Air Fryer Steak Tips
These air fryer steak tips are a quick, reliable way to enjoy perfectly cooked steak at home. With just a few basic seasonings, you’ll have juicy, flavorful steak tips ready in under 15 minutes.
These medium-rare steak tips are so tender that you can almost cut them with a fork.
Steak tips are a quick and easy way to enjoy a hearty meal, and using the air fryer makes the cooking process super fast while locking in flavor and juiciness. These steak tips are seasoned with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, for a simple but satisfying bite that’s tender and delicious.
We are a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites. #CommisionsEarned. You can read my disclosure here.
Helpful Tips
- Buy the best steak tips as you can. I usually use ButcherBox (a subscription service that delivers organic, grass-fed beef and meat to my front door), but I ran out of their pre-cut steak tips so I bought grass-fed beef at Whole Foods and cut it myself.
- Since I made a larger batch than I would usually make for just hubby and me and I had to fit the tips on two trays, they did not sear like they usually do. But that doesn’t affect the taste of these tender tips.
- I have two types of air fryers – the tray type, which I used with this recipe, and a basket type. If you use the basket type, you may have to do the steak in batches.
- Sometimes I marinate the steak before cooking but I prefer to keep it simple. My steak seasoning consists of garlic powder, onion powder, Kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper.
- To make this recipe low-sodium, you can reduce or omit the salt and still get a tasty result thanks to the garlic and onion powder.
- For a spicier kick, swap out black pepper with crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Before you air fry, bring the steak tips to room temperature by letting them sit for 15 to 30 minutes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Always preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes to ensure the steak cooks properly.
- Arrange the steak tips in a single layer for even cooking. If you’re making more than can fit in a single layer, cook them in batches.
- You can add a pat of garlic butter, or herb butter (made with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme) over the steak tips right after they come out of the air fryer for extra richness. Everything tastes better with melted butter.
- You can also marinate the steak tips in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for an hour before air frying for a tangy, savory flavor.
Cooking timing and temperature
- Medium-rare: Cook the steak tips for 4 – 6 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).
- Medium: Cook the steak tips for 7 – 9 minutes total, flipping halfway. The internal temperature should be 140°F (60°C) for a warm pink center.
- Medium-well: For steak tips with just a hint of pink, cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 150°F (66°C).
- As always, I recommend using a meat thermometer to check the temperature. It’s your best friend for avoiding overcooked steak in the air fryer!
How to make air fryer steak tips
Pre-step
Get out your air fryer, a large bowl, and a rubber spatula.
Step one
If your steak tips are pre-cut, skip this step. Otherwise, cut the steak in bite-sized pieces. Leave the steak out for at least 1/2 hour before the next step.
Step two
Place the tips in your mixing bowl (A) and sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper on top. (B)
Would you like to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
Don't worry, I promise not to spam you.
Step three
Use a spatula to mix the spices with the steak tips, making sure they’re evenly coated (C)
Step four
If you have the tray type of air fryer, remove the trays and arrange the steak so the tips do not touch each other. (D) If you have the basket type of air fryer, you will leave the basket in while preheating.
Step five
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. (Remember to leave the basket in while it is preheating.) Set the timer for 5 minutes cook time for medium rare. See notes for the cooking times of different levels of doneness.
Step six
When the air fryer is done preheating, add the trays to the air fryer. (For the basket type, arrange the steak tips with room between each one. Remember, you may have to do them in batches.)
Step seven
Since I have the tray type of air fryer, midway through the cooking time, I switch the tray positions, moving the top to the bottom and the bottom to the top.
If you have the basket type, flip the air fryer steak bites so they cook evenly on both sides.
Step Eight
Rest the steak tips for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Storage
- To store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To reheat: My preferred way is to reheat steak tips is in a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 375 and preheat the oven. Shut off the oven and place the steak tips on a tray. Add the tray to the preheated oven for 5 minutes. This lets the steak tips stay medium-rare but warmed through.
- You can also rewarm gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through, but you run the risk of overcooking them.
- To freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these air fryer steak tips with scalloped potatoes or air-fried potatoes. They also pair beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
FAQs
- Can I cook frozen steak tips in the air fryer? Yes, but I usually don’t as you want to separate the tips and season them before cooking. If you do cook them frozen, they will need extra time. Cook for 12-14 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through.
- What cut of steak should I use for steak tips? You can use tenderloin (which is the most tender), rib eye, or sirloin tips (which are the toughest in my opinion); whatever is available or fits your budget.
- Do I need to cover the steak tips with olive oil? No, the natural fat in the steak will prevent sticking, especially in a non-stick air fryer basket.
I hope you enjoyed this air fryer steak tips recipe!
Other air fryer recipes
And as always, may all your dishes be delish.
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Air Fryer Steak Tips
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds steak tips (or as many as you want – trimmed and cut into big bite-size pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or less – as you can add when you serve)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Take the steak out at least 15 – 30 minutes before starting the recipe.1 1/4 pounds steak tips
- Add steak tips to a mixing bowl. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Take a spatula and mix the ingredients until the steak is fully covered.
- If you have the tray version air fryer, take out the trays and arrange the steak tips on the trays. Make sure to leave room between each tip, so don't overcrowd.If you have the basket type, you will be adding the steak after you preheat.
- Preheat oven at 400℉ (the preheat should be 5 minutes), and set the timer to 5 – 6 minutes.
- When the oven is done preheating, add the trays to the oven.For the basket type, arrange the steak tips in the basket – do not overcrowd.
- Halfway through cooking time, move the top tray to the bottom slot and the bottom tray to the top slot.Basket type: flip each steak tip.
- Check the internal temperature – medium rare should be 130℉. Look at the notes below for the timing and temperature for medium and medium well.
- Serve, smile, and enjoy.
Would you like to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
Don't worry, I promise not to spam you.
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
Cooking times and temperature
- Medium-rare: Cook the steak tips for 4 – 6 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).
- Medium: Cook the steak tips for 7 – 9 minutes total, flipping halfway. The internal temperature should be 140°F (60°C) for a warm pink center.
- Medium-well: For steak tips with just a hint of pink, cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 150°F (66°C).
- As always, I recommend using a meat thermometer to check the temperature. It’s your best friend for avoiding overcooked steak in the air fryer!
Helpful tips
- Choose the best steak tips you can. I often order from ButcherBox, but when I run out, I’ll grab grass-fed beef from Whole Foods and cut it into tips myself.
- When cooking a larger batch, the steak may not sear as deeply, especially if you need to spread it across two trays. Don’t worry—this won’t affect the flavor or tenderness.
- I own both a tray-style and a basket-style air fryer. For the basket style, you may need to cook the steak tips in batches for the best results.
- Sometimes I marinate the steak, but most of the time I keep it simple with a seasoning mix of garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- For a low-sodium version, reduce or omit the salt. The garlic and onion powder will still bring plenty of flavor.
- Want a spicier kick? Replace black pepper with crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Let the steak tips rest at room temperature for 15–30 minutes before air frying to help them cook evenly.
- Always preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes before cooking.
- Arrange the steak tips in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If you have more than one layer, cook in batches.
- For extra richness, add a pat of garlic butter or herb butter (made with butter, garlic, and herbs like parsley or thyme) right after the steak comes out of the fryer.
- For a tangy twist, marinate the steak tips in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for about an hour before cooking.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
Once again, we loved your recipe. Hubby loves grilled meat but he adored these steak tips. And it’s so much easier than firing up the grill and the clean up that’s associated with it. Thanks again, Elaine.
I’m so glad to hear that, Joyce. I knew you’d love them.