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Air Fryer Steak Tips

These air fryer steak tips are perfectly cooked in under 12 minutes! Whether you like them medium-rare, medium, or medium-well, this easy recipe gives you juicy, flavorful steak with minimal effort. Just season, air fry, and enjoy—ideal for a quick dinner!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer steak tips, steak tips, steak tips in air fryer
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 199kcal

Ingredients

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.

Notes

I did not add the extra 15 - 30 minutes it takes for the steak to come to room temperature.

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

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 340mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.02g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 0.05mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 2mg