Air Fryer Steak Tips
Juicy, tender air fryer steak tips are quick and easy to make and perfect for a flavorful dinner or appetizer. Enjoy perfectly cooked bites with your favorite seasoning in just minutes!

I rely on quick and satisfying meals that don’t sacrifice flavor to get me through the work week. That’s why I’m excited to share my air fryer steak tips recipe. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings when you want something impressive but don’t have hours to spare. The air fryer makes the meat perfectly juicy on the inside and deliciously seared on the outside, with hardly any effort.
The tips taste great over a crisp salad or paired with macaroni and cheese for a delicious meal idea. I’ve even made these for game nights, and they disappear faster than I can plate them. They’re packed with flavor, and the air fryer makes clean-up a breeze because there’s no greasy stovetop to scrub afterward.
I know some people might feel intimidated by cooking steak, but this recipe is foolproof. The air fryer does all the hard work, and I’ll guide you through every step to ensure perfect results. Whether you’re a steak pro or a total beginner, you’ll love how easy and reliable this method is. So, give these steak tips a try!
Items Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make air fryer steak tips:
Steak Tips:
- Beef Sirloin Steak: Offers a tender, flavorful cut that’s perfect for quick cooking in the air fryer.
Seasoning for Steak Tips:
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings adhere to the steak and enhances browning.
- Kosher Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the beef.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complements the beef’s savory taste.
- Chili Powder: Provides a mild heat and smoky depth of flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the steak’s savory profile with rich, earthy notes.
- Onion Powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the seasoning mix.
Garlic Butter Seasoning:
- Butter: Adds richness and a velvety finish to the steak tips.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the butter with a savory, aromatic flavor.
- Onion Powder: Balances the butter mixture with a touch of mild sweetness.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the garlic butter.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a slight spice to balance the richness of the butter.
- Fresh Parsley: Provides a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Tools you’ll need
Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:
Ways To Customize
Here are some easy ways to customize this easy steak tips recipe:
- Swap the Steak: Try using other cuts like ribeye, tenderloin, or strip steak for different textures and flavors.
- Change the Seasonings: Experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste.
- Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for an elevated flavor profile.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese on top for a rich and tangy twist.
- Sauce It Up: Serve with dipping sauces like chimichurri, steak sauce, or garlic aioli for added flavor.
- Low-Carb Sides: Pair with roasted zucchini or cauliflower rice to keep it keto-friendly.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How To Make It
Preheat an air fryer for to 400ºF and set the timer for 5 minutes.
Toss meat with olive oil. Mix together spices and season the meat.
Arrange meat in the air fryer basket so that pieces are not touching.
Air fry for 5 minutes at 400ºF until browned.
Melt butter. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
Toss the finished steak in the garlic butter before serving.
Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if you like.
Note
For the juiciest and most flavorful steak tips, make sure the beef is cut into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer. Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed to allow proper air circulation for that perfect sear.
Storage
To store leftover air fryer steak tips, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to regain their crisp edges without overcooking the inside. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, though the texture may be slightly softer.
Helpful Hints
Pro tip: Evenly Cut Pieces
For the best results, make sure to cut your steak into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and develop a perfect sear on all sides.
Here are some simple yet effective tips to ensure your air fryer steak tips turn out perfectly juicy, flavorful, and cooked to your liking every time:
- Start with Room-Temperature Steak: Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Cut Evenly: Make sure the steak is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for consistent doneness.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating helps achieve a nice sear on the outside of the steak tips.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the steak tips in a single layer to allow proper air circulation for the best results.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked steak, check the internal temperature. It’s should be 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium.
- Rest the Steak: Let the steak tips rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste and tweak the seasoning before cooking to ensure it’s just how you like it.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer steak tips are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. For a classic steakhouse-inspired meal, serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can also drizzle them with garlic butter or your favorite steak sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
For a lighter option, consider pairing the steak tips with low-carb sides like sautéed green beans, cauliflower mash, or zucchini noodles. These options complement the rich, savory flavor of the steak without weighing down the meal. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of chopped herbs to brighten the dish.
If you’re hosting a casual gathering or looking for appetizer ideas, serve the steak tips on skewers with dipping sauces like chimichurri, garlic aioli, or spicy mustard. They’re also a great addition to sandwich wraps, tacos, or grain bowls for a more creative spin. However you serve them, these steak tips are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
FAQs
Recipe
Air Fryer Steak Tips
Ingredients
- 12 ounces beef sirloin steak cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Garlic Butter Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Preheat an air fryer for to 400ºF and set the timer for 5 minutes.
- Toss meat with olive oil. Mix together spices and season the meat.
- Arrange meat in the air fryer basket so that pieces are not touching.
- Air fry for 5 minutes at 400ºF until browned.
- Melt butter. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Toss the finished steak in the garlic butter before serving. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if you like.
Notes
Season your steak well before cooking.
Let your steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
Nutrition
Equipment
- air fryer
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon