Easy Air Fryer Steak Tips Recipe

Imagine biting into perfectly tender, juicy steak tips that practically melt in your mouth – all made in your air fryer in just 10 minutes! These air fryer steak tips deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Just like our popular air fryer chicken thighs, this recipe proves that the air fryer is your secret weapon for creating amazing meals.

What Are Air Fryer Steak Tips?

Ever wondered why they’re called “steak tips” when they’re clearly chunks of delicious beef? These bite-sized pieces of marinated steak are perfect for when you want all the flavor of a full steak without the fuss. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and these tender, flavorful morsels will definitely pave that path! Ready to become everyone’s favorite cook?

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Steak Tips Recipe

Restaurant Quality at Home

These air fryer steak tips deliver that perfect char and tenderness you’d expect from a high-end steakhouse. The air fryer’s intense circulation creates a beautiful crust while keeping the inside incredibly juicy and tender.

Budget-Friendly Protein

Skip the expensive restaurant bills! Making steak tips at home costs a fraction of dining out while delivering the same incredible taste. You control the quality of ingredients and can feed your whole family for less than the cost of one restaurant meal.

Flavor-Packed Marinade

The secret lies in our simple yet powerful marinade that infuses every bite with savory goodness. Garlic, herbs, and a touch of soy sauce create layers of flavor that penetrate deep into the meat.

Much like our beloved air fryer pork chops, these steak tips prove that the air fryer excels at cooking proteins to perfection. Why not give this recipe a try tonight and taste the difference for yourself?

How to Make Air Fryer Steak Tips

Quick Overview

This recipe transforms affordable sirloin into restaurant-quality steak tips in just 10 minutes of cooking time. The key is a quick 30-minute marinade and the air fryer’s powerful circulation.

Total Time: 45 minutes Prep Time: 35 minutes (including marinating) Cook Time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 people

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Steak Tips

1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Cut your sirloin steak into uniform 1-inch cubes, removing any excess fat. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Marinate the Steak Tips

Add the steak cubes to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

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

Step 5: Cook the Steak Tips

Remove steak tips from marinade and place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach your desired doneness.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the steak tips rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

What to Serve Air Fryer Steak Tips With

Perfect Sides:

Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted fingerling potatoes
Grilled asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts
Caesar salad or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette
Buttered corn on the cob
Creamy mushroom risotto

Great Drinks:

Bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec
Ice-cold beer or craft ale
Sparkling water with lemon

Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Steak Tips

Choose the Right Cut

Sirloin works best for steak tips, but you can also use ribeye or strip steak for extra richness. Avoid lean cuts like eye of round, which can become tough.

Don’t Skip the Marinade

Even 30 minutes makes a difference! The acids in the marinade help tenderize the meat while the oils carry flavors deep into each piece.

Avoid Overcrowding

Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and leads to steaming instead of browning.

Check Internal Temperature

For medium-rare: 130-135°F, medium: 135-145°F, medium-well: 145-155°F. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.

Let Them Rest

Those few minutes of resting are crucial for juicy results. The fibers relax and reabsorb the juices.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator Storage: Store cooked steak tips in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Let them cool completely before storing.

Freezer Storage: Freeze cooked steak tips for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date for best quality tracking.

Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, which can make them tough.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (4 oz)
Calories	285
Protein	35g
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	2g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	1g
Sodium	580mg
Iron	3mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best cut of meat for air fryer steak tips?

Sirloin steak is ideal because it’s tender, flavorful, and reasonably priced. Ribeye and strip steak also work well but are more expensive. Avoid tough cuts like chuck or round steak.

How long should I marinate the steak tips?

Minimum 30 minutes, but 2-4 hours is optimal for maximum flavor. You can marinate overnight, but don’t exceed 24 hours as the acids can make the meat mushy.

Can I cook frozen steak tips in the air fryer?

It’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. If cooking from frozen, add 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time and check the internal temperature carefully.

Why are my steak tips tough?

Common causes include overcooking, using a tough cut of meat, not marinating long enough, or cutting against the grain. Always use a meat thermometer and don’t exceed medium doneness.

Can I make these without oil?

While oil helps with browning and prevents sticking, you can reduce it to 1 tablespoon or use cooking spray. The results may be slightly less crispy.

What temperature should the internal meat be?

For medium-rare (recommended): 130-135°F. The steak tips will continue cooking slightly after removing from the air fryer, so aim for the lower end of your target range.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowded steak tips will steam instead of getting that perfect crispy exterior.

How do I prevent steak tips from drying out?

Don’t overcook them, use a marinade with oil, let them rest after cooking, and avoid lean cuts of meat. The air fryer cooks quickly, so watch them closely.

Recipe Variations and Creative Ideas

Asian-Style Steak Tips: Replace the marinade with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and a touch of honey for an Asian twist.

Mexican-Inspired Tips: Use lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and garlic for a southwestern flavor profile.

Herb-Crusted Version: Roll marinated tips in fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme before air frying.

Steak Tip Salad: Slice cooked tips and serve over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and blue cheese dressing.

Final Thoughts

These air fryer steak tips prove that you don’t need a grill or expensive equipment to create restaurant-quality meals at home. The combination of a flavorful marinade and the air fryer’s intense heat creates perfectly cooked steak tips with a beautiful crust and tender interior every single time.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, these steak tips deliver impressive results with minimal effort. Pair them with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a complete meal that rivals any steakhouse.

Don’t forget to let us know how your air fryer steak tips turned out! Share your photos and variations in the comments below, and be sure to try our other air fryer favorites for more quick and delicious meal ideas.