Now, let me tell ya, cookin’ up a tri-tip in that air fryer, it ain’t no big science project. Folks got all sorts of ways to do it, but we’re keepin’ it nice and easy here, alright? Ya just gotta know how thick that meat is and how you like it cooked. So, if ya want it done jus’ right, here’s what ya gotta do.

Step 1: Get that tri-tip ready
First off, ya gotta get that meat seasoned up good. Some folks like to marinate it first, leave it sittin’ in the fridge overnight, or at least for a couple hours. Now, if ya ask me, just a nice coat of salt, pepper, maybe a bit of garlic powder, and ya got a fine start. Rub it in good, let that sit a while.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Now, don’t go throwin’ that meat in cold. No, ma’am. Turn that air fryer to about 400°F and let it heat up good, give it 5 minutes. It needs to be hot, so that meat cooks nice and even.
Step 3: Cookin’ Time
Alright, here’s the part you’re waitin’ for. How long? Well, it all depends on how thick that tri-tip is, but I’m gonna keep it simple for ya:
- For a medium-rare (that’s a bit pink inside): Put that tri-tip in the air fryer and cook it for about 9-11 minutes on each side. Flip it halfway through so it gets nice and even. Now, this is good if your tri-tip is around 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
- For medium to medium-well: Maybe you like it less pink, eh? Well, leave it in there closer to 12-15 minutes each side. Thicker cuts could take a bit more. Same rule, flip it halfway.
Step 4: Resting the Meat
Once that timer beeps, don’t you go cuttin’ it right away! Leave it sit on the plate for 5 minutes or so, cover it with some foil if ya like. This lets all those juices stay in the meat, and makes it real tasty.
Handy Tips for Air Fryer Tri-Tip
- Use a meat thermometer: If ya got one, check the thickest part of the meat. For medium-rare, look for around 130°F, and for medium, about 140°F. This way, ya know for sure when it’s done just right.
- Don’t overcrowd: Make sure your tri-tip has room to breathe in that air fryer. Don’t shove it in with other stuff, or it might not cook even.
- Adjust times for thicker cuts: Got a big ol’ thick tri-tip? Give it a few extra minutes, checkin’ every couple minutes, so it don’t overcook.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Tri-Tip?

Now, I know some folks are used to cookin’ their tri-tip on the grill or stovetop. But, let me tell ya, an air fryer makes it quick and easy. You get a nice crust outside without losin’ all that juice inside. And it’s a lot less mess, no fussin’ with charcoal or splatterin’ oil.
What to Serve with Your Tri-Tip
So ya got that tri-tip all cooked up. What goes with it? Oh, just keep it simple:
- Roasted Potatoes: Pop them in the air fryer after the tri-tip’s done; they’ll pick up some of that flavor.
- Steamed Veggies: Good ol’ broccoli, carrots, or even some corn on the cob – just put a pat of butter on ‘em.
- Simple Salad: A bit of lettuce, maybe some tomatoes, cucumbers, and you’re good to go!
So there ya have it. Get your tri-tip in the air fryer, set it right, flip it, rest it, and you got yourself a mighty fine meal without too much trouble. Now go on, give it a try, and enjoy that tasty, juicy tri-tip!
Tags:[Air Fryer, Tri-Tip, Cook Tri-Tip in Air Fryer, Tri-Tip Cooking Time]