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Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

Tri Tip in Air Fryer

Published: Nov 9, 2021 · Modified: Mar 10, 2023 by Ginny · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Once you make this perfectly seared + tender Air Fryer Tri-Tip roast you will never go back to grilling this fantastic cut of meat. It is so amazing that we stopped everything to make another one and we wanted to tell you about it! It is air-fried in just a few minutes.

air fryer tri tip on a butcher paper lined baking sheet with the coffee rub in the background.
Super Simple Air Fryer Tri-Tip
Contents hide
1 🐄 Why This Recipe Works
2 🥩 Ingredients
3 🧂 What is Tri Tip Steak
4 ⏲️ Equipment and Tools
5 🍽️ Instructions
6 ⏲️ How to Cook Tri-Tip Perfectly
7 🍴Expert Tips
8 👩‍🍳 Recipe FAQs
9 🥔 Serving Suggestions
10 Air Fryer Tri Tip Roast

Perfectly prepared tri-tip comes out tender and juicy right out of the fryer ready to go on the table.

Families love this when you serve it next to a big heavy bowl of mashed potatoes, mashed rutabaga or even rutabaga fries.

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🐄 Why This Recipe Works

Simple | It takes just a few basic steps to get tri-tip cooked to perfection.

Three ingredients | There is no long grocery list or expensive spices – Just three ingredients.

Perfectly seasoned | You are going to love our star of the show: the rub. I recommend stocking up!

Flexible | You can swap out the spices to fit your preference, the cooking method remains the same.

🥩 Ingredients

All you need is a quality air fryer and a few ingredients to make this delicious dinner idea. You can use a basket or a tray air fryer. You will find that there are some things the air fryer does really, really well. Tri-tip is one of those things.

top down view of the tri tip, garlic powder, and coffee rub ingredients with labels.
A Simple Two-Part Dry Rub is all it Takes!

Tri-Tip Roast | This is a juicy and delicious piece of meat. Made popular in California, it is sometimes considered a leftover scrap and in the old days it was discarded. In fact, this delicious cut of meat works perfectly in the Air Fryer, as well as on the grill, in the oven, broiled, or even smoked.

Trader Joe’s Coffee BBQ Rub | There are so many wonderful things I can tell you about this rub. It’s absolutely delicious! It has a subtle spiciness, sweet flavors, and it’s also smoky and a little bit salty. It is perfect for steak, fish, pork, and even chicken. If you don’t have Trader Joe’s near you, you can make your own homemade coffee rub.


Garlic Powder | You just need a little bit of garlic powder to give you a great flavor.

🧂 What is Tri Tip Steak

Tri-tip (also called a Santa Maria steak or Triangle Tip) is a triangular piece of meat that is found near the backside of the cow. It can range from 1.5 – 5 pounds. Before it was prepared like a steak in the Santa Maria market, it was often used for ground beef or discarded.

Tri-tip is a cheap and lean portion of the sirloin, so it will not be as tender as a ribeye, but don’t let that deter you! This cut of meat has beautiful marbling. For a beautifully tender cut of meat, tri-tip is substantially lower in cost than its neighbor – the ribeye.

The flavor is amazing! The one we cooked today was a small 1.5-pound cut that was perfect for the three of us. For best results, do not overcook it. Well done is not a good option for this cut.

⏲️ Equipment and Tools

Air Fryer | Just one simple tool is all that you need to make this tender and juicy roast. This cut will fit into all types of fryers so pull out those Cosori, Ninja basket or Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex 7 in 1 or the 10 in 1. The Chefman 2 Qt might be a bit too small but if you cut up the roast, it can be done.

If using a tray version, start by putting it in the bottom tray as you may already know that the upper one heats stronger and faster. Save that for getting a crust.

🍽️ Instructions

Allow the tri-tip to come to room temperature before you begin. This will allow the meat to retain moisture as it cooks and it will also absorb the rub more effectively. Set it out on the counter for about 20-30 minutes for a 1½ pound steak.

process photos showing coating the tri tip with a coffee rub, adding it to the air fryer and then slicing it.
Add the Dry Rub, Air Fry, and Serve! So Easy!

Step One: Heat the Air Fryer for about 10 minutes at 400º so it is piping hot. 

Step Two: Create the rub for the Tri-Tip by combining the garlic powder and Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub. Pat the Tri-Tip dry and then rub the roast by covering the outside of the roast with the dry rub.

Step Three: Place it in the Air Fryer basket for 5 – 7 minutes. Turn it over and set the time for another 5-7 minutes. Check the temperature so you don’t overcook it. Slice into strips with the AGAINST the grain for maximum tenderness.

