around them. For medium-rare steak tips, cook for a total of 6 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. For medium steak, cook for a total of 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through. For well-done steak tips, cook for a total of 10 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through.
If you are concerned about the level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F. For medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 130-140°F. For medium steak, the internal temperature should be between 140-155°F. For well-done steak, the internal temperature should be 155°F or above.
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Cooking methods
Steak tips are cubed beef cuts from the sirloin, the area of the cow just under the ribs and in front of the hip. They are not the same as beef tips, which are usually cheaper cuts of meat. Sirloin is leaner and more tender than chuck, which is ideal for dishes that do not require long cooking times to break down muscle fibres.
Steak tips can be cooked in an air fryer in a few simple steps. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your steak. You can use any kind of steak, such as ribeye, New York strip, or top sirloin, and cut it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use filet mignon, tenderloin, or flank steak.
Next, you can marinate your steak tips. Place them in an airtight container and leave them in the fridge for up to 4 hours for a more intense flavour. If you are using a dry rub, coat the steak tips with olive oil, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried thyme. If you are using a wet marinade, combine oil, salt, black pepper, Montreal seasoning, onion and garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a ziplock bag with the steak tips. Massage the spices into the meat to coat evenly.
Once the steak tips and air fryer are ready, place the steak pieces in a single layer in the basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent even cooking. The circulating heat will create a crispy and charred outer layer. Cook the steak tips for 7-9 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. If you prefer your steak more well done, cook for longer. For medium-well, cook for 8 minutes in total, and for well-done steak, cook for 10 minutes. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Finally, let the steak tips rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. You can serve them as an appetizer or main course, with sides such as French fries, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad.
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Serving suggestions
Steak tips cooked in an air fryer are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Appetizer or Main Course
You can serve these steak tips as an appetizer or a main course. If serving as an appetizer, simply season the steak tips with salt and pepper and cook them to your desired doneness. If serving as a main course, you can offer a heartier portion and pair it with a variety of sides.
Side Dishes
Air fryer steak tips go well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some options:
- French Fries: For a classic combination, serve your steak tips with a side of crispy French fries.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the steak tips perfectly, especially when paired with roasted vegetables or a salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add some colour and nutrients to your plate by serving roasted vegetables such as asparagus, baby potatoes, or rainbow carrots.
- Salad: For a lighter option, serve your steak tips on a bed of leafy greens, such as a Caesar salad or a steakhouse wedge salad.
- Pasta Salad: If you're looking for a more substantial side dish, a pasta salad can add some carbohydrates and vegetables to your meal.
Leftovers
If you have any leftover steak tips, they can be easily reheated in the air fryer or skillet for a minute or two. You can also incorporate the steak tips into other dishes such as wraps, sandwiches, or breakfast with eggs.
Customization
Feel free to customize your steak tips by using different cuts of steak, such as ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon. You can also experiment with different seasonings and marinades to find your favourite flavour combinations. Enjoy your juicy, tender, and flavourful steak tips cooked in an air fryer!
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
This depends on your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook the steak tips for 4-5 minutes on each side. For medium, cook for 3 minutes on each side. For well done, cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.
First, let the meat rest at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before cooking. Then, season the steak tips with spices and toss to coat well. Spread the steak bites along the bottom of the fryer, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Cook on one side, then turn to the other side.
The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to test your steak tips before serving.
