Okay, here’s my blog post about making tri-tip in the air fryer:
Alright, folks, gather ’round! Today, I’m gonna share my little experiment with air frying a tri-tip. I’ve always been a grill guy when it comes to this cut, but hey, the air fryer’s been calling my name, and I had to answer.
Getting Started
First things first, I grabbed a nice-looking tri-tip from the store. Nothing fancy, just a regular one, about 2.5 pounds. I patted it dry with some paper towels – gotta get that surface nice and dry for a good sear, you know?

Seasoning It Up
Next up, the seasoning. I’m a simple man, so I kept it basic:
- Salt – a generous amount, don’t be shy!
- Black pepper – freshly cracked, of course.
- Garlic powder – because everything’s better with garlic.
- Onion powder – adds that extra something.
I mixed all those spices together in a bowl and then rubbed that goodness all over the tri-tip. Really worked it in there, making sure every inch was covered.
Into the Air Fryer
Now for the main event! I preheated my air fryer to 400°F. Once it was hot, I carefully placed the seasoned tri-tip in the basket. I set the timer for about 25 minutes, figuring I’d flip it halfway through.
The Waiting Game (and the Flip)
So, I waited. And peeked. And waited some more. After about 12-13 minutes, I opened the air fryer and flipped the tri-tip over. It was already looking pretty good, with a nice crust forming.
Checking for Doneness
After the full 25 minutes, I used my trusty meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. I was aiming for medium-rare, around 130-135°F. It was pretty close, so I let it cook for another 5 minutes or so, just to be sure.
Rest and Slice
Once it hit that perfect temperature, I took the tri-tip out of the air fryer and placed on the cutting board. covered with foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This is important, folks – it lets the juices redistribute, making for a much more tender and flavorful result.
Finally, I sliced the tri-tip against the grain. And man, oh man, it was beautiful! The outside had a fantastic crust, and the inside was perfectly pink and juicy.
The Verdict
I gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the air fryer handled the tri-tip. It was way easier than firing up the grill, and the results were pretty darn close. Definitely adding this to my rotation!

Give it a try, and let me know your thoughts!.
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