Air Fryer Tri Tip
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
Cook tri tip perfectly every time with my simple air fryer cooking method. The result is tri tip that has crisp, tender edges and a juicy middle.
Friends, you’re eyes aren’t deceiving you. Today, you’ll learn how to cook tri tip in the air fryer. If you’re like me, you’ve probably usually roasted or grilled this cut of beef. But when I was working on the main course section of my new air fryer cookbook, I wanted to try other beef cuts beyond the usual steak or ribeye with this cooking method.
It did take quite a bit of trial and error to get it right, as tri tip is relatively lean with a moderate amount of marbling, which makes it prone to drying out, but I found the right combination of seasonings and oil to yield a tender, juicy tri tip with crisp edges and plenty of flavor in every bite.
Because it’s affordable and easy to find, I make it quite often for my partner and me for quick weeknight dinners, because it doesn’t need any marinating beforehand.
Table of Contents
Recipe highlights
- No mess. As much as I love the grill or the oven, air frying the beef leaves barely any mess. I usually line the air fryer with parchment paper or foil.
- It’s so fast. I’m talking under 20 minutes.
- Healthy. Each 6-ounce serving packs in over 40 grams of protein and has little saturated fat.
Key Ingredients
Besides the steak and seasonings, there isn’t much else that goes into my recipe. The complete list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
- Room temperature tri tip. I typically cook one whole tri tip instead of individual fillets. If your meat doesn’t fit in the air fryer, you’ll need to cook portions in batches. I tend to get my steak from the butcher, but it’s easily available at most grocery stores. If you’d like a richer steak in the air fryer, ribeye is a delicious option.
- Seasonings. I’m keeping things simple with Kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
TIP- Cook time depends on thickness
When cooking tri tip in the air fryer, the cook time will depend on the thickness of the steak. A fillet that is around an inch thick will cook around 16 minutes (for medium-rare doneness), whereas a fillet closer to 2 inches will take around 25 minutes (again, for medium-rare doneness).
Bite-sized pieces, like those in my air fryer steak bites, will take only 8 minutes to cook through.
How to make air fryer tri tip
Step 1- Season. Pat the steak dry and rub olive oil all over the meat. Rub the seasonings on both sides.
Step 2- Air fry. Place the tri tip in a lined air fryer basket and air fry for 8 minutes, flip, and cook for another 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F.
Step 3- Rest and serve. Remove the tri tip from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Slice and serve.
TIP- Medium-rare is best
Because tri tip is a lean cut, it’s prone to drying out if overcooked. My rule of thumb for this cut of meat is to cook it until it’s medium-rare (135°F). After the resting time, it will rise to 145°F, which is medium (thanks to carryover cooking). If you like your steaks a little more well done, I suggest making my air fryer filet mignon or classic air fryer steak instead.
How to plate
Beef recipes, like this air fried tri tip, are a family favorite because the protein pairs well with so many side dishes. When I’m cooking for just my partner and me, I like to keep things simple with some air fryer zucchini or sauteed carrots with coconut milk rice (which are shown in the recipe video). When we want something lower carb, cauliflower mashed potatoes or some air fryer green beans tick the boxes.
Leftovers and meal prep
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I like to serve it cold over a steak salad, a steak bowl, or a protein filling in a sandwich or wrap. If you want it warm, reheat in a skillet on the stovetop with about one tablespoon of water. Cover and heat over medium for about 5 minutes.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Easy Air Fryer Tri Tip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Tri Tip steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Bring the steak to room temperature. Preheat the air fryer at 400°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then rub olive oil over both sides. Do the same with the spices, ensuring the entire steak is coated in them.
- Add parchment paper or tinfoil to the basket and place the steak on top. Air fry for 8 minutes, flip, and air fry for another 8 minutes. Check the internal temperature. If it isn’t 135°F, continue air frying in one-minute increments until it is.
- Remove the tri tip from the basket and rest on a chopping board or serving plate for 10 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve immediately.
Notes
- Steak thickness: I’m using a one-inch tri tip which took me 16 minutes to cook. Thicker cuts will take longer.
- Steak doneness: Please do not cook more than 135°F. The carryover cooking will bring the steak to 145°F.
This sounds incredible! However you need to make the recipe have the green Touch Bar like the others offered, so one can get just the recipe and be able to save it. I work totally off a smart phone and save recipes to the notes and this one has to be printed to save.