Cody Casey
Tri-tip steak, also known as Santa Maria steak, is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin. It is a specialty in Santa Maria, California, where it is seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic salt and then placed in a rotisserie or grilled over red oak wood. If you don't have access to an outdoor grill, an air fryer is a great alternative to achieve a juicy and tender steak with a crunchy crust. The ideal temperature to cook tri-tip in an air fryer depends on your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, cook at 400°F for 15 minutes on each side. For a medium steak, cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes on each side.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Time | 15 minutes on each side |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil |
| Meat thickness | 1.5-3.2 lbs |
| Appliance | Fits all types of air fryers |
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What You'll Learn
Rare doneness: 400°F for 30 minutes
To cook a tri-tip to rare doneness in an air fryer, you should set the temperature to 400°F and the time to 30 minutes. However, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the wattage of your air fryer. For rare doneness, it is recommended to cook the tri-tip for 15 minutes on each side, so you should set the timer for 15 minutes, flip the meat, and then cook it for another 15 minutes. After removing the roast from the air fryer basket, let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the juices to move to the middle of the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender roast.
When preparing the tri-tip for cooking, it is recommended to let the meat rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows the meat to retain moisture during cooking and helps it absorb the rub more effectively. Before placing it in the air fryer, you can season the meat with a rub of garlic, salt, and pepper, or a simple blend of garlic, salt, and black pepper. You can also try a Santa Maria-style tri-tip seasoning, which includes equal parts salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Additionally, you can add a pinch of onion powder and paprika. Make sure to rub the seasoning evenly on both sides of the meat.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the tri-tip and the wattage of your air fryer. To ensure your desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. For rare doneness, the minimum internal temperature should be 145°F.
Air fryers are a great way to cook tri-tip, as they can help you achieve a crispy 'fried' layer with a small amount of oil. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food at a very high speed, producing a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. This makes it a perfect grill replacement, especially during the summer months.
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Medium doneness: 400°F for 40 minutes
To cook tri-tip in an air fryer to a medium doneness, you should preheat your air fryer to 400°F. The cooking time will depend on the wattage and size of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of your tri-tip. For a medium finish, you should aim for an internal temperature of 140°F.
As a general rule, you should cook your tri-tip for 7-8 minutes per pound for a medium finish. At 400°F, it should take 5-7 minutes per side to get a nice medium temperature for the steak. This means that for a medium doneness, you should cook a 3-pound tri-tip for around 40 minutes.
However, it's important to remember that air fryers can vary, and you should always check that your tri-tip has reached the desired internal temperature before removing it from the air fryer. You can do this by using a food thermometer.
Before cooking, you should let the tri-tip come to room temperature, which will help it cook more evenly and retain moisture. You should also use cooking oil spray on the inner basket of the air fryer to prevent sticking.
Once your tri-tip has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to collect inside the meat, making it more flavorful and moist.
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Medium-well doneness: 400°F for 45 minutes
To make a medium-well tri-tip steak in an air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F and the timer for 45 minutes. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak, the wattage of the air fryer, and the desired level of doneness. It is recommended to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness.
First, prepare the tri-tip steak by removing it from the refrigerator and letting it come to room temperature. This allows the meat to retain moisture during cooking and helps it absorb the rub more effectively. Then, create a mixture of herbs, spices, and seasonings. You can use a simple blend of garlic, salt, and black pepper, or experiment with different combinations such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or olive oil. Apply the rub generously to both sides of the steak.
Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400°F. Let the steak cook for about 15 minutes, then flip it over and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the steak using a food thermometer to ensure it has reached the desired level of doneness. For medium-well, the steak should have an internal temperature of around 150°F to 155°F.
Once the steak is done to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents the steak from drying out. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook slightly even after it has been removed from the air fryer due to residual heat. Finally, slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness and serve. Enjoy your juicy and tender air-fried tri-tip steak!
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Well-done: Lower temperature to 300°F and cook for an additional 12 minutes
When cooking tri-tip in an air fryer, the time and temperature settings will depend on how well you like your beef cooked, the thickness of the cut, and the wattage of your air fryer. A general rule of thumb is to cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes on each side for a medium-rare steak. For a well-done steak, you will need to increase the cooking time and lower the temperature.
One source recommends lowering the temperature to 300°F and cooking for an additional 12 minutes for a well-done tri-tip roast. This will ensure that the meat is cooked through while remaining tender and juicy. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your air fryer and the thickness of your tri-tip, so it is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meat.
When cooking a well-done tri-tip in your air fryer, it is important to remember that the meat will continue to cook even after it has been removed from the appliance. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the meat from the air fryer before it reaches your desired internal temperature. A good technique is to use the carryover cooking method, where you allow the meat to rest in the ambient heat of the air fryer for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure that your steak is cooked to your desired doneness.
Additionally, it is crucial to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking, regardless of the doneness you are aiming for. This allows the juices to redistribute and settle, preventing the steak from drying out. By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve a well-done tri-tip that is cooked just the way you like it, with a tender and juicy texture.
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Seasoning: Use a rub with garlic, salt, and pepper
Seasoning is key to a delicious tri-tip steak. A traditional Santa Maria-style tri-tip uses a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This classic combination is known as SPG seasoning, and it's a great base for your rub. You can also add a pinch of onion powder and paprika for a little extra flavour.
To prepare your rub, start by dicing garlic into small pieces. Then, add olive oil to the minced garlic. You can also add a little olive oil spray to your tri-tip to help the seasonings stick. Use a fork to prick holes in the roast—about 10 per side—so that the oil and garlic can be absorbed into the meat. Rub the mixture into both sides of the tri-tip and let it stand at room temperature for around 30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique rub. For a kick of heat, try adding some Aleppo pepper to your rub. You could also try a Yucatan Dry Rub for Mexican flair or go for an all-purpose option like Montreal Steak Seasoning. Don't be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect blend!
Remember, the key to a great tri-tip steak is letting the meat rest and absorb the flavours of the rub before cooking. This will ensure a juicy and tender steak with a mouthwatering crust.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook tri-tip at 400°F in an air fryer.
The cooking time depends on how well you like your meat done, how thick the cut of meat is, and how hot your air fryer gets. For a rare roast, cook for 15 minutes on each side, checking the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it has reached a minimum of 145°F. For a medium-rare steak, it should take 5-7 minutes on each side. For medium doneness, the approximate time is 40 minutes.
It is recommended to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. Depending on your desired level of doneness, you can remove the meat when it is 5°F below the temperature you want, as the meat will continue to cook as it rests.
