Air Fryer Steak Tips are the answer to those nights when you want a steakhouse dinner without turning on the grill or babysitting a skillet.
Bite sized pieces of sirloin get tossed in a simple seasoning blend, air fried until deeply browned on the outside and tender inside, then finished in a garlic butter sauce that pools into every crevice.
The whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it one of those recipes you will find yourself making on repeat, especially on busy weeknights when a real dinner still feels non negotiable.
Another favorite in my steak lineup: Grilled Ribeye Steak Recipe
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Steak Tips
This recipe skips the grill, the smoke, and the extra pots without skipping any of the flavor.
It is the kind of meal that tastes like you put in far more effort than you actually did, similar to how my Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe turns a fancy cut into an easy weeknight dinner.
- Ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish, including seasoning time
- Deeply browned, almost caramelized crust thanks to the air fryer’s hot circulating air
- Only one bowl and the air fryer basket to clean, no splattered stovetop
- Naturally low carb and easy to fit into most eating styles
- Finished in garlic butter, which turns simple steak bites into something restaurant worthy
- Easy to scale up for a crowd or down for a solo dinner
Ingredients
You only need a handful of pantry staples plus good quality steak for this recipe. Nothing fancy, just the right ratios and a hot air fryer.
- 2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1 inch cubes (or pre cut steak tips)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Read Also: Beef Tenderloin Recipe
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You do not need anything unusual to make this recipe, just a few basics that make the process smoother.
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Small saucepan, for the garlic butter
- Instant read meat thermometer
An air fryer with a wide, shallow basket works best here since it lets the steak pieces sit close to the heating element without crowding.
Another favorite: Air Fryer French Fries Recipe
Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are a few products I personally use and recommend based on making this recipe more times than I can count.
None of these are required, but they do make the process a little easier.
1. Instant Read Meat Thermometer
Steak tips cook fast, and a few seconds of overcooking can be the difference between juicy and chewy.
An instant read thermometer takes the guesswork out completely, so you pull the steak at exactly the doneness you want.
2. Cosori Air Fryer
A wide, square basket air fryer gives the steak pieces enough room to brown on all sides instead of steaming each other.
This is the style of air fryer I reach for whenever I am cooking anything that needs a real sear.
3. Cast Iron Grill Pan
If you ever want to finish the steak tips with grill marks or make this recipe on the stovetop instead, a cast iron grill pan gets screaming hot and holds its heat well.
It is also handy for searing the garlic butter sauce right into the meat.
4. Pre Cut Steak Tips
On nights when I do not want to break out the cutting board, pre cut steak tips save real time and are usually trimmed more evenly than what I would cube myself.
They cook just as well in the air fryer as a whole steak you cut down yourself.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Steak Tips
1. Prep the Steak
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture helps the meat brown instead of steam once it hits the hot air fryer basket.
- Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. Cold steak straight from the fridge cooks unevenly, so this short rest makes a real difference.
- If you are working with a whole sirloin steak, trim off any large pieces of exterior fat, then cut the meat into roughly 1 inch cubes for even cooking.
2. Season the Steak Tips
- Place the steak cubes in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with the olive oil and toss to coat every piece lightly.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using directly over the steak.
- Toss everything together with your hands or tongs until the seasoning is evenly distributed on all sides of each piece.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Preheating matters here. Starting the steak in a fully hot basket is what gives you that deep brown crust instead of a pale, steamed exterior.
4. Air Fry the Steak Tips
- Arrange the seasoned steak cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece so air can circulate.
- Work in two batches if your air fryer basket is small. Overcrowding the basket is the most common reason steak tips come out gray instead of browned.
- Air fry for 6 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the pieces halfway through, until the steak reaches your preferred doneness. Use the meat thermometer to check for 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare, or 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium.
5. Make the Garlic Butter
- While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring often, until fragrant but not browned.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat as soon as the garlic softens, since it can burn quickly once the butter is hot.
6. Rest and Toss
- Transfer the cooked steak tips to a plate or bowl and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This short rest lets the juices redistribute through the meat instead of spilling out the moment you cut into it.
- Pour the warm garlic butter over the rested steak tips and toss gently to coat every piece.
- Sprinkle with the chopped parsley just before serving.
This same low and hot approach to the air fryer is what makes my Air Fryer Beef Ribs Recipe come out so well, so it is worth remembering for other cuts of beef too.
Tips for The Best Air Fryer Steak Tips
A few small details separate good steak tips from great ones, and most of them come down to heat and moisture control.
- Choose a well marbled cut like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip for the juiciest results
- Cut the steak into evenly sized pieces so everything finishes cooking at the same time
- Do not skip patting the steak dry, since excess moisture is the enemy of a good crust
- Resist the urge to overcrowd the basket, even if it means cooking in two batches
- Pull the steak a few degrees before your target temperature, since it continues cooking slightly while it rests
- Toss the steak in the garlic butter after cooking rather than before, so the butter does not burn in the air fryer
Read Also: Air Fryer Beef Jerky Recipe
Serving Suggestions
Steak tips are versatile enough to anchor almost any kind of dinner, from a casual weeknight plate to something a little more special.
