Air Frying Tri-Tip: The Perfect Temperature For Tender Meat

Tri-tip is a cut of beef that can be cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer should be preheated to 400°F and the roast should be cooked for 10-12 minutes per pound. The internal temperature of the tri-tip should reach 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well. It is important to let the tri-tip rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking to allow the meat to cool and the fibres to reabsorb their juices.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

The cooking time for tri-tip in an air fryer depends on the desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare tri-tip, cook it for about 30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F. If you prefer your meat more well-done, cook it for a few minutes longer until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F for medium or 150°F for medium-well.

It's important to note that the tri-tip's internal temperature will continue to rise by about 10°F while it rests after cooking. Therefore, it's best to remove the meat from the air fryer when it's about 10°F away from your desired temperature.

To achieve the best results, it is recommended to let the tri-tip warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes before air-frying it. This simple trick helps ensure that the meat cooks evenly and remains tender. Additionally, marinating the tri-tip before cooking can also enhance its tenderness and flavour.

By following these instructions, you can cook a delicious and tender tri-tip in your air fryer. Preheating the air fryer to 400°F is a crucial step in ensuring the meat cooks properly and reaches the desired level of doneness.

Cook the tri-tip for 8-12 minutes per pound

To cook tri-tip in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Then, place the tri-tip in the basket and cook it for 8-12 minutes per pound. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare tri-tip, cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F. This should take about 8 minutes per pound. If you prefer your meat medium, cook it to an internal temperature of 140°F, which will take about 10 minutes per pound. For medium-well, cook the tri-tip to an internal temperature of 150°F, which will take about 12 minutes per pound.

It's important to note that the tri-tip's internal temperature will rise by about 10°F while it rests. Therefore, it's best to remove the meat from the air fryer when it's about 10°F below your desired temperature. For example, if you want your tri-tip medium-rare, take it out of the air fryer when it reaches 130°F, as it will continue to cook and reach 140°F while resting.

After cooking, transfer the tri-tip to a cutting board and tent it with foil. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the meat to cool and the fibres to relax, reabsorbing their juices. If you slice into the roast too early, all the juices will run out, and the meat will be dry.

Additionally, for the most tender tri-tip, let the meat warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes before air-frying. Marinating the tri-tip can also help break down the meat, resulting in a more tender bite.

The internal temperature should reach 130°F for medium-rare

To cook tri-tip in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the tri-tip in the basket and cook it for 8-12 minutes per pound until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare. The internal temperature will rise about 10°F while the meat rests, so it's important to remove the tri-tip from the air fryer when it reaches 130°F.

Let the tri-tip rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the meat to cool, which relaxes the fibres so they can reabsorb their juices. If you slice into the roast without letting it rest, the juices will run out and the meat will be dry.

To ensure the tri-tip is tender, let it warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes before air-frying it. Marinating the tri-tip also helps break down the meat for a more tender bite.

Let the tri-tip rest for 10 minutes before serving

When cooking tri-tip in an air fryer, it's important to let the meat rest for 10 minutes before serving. This is because the internal temperature of the tri-tip will rise by about 10°F while it rests, so you need to account for this when cooking to your desired level of doneness. For example, if you want your tri-tip to be medium-rare, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F, as it will continue to cook and reach 140°F while it rests.

Resting the meat also allows it to cool, which relaxes the fibres so they can reabsorb their juices. If you don't let the tri-tip rest, all the juices will run out when you slice into it, and the meat will be dry.

To rest the tri-tip, transfer it onto a cutting board and tent it with foil. This will keep it warm while it rests.

Marinate the tri-tip before cooking

Marinating the tri-tip before cooking will help to tenderise the meat, giving it a softer texture and a more intense flavour. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own by mixing together oil, acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar), herbs and spices. Place the tri-tip in a dish or plastic bag, cover it with the marinade, and leave it in the fridge for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours for a more intense flavour.

When you're ready to cook the tri-tip, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry with kitchen paper. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the inner basket with cooking oil spray, then place the tri-tip inside. Cook for 8-12 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well.

It's important to let the meat rest after cooking. Transfer the tri-tip to a cutting board, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is juicy and tender.

For the best results, bring the tri-tip to room temperature before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and help prevent the meat from drying out. Simply remove the tri-tip from the fridge 30 minutes before you plan to cook it.

Frequently asked questions