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Air Fryer Tri-Tip Steak Recipe 🥩🔥

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Air fryer
  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Tongs
  • 1 Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs tri-tip steak (trimmed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for spice)
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra umami)

Notes

Ingredients

For the Steak:

  • 1.5 to 2 lbs tri-tip steak (trimmed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for spice)
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra umami)

For Serving (Optional):

  • Garlic butter (melted butter + minced garlic + chopped parsley)
  • Chimichurri sauce
  • Roasted veggies or mashed potatoes

Equipment Needed

  • Air Fryer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Tongs
  • Meat Thermometer

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tri-Tip

  1. Pat the tri-tip dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and rosemary.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the steak, ensuring even coating.
  4. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes for better cooking.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Tri-Tip Steak

  1. Place the tri-tip fat-side down in the air fryer basket.
  2. Air fry at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  3. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness:
    • Rare: 125°F (52°C) (about 12-14 minutes)
    • Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C) (about 15-16 minutes)
    • Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C) (about 17 minutes)
    • Well-Done: 155°F+ (68°C+) (18 minutes or more)

Step 4: Rest the Steak

  1. Remove the tri-tip from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Drizzle with garlic butter or chimichurri sauce.
  2. Serve with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Tri-Tip Steak

✅ Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
✅ Let the steak rest before slicing to retain juices.
✅ Slice against the grain to keep it tender.
✅ Marinate overnight for extra flavor.

Perfect Side Dishes for Air Fryer Tri-Tip Steak

🥔 Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
🥦 Roasted Brussels Sprouts
🥗 Caesar Salad
🥖 Garlic Bread
Enjoy your perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful Air Fryer Tri-Tip Steak! 🥩🔥