- Pile them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the garlic butter
- Serve alongside Air Fryer Garlic Bread for a full steakhouse style dinner
- Toss into a green salad with cherry tomatoes and blue cheese for a lighter meal
- Skewer with peppers and onions for a fun appetizer at your next gathering
- Spoon over rice or a baked sweet potato for an easy grain bowl
- Pair with a simple roasted vegetable side for a complete, balanced plate
Variations of Air Fryer Steak Tips
Once you have the base recipe down, it is easy to switch things up depending on what you are in the mood for.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the seasoning mix
- Asian inspired: Marinate the steak in soy sauce, sesame oil, and a little brown sugar before air frying
- Steakhouse style: Swap the garlic butter for a blue cheese compound butter
- Herb forward: Stir chopped rosemary and thyme into the garlic butter for an earthier finish
- Peppered tips: Coat the steak generously in cracked black pepper for a bold, steak au poivre feel
You might also enjoy: Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe
Storage and Reheating
Leftover steak tips reheat surprisingly well as long as you are gentle with the heat, which helps keep them from drying out.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes, just until warmed through
- You can also reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a small splash of beef broth
- Avoid the microwave if possible, since it tends to overcook the edges before the center warms up
- Freeze cooked steak tips in a freezer safe bag for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
If you love make ahead beef dinners, this recipe freezes just as well as my Beef Stroganoff Recipe.
Nutritional Facts
| Nutrition (Per Serving) | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 325 kcal |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Values are estimates and will vary based on the exact cut of steak and how much butter ends up on your plate.
Read Also: Beef Stew Recipe
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
This is a naturally protein forward meal, and a few of the ingredients bring more to the table than just flavor.
- Sirloin steak: A great source of complete protein, iron, and vitamin B12, all of which support energy levels and muscle repair
- Garlic: Contains compounds linked to heart health and has been used for centuries for its immune supporting properties
- Olive oil: Provides heart healthy monounsaturated fats in place of heavier cooking oils
- Parsley: A good source of vitamin K and adds a fresh, bright note without extra calories
- Black pepper: May help the body absorb certain nutrients more efficiently
Beef also plays a starring role in comfort food classics like my Red Wine Braised Beef Recipe, which leans on many of these same nutritional strengths.
FAQs About Air Fryer Steak Tips
1. What is the best cut of steak for steak tips?
Sirloin is the most common choice because it is tender, flavorful, and reasonably priced.
Ribeye or New York strip will also work well if you want a slightly richer bite.
2. Do I need to marinate the steak before air frying?
No, a marinade is not required since the seasoning blend and garlic butter provide plenty of flavor on their own.
If you have extra time, a 30 minute marinade can add even more depth.
3. How do I know when the steak tips are done?
The most reliable way is to check with an instant read thermometer.
Pull the steak at 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare, or a little higher if you prefer it more well done.
4. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, a hot cast iron skillet works well as a substitute. Sear the steak in batches over high heat for a couple of minutes per side, then finish with the same garlic butter.
5. Why did my steak tips come out chewy instead of tender?
This usually happens from overcooking or overcrowding the basket.
Give the pieces room to breathe and pull them at the right internal temperature for a tender result every time.
You might also enjoy: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Air Fryer Steak Tips
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sirloin steak cut into 1 inch cubes (or pre cut steak tips)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Small saucepan for the garlic butter
- Instant-read meat thermometer (recommended)
- Cast iron grill pan (optional – for stovetop alternative)
Method
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and let sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Toss the steak cubes with olive oil and seasonings in a large mixing bowl until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Arrange seasoned steak in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 6 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway, until internal temperature reaches desired doneness.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add garlic, and cook until fragrant but not browned.
- Let steak rest for 3 to 5 minutes, then toss with warm garlic butter and garnish with parsley.
Nutrition
Notes
- Choose a well marbled cut like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip for the juiciest results.
- Cut steak into evenly sized 1-inch pieces for consistent cooking.
- Pat the steak completely dry before seasoning to achieve a deep brown crust.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in two batches if needed for even browning.
- Pull steak 5°F before your target temperature, as it will continue cooking while resting.
- Toss steak in garlic butter after cooking rather than before to prevent burning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to maintain tenderness.
- To freeze, place cooked steak tips in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning blend.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
Air Fryer Steak Tips are proof that a great steak dinner does not need a grill, a skillet full of oil, or a lot of your evening.
Just a hot air fryer, a simple seasoning blend, and a little garlic butter at the end.
I would love to hear how yours turn out, so drop a comment below once you try this recipe, and feel free to share it with anyone in your life who loves steak as much as we do.
Recommended:
- Beef Short Rib Tacos Recipe
- Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
- Air Fryer Tater Tots Recipe
- Garlic Butter Chicken Breast Recipe
