Air Fryer Tri Tip (Juicy, Tender & Perfect Every Time)

Air Fryer Tri Tip is one of those recipes I come back to again and again because it just works and more importantly, my family loves it. I’ve tested this with different size roasts and cook times, and the result is consistently juicy, tender steak with a perfectly seasoned crust without firing up the grill. If you’ve ever wondered how long to cook tri tip in the air fryer or worried about overcooking it, this method takes the guesswork out and gives you reliable results every time.

Ready in under 30 minutes this recipe is a busy families dream recipe. The air fryer cooking process ensures tender, juicy steaks with a perfect crust, enhanced by olive oil, steak seasoning, and garlic cloves for maximum flavor that will impress your taste buds!

Versatile and adaptable, you can customize this recipe with different seasonings and cooking times to suit your taste preferences. Serve with air fryer corn on the cob or even mac and cheese side dish. Or slice and serve tri tip over a rice bowl with protein and add a side spam in the air fryer.

For more delicious steak recipes, check out my Marsala Grilled Tri Tip Triangle Steak, Honey Lime Steak Bites, Easy Steak Fajitas Recipe, Kentucky Bourbon Steak Bites, and Honey Balsamic Steak Bites!

Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Tri-Tip Roast

• Tri Tip Roast. The star of the dish, this cut is known for its rich marbling and triangular shape. It’s a flavorful and tender triangular cut of beef that’s perfect for air frying. I used a pre-seasoned roast, but if yours is unseasoned, be sure to use the ingredients listed below to infuse your meat with wonderful flavors.
• Olive Oil. Helps to create a nice crust on the steak and adds a subtle richness to the flavor.
• Steak Seasoning. You can use your favorite blend or make your own with a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This adds depth and enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
• Garlic Cloves. Infuses the steak with a robust garlic flavor, making it even more delicious.

How to Make Air Fryer Tri-Tip Steak Slices

1. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F for about 4 minutes.
2. If your Tri Tip cut is unseasoned, season it while the air fryer is heating up. First, rub the tri tip roast with olive oil to ensure that the seasoning sticks to the meat and creates a nice crust. Next, season the tri tip generously with your steak seasoning of choice, making sure to cover all sides. Then add the crushed garlic cloves for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Place the seasoned tri tip in the preheated air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, then flip the tri tip over.

4. Continue to air fry for an additional 8-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For reference, an internal temperature of 130°F indicates rare, 140°F for medium rare, 150°F for medium, 160°F for medium well, and 170°F for well done.
5. Once the tri tip reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into 1-inch-thick steak slices. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and tender steak. Tent the roast with aluminum foil to retain heat during this time. Slice the tri tip against the grain for the best texture and serve immediately.

FAQs

Storage & Freezing

Storage: If you have any leftover air fryer tri tip, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the steak cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to the container. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor.

Freezing: To freeze the tri tip, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date so you can keep track of how long it’s been in the freezer. The tri tip can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen tri tip, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then follow the reheating instructions below.

Reheating: To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the steak for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop, but the air fryer will help maintain its crispy exterior.

Substitutions & Variations

Different Cuts of Meat

• If you can’t find tri tip, sirloin steak is a great alternative. It’s also tender and flavorful. Bottom sirloin can also be used, although it is less tender.
• For a richer, more marbled option, try using ribeye steak. It will cook similarly to the tri tip but may need a bit less time due to its fat content.

Seasoning Alternatives

• Use a mix of rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a different flavor profile.
• Add cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to your seasoning mix for a bit of heat.

Marinades

• Combine soy sauce, lemon juice, and a bit of brown sugar for a sweet and savory marinade.
• Mix Worcestershire sauce with garlic powder and onion powder for a deep, rich flavor.

Pro Tips

• To achieve a nice crust on your tri tip, make sure the air fryer is properly preheated. Rubbing the meat with olive oil also helps create a beautiful sear.
• A digital meat thermometer is essential for checking the internal temperature of the tri tip. This ensures that you cook the steak to your preferred level of doneness without overcooking it.
• Always let the tri tip rest for about 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak.
• For the best texture, slice the tri tip against the grain. This means cutting across the muscle fibers, which makes the meat easier to chew.
• Serve this air fryer tri tip with classic sides like French fries or mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Have you tried this Tri Tip Air Fryer Steak recipe?

Please leave a comment below if you have tried making this recipe. I love to hear from you and enjoy reading about what you think. Be sure to tag @devourdinner when posting to social media. I can't wait to see your photos!

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5 from 8 votes

Air Fryer Tri Tip Steak Recipe

Air fryer tri tip steak is a quick and reliable way to cook a juicy, tender roast with a flavorful crust using simple ingredients and easy steps.

Prep Time4 minutes mins

Cook Time18 minutes mins

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1-2 pounds Tri Tip Roast

Optional Seasoning (if unseasoned)

• 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoon Steak Seasoning - of choice
• 3-4 Garlic Cloves - crushed

Instructions

• Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F for 4 minutes.
• Rub olive oil over Tri Tip roast and season with steak seasoning of choice along with garlic. 1-2 pounds Tri Tip Roast, 2 tablespoon Olive Oil, 2 tablespoon Steak Seasoning, 3-4 Garlic Cloves
• Place Seasoned Tri Tip in the hot air fryer.
• Ai Fryer at 400°F for 8 minutes. Flip Tri Tip over and Air Fryer for an additional 8-10 minutes.
• Tri Tip Roast is done when internal temperature reaches desired doneness: 130°F for rare; 140°F for medium rare; 150°F for medium; 160°F for medium well; 170°F for well done.
• Remove from Air Fryer and allow roast to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Tent with aluminum foil to retain heat.

Notes

Air Fryer Tri Tip recipe made using a 1.57 lb Tri Tip Roast in a Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer for 8 minutes, for a Medium Rare internal temperature of 140°F.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Store: Keep leftover tri tip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap the tri tip tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Make Ahead: Season the tri tip and refrigerate it in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag for up to 24 hours before cooking to enhance the flavor.

Have you made this recipe?Mention @devourdinner or tag us #devourdinner! Please leave a comment and rating below. Thank you!

Nutrition Disclaimer

All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcal | Protein: 23g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 60mg | Potassium: 364mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg