Perfect Air Fryer Steak Tips: Juicy, Tender, and Ready in Under 10 Minutes

Air fryer steak tips are a game-changer for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. Imagine succulent, bite-sized pieces of beef, perfectly seared on the outside, and incredibly tender and juicy on the inside, all achieved with minimal effort and in astonishingly little time. This recipe delivers exactly that: delicious steak tips infused with fresh garlic, cooked to perfection in just 4 minutes of active cooking time. If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and incredibly easy way to enjoy steak, your air fryer is about to become your new best friend.

Golden brown and juicy air fryer steak tips ready to be devoured.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Steak Tips

If you’ve been following my culinary adventures for a while, you already know my undeniable obsession with air fryer recipes. It’s a kitchen appliance that consistently delivers exceptional results with minimal fuss, and these Air Fryer Steak Tips are no exception. I’ve successfully experimented with everything from air fryer chicken thighs to air fryer scallops, and even indulgent air fryer pork belly. What truly elevates these steak tips to a staple in my rotation is how incredibly fast they come together and how few ingredients are required to achieve such a rich, satisfying flavor. It’s the ultimate recipe for maximum impact with minimum effort.

Unbeatable Speed: From prep to plate, these steak tips are ready in under 15 minutes, making them ideal for busy evenings. The air fryer’s high-heat, circulating air cooks them incredibly fast.
Perfect Texture Every Time: The air fryer creates a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside wonderfully tender and juicy, preventing the rubbery texture often associated with overcooked steak.
Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in an air fryer means less oil splatter and generally an easier cleanup compared to pan-frying.
Simple Ingredients: With just a few staple ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Versatility: These steak tips can be a fantastic appetizer, a quick protein boost for salads, or the star of a hearty main course.

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Air Fryer Steak Tips

The secret to truly outstanding air fryer steak tips lies not just in the cooking method, but in selecting the right, fresh ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

Steak: The quality of your beef makes all the difference. Absolutely avoid pre-cut “beef stew meat” as it’s typically tougher cuts that require long, slow cooking. Instead, opt for a high-quality, boneless cut of steak. Excellent choices include sirloin steak, which offers great flavor and tenderness at an accessible price point, or for a more luxurious experience, filet mignon. New York strip or even a ribeye can also be fantastic. The key is to slice it yourself into uniform 1 to 2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
Fresh Garlic: While granulated garlic can work in a pinch, there’s no substitute for the pungent, aromatic kick of freshly minced garlic. It infuses the steak tips with an incredible depth of flavor that dried garlic simply can’t replicate. Mince it finely so it adheres well to the meat and doesn’t burn during cooking.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil helps the seasonings adhere to the steak and promotes a beautiful browning in the air fryer. It also contributes to the overall juiciness and flavor.
Kosher Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: These aren’t just seasonings; they’re flavor enhancers. Kosher salt has a larger grain, allowing for better control and a more even distribution than table salt. Freshly cracked black pepper provides a more robust and aromatic peppery flavor than pre-ground pepper. Don’t be shy – season generously!
Cooking Spray: A light spray of cooking oil prevents sticking and aids in achieving that desired golden-brown crust without adding excess fat.

Simple yet potent ingredients come together for a sensational meal.

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Air Fryer Steak Tips

The beauty of these versatile air fryer steak tips is that they can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways, whether you’re looking for a light bite or a full, satisfying meal. They are an excellent option for:

Appetizer: Serve them on their own with a dipping sauce like a creamy horseradish, chimichurri, or a garlic aioli for an impressive starter that will disappear fast at any gathering.
Main Course: To make it a complete and fulfilling meal, pair your tender steak tips with classic comfort sides. I highly recommend serving them with creamy mashed potatoes, whose velvety texture perfectly complements the rich beef. Another fantastic accompaniment is honey roasted carrots, adding a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to your plate.
Salad Topper: Slice the cooked steak tips thinly and add them to a fresh green salad for a protein-packed, flavorful lunch or light dinner.
Stir-Fry or Fajitas: Toss them with your favorite stir-fry vegetables and sauce, or serve them in warm tortillas with peppers and onions for quick and easy fajitas.
Sandwiches or Wraps: Leftover steak tips (if there are any!) make for amazing steak sandwiches or wraps the next day.

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Steak Tips Every Time

Achieving perfectly tender and juicy air fryer steak tips is simple, but a few key techniques can elevate your results from good to absolutely fantastic. Follow these expert tips for success:

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like a conventional oven, preheating your air fryer is crucial for even cooking and achieving a beautiful sear. Always preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) before adding the steak tips to the basket. This ensures the steak starts cooking immediately upon contact, locking in juices.
Bring Meat to Room Temperature: For the most even cooking, let the steak tips rest at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before cooking. Cold meat will cook unevenly, potentially resulting in a well-done exterior and a rare interior, or a tough texture overall.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with your seasonings! A generous coating of Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper is fundamental for flavor. If fresh garlic isn’t available, granulated garlic (garlic powder) can be used as an alternative, but remember that fresh is always best for maximum aroma and taste.
Experiment with Flavors: While salt, pepper, and garlic are a classic trio, feel free to enhance the flavor profile. Steak seasoning blends (such as Montreal steak seasoning) or bolder options like Cajun seasoning can add an exciting kick. You can also try a dash of onion powder, paprika, or a hint of cayenne for subtle warmth.
Understand Doneness Levels: The cook time will vary based on your air fryer model, the thickness of your steak tips, and your desired level of doneness. Use an instant-read meat thermometer for accuracy. Here’s a general guide for internal temperatures:
- **Medium-Rare (130-135°F / 54-57°C):** Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side.
- **Medium (135-140°F / 57-60°C):** Cook for approximately 3 minutes per side.
- **Medium-Well (140-145°F / 60-63°C):** Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- **Well-Done (150°F+ / 66°C+):** Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
Remember to always flip the steak tips halfway through the cooking process for even browning.
Rest Your Meat: This is a non-negotiable step for juicy steak! Once cooked, transfer the steak tips to a cutting board and allow them to rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is incredibly tender and moist. Skipping this step will result in juices running out and a drier steak.
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the steak tips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small or you’re making a larger batch, cook in two or more batches. Overcrowding reduces air circulation, leading to steaming instead of searing, and a less crispy, less flavorful result.