Do you see the juice in the finished photo? That is accomplished by allowing it to rest for 10 minutes after you remove it. Don’t skip this step.  Allowing it to rest is essential!

Don’t have an air fryer? You can smoke your tri-tip, cook it on the grill, or even sear it off in a very hot skillet and bake it in the oven for about 12 – 14 minutes (for 1½ pounds of meat) at 400º. If you have a convection setting on your oven, it works exactly like the air fryer but on a larger scale.

⏲️ How to Cook Tri-Tip Perfectly

At 400º, it should take 5-7 minutes per side to get a nice medium temperature for the steak. Here are the temperatures to watch for depending on your desired level of doneness.

Medium Rare130-135º
Medium140º
Medium Well155º
Well Done (not recommended for tri-tip)165º
Chart for Steak Temperatures

The best option when cooking beef is to start with the shortest time and work up, testing the temperature of the meat as you go. I always suggest testing, as everyone’s Air Fryer is slightly different and not everyone likes a medium-rare piece of meat. 

For perfect doneness, you want to watch the internal temperature using a thermometer probe. Remove the meat before it comes fully up to the temperature you want since it will continue to cook for a little bit as it rests.

sliced tri tip on a butcher paper lined sheet pan with coffee and garlic rub.
Juicy and Fast!

🍴Expert Tips

You can use another, larger cut of steak to replace the tri-tip roast in this recipe. You will need to adjust the cooking time a bit. Just keep an eye on the temperature of the meat for your desired doneness.

Allow your beef to rest, as this will help prevent it from drying out. Beef should rest after cooking for about fifteen minutes. It will continue cooking during this rest period, so you should remove it from the heat source before it reaches your desired final temperature. Do not skip out on resting your meat.

Change out the seasonings in the rub to change the flavor. You could try a simple blend of garlic, salt, and black pepper such as the Kinder’s rub from Costco to season steak. We also love this Yucatan Dry Rub for a little Mexican flavor.

An all-purpose rub like this one is also an excellent choice. Reach for the all purpose Montreal Steak Seasoning to use as a rub as well. Change it up by using this steak tips recipe idea. The horseradish sauce is amazing. Heck, reach for your favorite steak marinade as well for this recipe.

Always watch your food, as every air fryer will heat just slightly differently. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to cook your meat to your preference.

When you slice your tri-tip roast, be sure to cut against the grain. Cutting meat with the grain results in a chewy, unappetizing texture. Cutting against the grain makes an incredible difference!

This is literally the difference between loving and hating tri-tip. It must be cut against the grain for melt-in-your-mouth results. The unique cut of tri-tip means you may have to turn the meat slightly as you go to stay against the grain.

When entertaining, sprinkle with a bit of fresh parsley before serving.

👩‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

What cut is the tri-tip?

Tri-Tip is a sirloin cut of beef originally made popular in California in the Santa Maria market. It gets its name from its triangle shape. It is low in fat and very flavorful. It’s also inexpensive.

Is there another name for tri-tip?

Sirloin butt and Santa Maria cuts are other names you might encounter. Sometimes it is called the a triangle cut or a California cut. Newport steak or bottom sirloin tip are other popular names for this cut. If you can’t find it, just ask the butcher at the store or meat shop.

How to prevent air fryers from smoking from meat drippings?

Place some bread on the bottom of your air fryer. As the meat cooks and the fat drips, it will land on the bread. This prevents your air fryer from becoming smoky.

How long does it take to make a tri-tip roast in the air fryer?

This really depends on the wattage and size of your air fryer as well as your desired level of doneness. I recommend estimating about 5-7 minutes per side (for a total of 10-14 minutes) for a medium finish, and keeping a close eye on the internal temperature of the tri-tip. The time will be LONGER if you want the roast more done.

🥔 Serving Suggestions

If you want a complementary type of meat for a party, try this Air Fryer Jerk Chicken.

Pair with your favorite side dish. Ours are:

Oven Roasted Honey Gold Potatoes (with Video)

Smashed Potatoes {10 Minute Prep}

Avocado Tomato Salad Recipe {10 Minutes}

Sheet Pan Roasted Brussel Sprouts Stalk {50 Minutes}

Make sure to snag your {FREEBIE} Air Fryer Cooking Times Printable, Deep Fryer to Air Fryer Conversion Printable and Oven to Air Fryer Conversion Printable.

🍽️ Related Recipes

Don’t miss out on the other Air Fryer recipes we have created. They are becoming a hot passion of ours and we can’t wait for you to try them all! 

