Air Fryer Steak Tips

Name: Air Fryer Steak Tips
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 11 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. steak (cut into ½-inch cubes (ribeye, sirloin, tri-tip or whichever cut of steak you prefer)); 2 Tablespoons avocado oil ( or olive oil); 1 teaspoon Chili seasoning; Melted garlic butter; Minced parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

Delicious, juicy bites of steak ready in under 15 minutes: that's our recipe for Air Fryer Steak Tips! Complete with Chili seasoning and garlic butter, these air fried steak tips make a delicious lunch, dinner, or game day party treat. Get ready for a new favorite air fryer dinner!

air fryer steak tips on a plate with fresh veggies

Jump to:

Steak Tips in the Air Fryer
Why use an air fryer to cook steak tips?
Watch the Video
Ingredients
What cut of steak should I use?
How to Air Fry Steak Tips
Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions
How do you sear Air Fryer Steak Tips?
What temperature should I cook steak bites to?
Serving Suggestions
Variations
Recipe Tips
Storage Instructions
FAQ
Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
Air Fryer Steak Tips
Feedback

Steak Tips in the Air Fryer

What's not to love about steak tips? They're tender, juicy, well-seasoned bites of steak that are perfect for dipping and pairing with crispy fries. You can't go wrong, no matter how you serve them! However, an even better method for preparing steak tips is by air frying them.

Air frying steak tips is the best way to cook them. The beef comes out with a crispy sear on the outside, while remaining perfectly cooked and tender on the inside. They're super quick and easy to make in under 15 minutes with enough to serve four, meaning they're the ideal choice if you need to get a delicious dinner on the table but you're short on time! See below under How do you sear Air Fryer Steak Tips? if you're skeptical.

We'll guide you through how to air fry steak bites for maximum flavor with our easy, step-by-step recipe. Let's get air frying!

Why use an air fryer to cook steak tips?

To summarize: you should make steak tips in the air fryer because it is faster, easier, and more consistent than other methods, with great results! Read on for more info.

If you've been using your air fryer for a while, you already know the appeal: it cooks everything quickly, efficiently, and often to better results than other methods. Not to mention, they offer a more wholesome alternative to other cooking methods by cutting out excess oil (see: Is Air Frying Healthy?).

You can't go wrong cooking steak tips in an air fryer. Because air fryers cook food more quickly and use less oil, it's faster and cleaner than ever to make your favorite steak dinners. No spattered grease on the stove or oil to drain!

If you're thinking steak tips couldn't possibly come out perfectly cooked in the air fryer, we're happy to tell you they can, and will. Steak tips develop a deliciously crispy exterior, while remaining tender on the inside, which means: more flavor!

Watch the Video

Ingredients

Steak Tips: Steak tips are small, bite size pieces of beef, such as ribeye steak, sirloin, New York strip steak, or tri-tip. They are known for their tenderness and rich flavor and are typically cut into around 1-inch cubes. When shopping for steak tips, look for well-marbled cuts with a bright red color. Ask your local butcher for recommendations if you're unsure which cut to choose.
Avocado or Light Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the steak brown and crisp up in the air fryer. Learn more about Our Favorite Oils to use for Air Frying.
Chili Seasoning: Kicks up the flavor and also acts as a tenderizer for the beef. Try making Our Signature Chili Spice Blend! If you don't have the necessary ingredients, simple salt, pepper, and garlic powder will make a good mix.
Parsley: A vibrant garnish that adds color and a mild herbal note. Parsley is a great way to add a pop of freshness to your air fryer steak bites!
Melted Garlic Butter: Finish these steak tips with a drizzle of melted garlic butter sauce for maximum flavor! You can make garlic butter by combining melted butter with minced garlic.

What cut of steak should I use?

The best cut of steak to use for steak tips is one that's both flavorful and tender, rather than a tougher cut. Our top choice for making these air fryer steak tips is sirloin steak. It's like the Goldilocks of steaks: not too soft, and not too tough, while remaining budget-friendly. Go for the sirloin, and you'll be in for a tasty treat!

Other choices include:

Ribeye steak: Known for its rich flavor and tenderness. Ribeye has just the right amount of marbling (tiny bits of fat running through the meat) to make your steak tips super juicy and delicious.
Tri-tip steak: Tri-tip is a leaner cut of beef while still containing the perfect amount of fat for steak tips to give it that buttery, beefy taste you really want in a steak.

How to Air Fry Steak Tips

Adding a rack to the air fryer basket to bring food closer to heating element.

Step 1 - Insert Rack: Remove the air fryer basket. Insert rack and place the basket on top of the rack. This lifts the tray up closer to the heating element so the steak tips can sear. This step is optional, but highly recommended. Refer to our video for a visual reference.

Step 2 - Preheat and Prep Steak: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to the Air Broil setting (see tips section below). Pat steak dry using paper towels, then cut into evenly-sized cubes.

Step 3 - Season Steak Bites: Toss steak cubes with oil and seasonings.

Air fryer steak tips layered in air fryer basket.

Step 4 - Arrange Steak in Air Fryer: Carefully place the steak tips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.

Air fryer steak tips cooked in air fryer basket.

Step 5 - Air Fry: Air fry for 6 minutes. Use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. We recommend an internal temperature of 125 to 130°F for medium-rare. If you like yours cooked to a different degree of doneness, scroll below for our steak temperature chart.

When the steak tips reach your desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions

The following instructions are for Toaster Oven Style Air Fryers, such as the Breville Smart Oven Air.