Perfectly cooked steak tips, golden and ready to rest.

Storage and Reheating Air Fryer Steak Tips

Proper storage ensures your delicious air fryer steak tips remain fresh and flavorful for future enjoyment. If you have any leftovers (which is a big “if” for this recipe!), follow these guidelines:

Refrigeration: Place any cooled leftover steak tips in an airtight container and refrigerate them promptly. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. For best quality, consume them as soon as possible.
Freezing (Optional): While best enjoyed fresh, cooked steak tips can be frozen for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you have a couple of excellent options:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place the steak tips on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the steak.
- Air Fryer (Recommended): For best results and to regain some of that delicious crispy exterior, reheat the steak tips in your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and cook for just 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain their tender texture without making them tough.
- Skillet: You can also quickly warm them in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting for Air Fryer Steak Tips

Why are my steak tips tough? This is usually due to overcooking or not resting the meat. Ensure you’re cooking to your desired doneness (using a thermometer helps!) and always allow the steak to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking. Using a good quality cut of steak (sirloin, filet mignon) also makes a difference.
Can I use frozen steak tips? It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed steak for this recipe. If you start with frozen steak, it will significantly increase the cooking time and may result in an unevenly cooked or tougher texture. Always thaw meat thoroughly in the refrigerator before preparing.
How do I get a good sear? Proper preheating of the air fryer is key! Also, ensure you don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary, so there’s enough space for air to circulate around each piece of steak. A light coat of olive oil helps too.
Can I add vegetables to the air fryer with the steak tips? For best results, it’s generally recommended to cook steak tips separately from vegetables, especially if the vegetables have different cooking times or moisture levels. This ensures both components cook perfectly without affecting each other. However, if you’re adding quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers or onions, you might be able to add them for the last few minutes of cooking, but watch closely.

More Delicious Air Fryer & Steak Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re as enamored with the air fryer as I am, or if you simply can’t get enough of perfectly cooked steak, here are some other fantastic recipes from my kitchen you’ll want to try:

Air Fryer Filet Mignon: Experience gourmet dining at home with this incredibly easy method.
Air Fryer Carne Asada: Bring the vibrant flavors of Latin America to your dinner table.
Garlic Butter Steak Tips: For those who love an extra rich and indulgent twist.
Air Fryer Steak: A broader guide to cooking various cuts of steak in your air fryer.

Tried this incredibly easy and delicious recipe? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or share your experience in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback means the world! And don’t forget to connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for more culinary inspiration and quick meal ideas!

Close-up of perfectly air-fried steak tips on a plate.

5 from 6 votes

Air Fryer Steak Tips

By

Julie Maestre

These air fryer steak tips are incredibly simple to prepare and cook in a flash! Enjoy tender, juicy beef tips generously coated in fresh garlic and cooked to absolute perfection.

Prep:

5 minutes

Cook:

4 minutes

Total:

9 minutes

Servings:
2

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Equipment

air fryer

Ingredients

▢

8
ounces
steak ,
cut into 1 or 2 inch tips (sirloin or filet mignon recommended)
▢

2
garlic cloves ,
finely minced
▢

2
tbsp
olive oil
▢

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
to taste
▢

cooking spray

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 5 minutes. While it preheats, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Slice your chosen steak (such as sirloin or filet mignon) into uniform 1 or 2-inch bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the steak tips with olive oil and the finely minced fresh garlic, tossing to ensure all pieces are well coated.
Season the steak tips generously on both sides with Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Don’t underestimate the power of good seasoning!
Carefully place the seasoned steak tips in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, flip each steak tip using tongs and cook for an additional 2 minutes for a medium-rare finish. Adjust cooking time for desired doneness (see “Expert Tips” section for guidance).
Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak tips from the air fryer and allow them to rest on a plate or cutting board for 2-3 minutes. This crucial resting period ensures the juices redistribute, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy steak. Then, enjoy immediately!

Notes

For the most even cooking and best texture, allow the meat to rest at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before cooking.
Cooking times are approximate and will vary by air fryer model and desired doneness. For medium-rare (my preference!), cook for 2 minutes per side. For medium, cook 3 minutes per side. For well-done, cook 4-5 minutes per side. Always use an instant-read thermometer for precision.
Don’t skip the resting step! Allow the cooked meat to rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing or serving to keep it juicy.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation and browning.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Julie Maestre

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

4 minutes

Total Time:

9 minutes

Course:
Entree

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
2

Calories:
364

Keyword:
Air Fryer Steak, air fryer steak tips, how to make steak tips in the air fryer, quick steak recipe, easy beef, garlic steak

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