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    Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
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air fryer trip tip with garlic and coffee dry rub

Air Fryer Tri Tip Roast

Learn how easy it is to cook a delicious roast in the air fryer in just a few minutes. This is an easy hands-off recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing Saturdays. {WW 4 points, Keto, Paleo, Whole30, Gluten Free}
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: dinner, Main, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 185kcal
Author: Ginny

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Tri Tip
  • 2 tbsp Trader Joe's Coffee BBQ Rub you can make your own java rub as well
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
  • Olive Oil Spray

Instructions

  • Combine the Trader Joe's Rub with the garlic powder and stir together.
  • Heat the Air Fryer to 400º.
  • Spray the tri-tip with olive oil spray and coat it with a dry rub, making sure to cover both sides.
  • Add the meat to the air fryer tray. Note that I added a couple of pieces of bread to the drip pan to catch any drippings. I find that it stops any unwanted smoking and makes cleanup a lot easier.
  • Cook the tri tip for 5-7 minutes on each side. Each air fryer is different, so check it early and often to avoid overcooking.
  • Remove the tri-tip when you reach the desired temperature and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Resting Time: Allow the meat to come to room temperature before you start cooking so it will cook more evenly and not have cold spots. This applies universally, especially when grilling. 
Doneness:
Reference for desired temperatures:
  • Medium Rare 130-135 degrees 
  • Medium 140 degrees 
  • Medium Well 155 degrees 
  • Well Done 165 degrees 
Alternative Cuts of Beef: You can use this same recipe for other cuts of beef. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the meat. 
Alternative Spices: Swap out your spices with any other of your favorite blends of seasonings. 
Homemade Java/Coffee Rub: If you don’t have Coffee/Java Rub from Trader Joe’s, make your own here from Kitchenlaughter.com with just a few ingredients you probably have in your house right now. 
Watch Food for Doneness: Always watch your food, as every air fryer will heat just slightly differently. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to cook your meat to your preference.
Cutting Against the Grain: When slicing your tri-tip roast, be sure to cut against the grain. Cutting meat with the grain results in a chewy, unappetizing texture. Cutting against the grain makes an incredible difference! 
Air Fryer Smoking: Place some bread on the bottom of your air fryer. As the meat cooks and the fat drips, it will land on the bread. This prevents your air fryer from becoming smoky. 
How Long to Cook: This really depends on the wattage and size of your air fryer as well as your desired level of doneness. I recommend estimating about 7-8 minutes per pound for a medium finish, and keeping a close eye on the internal temperature of the tri-tip.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 61mg | Potassium: 388mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @savorandsavvy or tag #savorandsavvy!
Tri Tip in Air FryerTri Tip in Air Fryer
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About Ginny

Hi! My name is Ginny and I know how busy life can be! I am a mom working hard to prepare healthy meals for my family that is always on the go!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Denise says

    December 26, 2022 at 1:28 pm

    5 stars
    I have cooked this using the rub from Trader-Joes a number of times. Yesterday we were out of the rub so I used the recipe for the rub from scratch. Both ways are equally delicious. This has become my new favorite tri-tip recipe. Absolutely perfect everytime I cook it. Thank you for such an easy recipe to follow.

    Reply
  2. Sue says

    September 08, 2022 at 9:04 pm

    What about a 3# tritip? Thanks.

    Reply
  3. Kay says

    December 17, 2021 at 10:19 pm

    Your timing is quite confusing. The recipe calls for a 1 lb tri tip and the instructions say to cook it for five to seven minutes per side. That would make for a total cook time of 10 to 14 minutes for a 1 lb tri-tip. But in your “How Long to Cook” section below the recipe it says you recommend 7-8 minutes per pound. Needless to say I am very confused about how long I should cook it for.

    Reply
    • Ginny says

      December 18, 2021 at 7:08 am

      Kay! Thank you so much! Darn me for typing too fast the day I wrote it. It was to say PER SIDE on the second one. I fixed my error and can’t thank you enough for seeing that which will help future readers. Cheers! Ginny

      Reply
  4. RossC says

    July 07, 2021 at 12:43 pm

    5 stars
    Love tri tip. (did 4 for our family 4th celebration)

    Your heat and times are right on.
    Thank you for this simple method to have perfectly cooked tri tip. :O)

    Reply
    • Ginny says

      July 10, 2021 at 12:07 pm

      Thank you so much! We love the tri tip as well!!

      Reply
  5. margaret brown says

    December 25, 2020 at 7:36 pm

    cleaning is not a breeze

    Reply
    • Ginny says

      December 28, 2020 at 6:05 am

      Margaret, how was the tri tip? Can you share what caused a 1 star review? Any thoughts besides you not enjoying the clean up? I’d love to help so let me know. Cheers! Ginny

      Reply

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Family Photo Hi! I'm Ginny and for over 30 years, I've been creating simple and easy recipes without sacrificing on taste for our family on the go. I can't wait to show you how to do the same for your family. Read More...

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