Preheat the Air Fryer oven to 400°F.
Use a paper towel to pat the steak dry. Slice into evenly-sized half-inch cubes once dry.
Add steak tips to a mixing bowl and toss with oil and chili seasoning.
Arrange the steak tips on the air fryer tray in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the air fryer tray. Cook in batches if needed.
After 8-10 minutes check the internal temperature to see how done the steak is. We recommend an internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium rare.
If you want the steak more done, add an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time, or until cooked to your preference.
Allow the steak tips to rest for 5 minutes before serving for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Garnish with herbs and drizzle with melted garlic butter.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

How do you sear Air Fryer Steak Tips?

Making steak tips in the air fryer is quick and easy, but that means there’s not a lot of time to caramelize the outside of the steak tips, which was a problem for us when developing this recipe.

We tried this air fryer steak tips recipe many ways and ultimately found they turned out best when we placed a rack in our air fryer basket to lift the steak tips up closer to the heating element at the top of the air fryer.

Additionally, we found air frying on the air broil setting was another key to getting perfectly seared steaks tips in the air fryer. The air broil setting will keep the air fryer heating element on all the time, helping to sear the steak tips lightly during their short cooking time.

If you don’t have an air broil setting you can still make steak tips in your air fryer; however, they might not have as much of a sear on the outside. Rest assured, they will still taste great!

Perfectly air fried steak tip on a fork.

What temperature should I cook steak bites to?

As written, our recipe is timed for medium rare steak tips. In order to reach a perfect medium rare, air fry steak tips to an internal temperature of 125 to 130°F (about 6 minutes at 400°F), and let them rest 5 minutes before serving.

The following is a list of the different degrees of doneness for steaks. Always cook steak to 5 degrees below your target temperature and then let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Desired Doneness	Ideal Temperature Range
Rare	120-130°F (49-54°C)
Medium-Rare	130-140°F (54-60°C)
Medium	140-150°F (60-65°C)
Medium-Well	150-160°F (65-71°C)
Well-Done	160°F and above (71°C and above)

NOTE: Although the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for steak, we do not endorse cooking beef past medium as it will be overdone and chewy. Medium rare will yield the most flavorful steak tips!

Serving Suggestions

Over mashed potatoes: This is our absolute favorite way to enjoy these tasty air fryer beef tips! Serve them over a bed of mashed potatoes drizzled with garlic butter sauce. It's a heavenly match!
Over rice: Serve your steak tips over a bed of fluffy white rice for a simple and satisfying meal. When we serve them this way, we toss the steak tips in teriyaki sauce and lightly mix the rice with soy sauce.
With air fryer french fries: Steak frites is an easy air fryer dinner everyone will love! It's beyond easy to make french fries in the air fryer.
With veggies: Pair them with steamed or roasted vegetables for an air fryer dinner that cuts down on the carbs. Try Air Fryer Broccoli or Air Fryer Asparagus!
In a sandwich: Pile the steak tips onto a sub roll with your favorite toppings for a delicious steak sandwich.
As an appetizer: Serve toothpick-skewered steak tips at parties with dipping sauces! One of our favorite dipping sauces for steak bites is Boursin cheese. It is totally irresistible, especially when served with mushrooms!
Salad toppers: Use them as a protein topping for salads.
Stir fry: Incorporate them into a quick stir-fry with vegetables and your favorite sauce.
Quesadillas: Make steak quesadillas with cheese, onions, and peppers.
Wrap fillings: Use steak tips as a filling for wraps or burritos!

Variations

Marinades: Experiment with different steak marinades for unique flavor profiles. Try teriyaki, barbecue, or lemon herb.
Spices: Customize your seasoning blend by using your favorite steak seasoning!
Vegetables: Cook your steak tips with sliced bell peppers and onions, or mushrooms for added depth of flavor.
Protein: Substitute the beef with chicken or pork for a different twist on this recipe.

Recipe Tips

Raise the air fryer tray. Remove the air fryer tray from the bottom of the air fryer. Insert rack and place tray on top of rack. This lifts the tray up closer to the heating element so the steak tips can sear. This step is optional, but highly recommended. Refer to our video for a visual reference.
Air broil. If your air fryer is equipped with an air broil setting, be sure to use that setting when making steak tips.
Preheat your air fryer. Preheating ensures the steak tips start cooking immediately, so they develop a better sear and cook more quickly.
Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Air fryer models vary in cooking time, so check for doneness as the steak cooks with an instant read meat thermometer. See above for our steak temperature chart.
Let the steak rest before serving for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, which keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket! To achieve the perfect texture, cook in batches if you must so the hot air can circulate properly around the beef.
The size of your steak tips can impact cooking time. If they're on the thicker side, you may need to cook them for a bit longer.
Check your air fryer's temperature and cooking time settings, as they vary by brand and model.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain texture.

Allow the leftover steak tips to cool to room temperature.
Transfer them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, simply place the steak tips in the air fryer for a few minutes at a lower temperature (around 350°F/175°C) until they're heated through. Be careful not to overcook them when reheating, as they can become dry.

FAQ

Can I use frozen steak cubes in the air fryer?

It's best to allow your steak to thaw before using it in this recipe. Frozen steak cubes may not cook evenly. Allow them to rest in the refrigerator overnight the day before cooking, and they should thaw out in time to prep them for dinner.

Do I need to marinate the steak?

Marinating can add extra flavor, but it is optional. If you do choose to marinate them, add them to a plastic zip-lock bag with your preferred steak marinade and marinate for 30 minutes to several hours before air frying for a more pronounced taste.

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

You can use this recipe for chicken, pork, or even seafood like shrimp! Adjust the time accordingly and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

How do I clean my air fryer after air frying steak tips?

Refer to our step-by-step guide for How to Clean an Air Fryer. Additionally, check the user manual for your air fryer to see specific instructions pertaining to your model.

Air Fryer Dinner Recipes

Leave a comment and review for us below if you enjoyed this recipe, or if you have questions about any of our air fryer recipes!