Cook a Juicy Tri Tip Steak in the Air Fryer: A Simple, Flavorful Approach
Cooking a tri tip steak in an air fryer is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a juicy, tender steak at home.
With just a few ingredients like olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt, you can get that perfectly browned crust with a tender, pink inside, all in under 20 minutes.
Whether you’re using a fresh cut or marinated meat, the air fryer locks in the flavor without needing an outdoor grill or cast iron pan.
This method saves time, reduces mess, and still gives you that satisfying steakhouse feel right from your kitchen. Let’s walk through the process of making it right.
Cooking Time Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 15-20 minutes | 25-30 minutes | Main | American | 2-4 |
Ingredient List (With Alternatives)
| Ingredient | For 2 People | For 4 People | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tri Tip Steak | 1 lb | 2 lb | Top sirloin or flank steak |
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | Avocado oil or melted butter |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | Garlic salt |
| Black Pepper | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | White pepper |
| Garlic Powder | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | Fresh minced garlic |
Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe
| Tool | Purpose | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer | Main cooking tool | Oven with air fryer function |
| Tongs | To flip steak | Fork or spatula |
| Meat Thermometer | Check internal temperature | Manual touch test (less accurate) |
| Mixing Bowl | For seasoning | Ziplock bag |
How Long to Cook Tri Tip Steak in an Air Fryer
Cooking time for tri tip steak in an air fryer depends on several factors: steak thickness, doneness level, and the type or brand of air fryer you’re using.
On average, tri tip steaks should be cooked at 375°F to 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, flipped halfway through.
General Temperature & Time Guide (By Steak Thickness)
| Thickness | Temperature | Cook Time | Doneness |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¾ inch | 375°F | 6–7 mins per side | Medium-rare to medium |
| 1 inch | 400°F | 8 mins per side | Medium-rare |
| 1½ inch | 400°F | 9–10 mins per side | Medium to medium-well |
Internal Temperature Targets (Use Meat Thermometer)
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium-rare: 130°F
- Medium: 140°F
- Medium-well: 150°F
- Well done: 160°F+
Air Fryer Model Differences
Different air fryers have slightly different airflow systems and heating elements. Here’s what to know:
- Basket-Style (e.g. Ninja, Cosori): Heats quickly; follow standard timing, flip halfway.
- Oven-Style (e.g. Instant Vortex, Cuisinart): Slightly larger space, may require 1–2 extra minutes per side.
- Dual Basket Models: Reduce 1 minute per side for thin steaks due to more direct heat.
- High-Powered Fryers (1700W+): Cooks faster—monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
Resting Time Is Important
Always rest the tri tip steak for at least 5 minutes after removing it from the air fryer. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
How to Make Air Fryer Tri Tip Steak
Before starting the steps, make sure your tri tip is at room temperature. This helps cook evenly and prevents the meat from drying out.
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Place the tri tip steak on a clean board or plate. Pat it dry with paper towels. Combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
Rub the mixture evenly on all sides of the steak.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Turn on your air fryer and set it to 400°F. Preheating ensures that the meat starts cooking immediately for better texture.
Step 3: Place in the Basket
Lay the seasoned steak flat in the air fryer basket. If your steak is large, fold the thinner edge slightly to fit.
Avoid overlapping.
Step 4: Air Fry with a Flip
Cook for 8 minutes on one side. Open, flip gently using tongs, and cook another 7-9 minutes depending on your doneness preference.
Step 5: Rest Before Cutting
After cooking, transfer the steak to a plate and loosely tent with foil. Let it rest 5–10 minutes so juices redistribute.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Slice the steak against the grain in thin strips. This keeps it tender and easier to chew.
Serving and Decoration Tips
- Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme.
- Add a drizzle of chimichurri or garlic butter on top.
- For a fancy touch, place steak slices over a bed of arugula or mixed greens.
Variations You Can Try
- Smoky BBQ version: Use a BBQ dry rub and serve with smoky sauce.
- Asian-style: Marinate in soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar.
- Butter-crusted: Baste with melted herb butter midway through cooking.
- Peppercorn crust: Press coarsely ground black pepper all over before air frying.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For freezing, wrap in foil or vacuum seal and keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
Extra Tips to Remember
- Letting the steak rest is crucial—it keeps it juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; air needs to circulate.
- Always slice against the grain for tenderness.
- Light oil spray on the basket can prevent sticking.
Common Mistakes & Solutions
| Mistake | What Happens | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Not preheating the air fryer | Uneven cooking | Preheat for 3–5 minutes before adding steak |
| Overcooking | Dry and tough steak | Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness |
| Slicing before resting | Juices run out, making meat dry | Let rest for at least 5 minutes |
| Using frozen steak directly | Uneven internal temperature | Thaw steak completely before cooking |
Air Fryer Tips Specifically for Steak
- Always oil your basket lightly before adding meat.
- If using a compact air fryer, cook in batches for better results.
- Flip halfway no matter the size—air fryers don’t always heat evenly.
FAQs
1. Can I marinate tri tip overnight before air frying?
Yes, marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness, especially with acidic marinades like vinegar or citrus-based.
2. Should I use foil in the air fryer basket?
Only if your air fryer allows it. Use perforated foil for airflow and avoid blocking the fan.
3. Is tri tip steak lean or fatty?
It’s relatively lean with some marbling. Trimming excess fat is optional but can reduce flare-ups.
4. Can I cook frozen tri tip directly in air fryer?
It’s not recommended. Thaw for even cooking and better texture.
5. What’s the best side dish to serve with this?
Try baked sweet potatoes, air-fried broccoli, or a fresh garden salad.
Let’s Cook and Share This Air Fryer Tri Tip Steak!
Try this easy tri tip steak in air fryer recipe and enjoy a restaurant-style meal with half the effort. Let us know in the comments how it turned out and what variations you tried!
