Air Fryer Steak Tips Dinner

This Air Fryer Steak Tips Dinner for two is a romantic dinner without all the stovetop time and hot skillets. You’ll want to try this all-in-one recipe for a Steak Tips complete with potatoes, peppers, and onions on your next date night. Done in less than 30 minutes with just the air fryer basket to clean, this may quickly become a busy weeknight favorite along with special occasions.

Air Fryer Steak Tip Dinner: A Romantic Meal on a Budget

Steak is often considered a luxurious dish, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. With an air fryer, you can cook a delicious steak tip dinner in no time, and at a fraction of the cost of eating out. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day or just for a cozy night in, this meal is sure to impress.

Better still, this dinner for two is made using only a half pound of beef to cut your own steak tips from. This gives you the ability and choice of using “top shelf” meat, or a cheaper meat that’s still cooked to tender perfection.

What are Steak Tips and What’s the Best Cut of Meat for Them?

Steak tips are bite-sized pieces of beef that are cut from various parts of the steer. They are typically tender, juicy, and flavorful, making them a popular choice for steak lovers. The best cuts of meat for steak tips are sirloin, flank (like we’re using today), and tenderloin.

Sirloin is the most popular cut for steak tips and is known for its rich, beefy flavor and tender texture. Flank steak is another great option, as it is lean and flavorful, and tends to be more budget-friendly than other cuts of beef. Tenderloin is the most tender cut of beef, but also the most expensive. If you’re looking for a high-end steak tip dinner, tenderloin is the way to go.

Shopping Tips for Steak Tips

When shopping for steak tips, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for cuts of beef that are well-marbled, meaning they have visible veins of fat running through them. Marbling is what gives steak its flavor and tenderness, so the more marbling, the better.

While you can always choose your own cut of beef and dice it to size for DIY steak tips, most grocery stores will have steak tips packaged and ready to sell. Take a look at the price and decide from there. Which leads us to the second tip.

Make sure the steak tips are a consistent size and shape so that they cook evenly in the air fryer. Finally, always buy steak tips from a reputable source, such as a local butcher or a your favorite grocery store, to ensure that you’re getting the highest quality beef possible.

How to Cook a Steak Tips Dinner in an Air Fryer

Cooking steak tips in an air fryer is easy and convenient, and it yields delicious results. You can cook them alone or as part of a complete dish. If you’re cooking just the tips to serve with a side salad, here’s how to do it:

1. Season the steak tips with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice.
2. Place the steak tips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the steak tips for 6-9 minutes, depending on the thickness and desired level of doneness.
4. Give a shake halfway through cooking, no need to meticulously flip.
5. Check the internal temperature of the steak tips with an instant read meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F.
6. Once done, remove the steak tips from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Meat Temperatures for Steak Tips

The internal temperature of steak tips is an important factor to consider when cooking them. The recommended internal temperatures for steak tips are as follows:

• Rare: 120°F
• Medium Rare: 130°F
• Medium: 145°F
• Well Done: 160°F

It’s important to note that meat will continue to cook even after it’s removed from the air fryer, so it’s a good idea to take the steak tips out of the air fryer a few degrees before they reach the desired temperature. This way, they’ll come to the perfect temperature as they rest.

Best Potatoes to Pair with Steak Tips

Potatoes are a classic side dish for steak tips, and there are several options to choose from. Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, and baked potatoes are all great choices. For a healthier option, you can also try sweet potatoes or roasted vegetables.

To keep your meal on a budget, consider using baby potatoes, which are smaller and often less expensive than full-sized potatoes. You can simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the air fryer along with the steak tips.

And while we used the classic combination of steak, peppers and onions in tonight’s dish, you could grab a different vegetable that’s seasonable and on sale such as green beans.

Wine Pairings with Steak:

Steak is a rich and flavorful dish that can be paired with a variety of wines. Some of the most popular wine pairings with steak include:

1. Cabernet Sauvignon: This full-bodied red wine has bold tannins and flavors of black fruit and spices, making it a great match for a hearty steak.
2. Malbec: This Argentine red wine has a robust flavor profile, with notes of blackberry, plum, and spice. It’s a great match for a grilled steak with a bold flavor.
3. Merlot: This smooth and medium-bodied red wine has a soft texture and flavors of red fruit, chocolate, and spice. It’s a great match for a tender steak with a mild flavor.
4. Pinot Noir: This light-bodied red wine has a delicate flavor profile, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and earthy spices. It’s a great match for a steak with a mild flavor, such as a filet mignon.
5. Zinfandel: This full-bodied red wine has a bold flavor profile, with notes of black fruit, spice, and pepper. It’s a great match for a grilled steak with a bold flavor.

In addition to red wine, some white wines can also be paired with steak, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Riesling. However, red wine is generally the most popular choice for steak, as it has the tannins and body to stand up to the rich flavors of the steak. Ultimately, the best wine to pair with steak is a matter of personal preference, so feel free to experiment and find the wine that you enjoy the most with your steak.

Other Tips for Creating a Romantic Steak Tip Dinner on a Budget

To make your steak tip dinner even more romantic and special, consider the following tips:

1. Set the table with candles and a tablecloth for a touch of elegance.
2. Prepare a simple salad to accompany the steak tips and potatoes.
3. Offer a bottle of red wine to enjoy with the meal.
4. Play soft, romantic music in the background to set the mood.
5. End the meal with a decadent dessert, such as a chocolate covered strawberries.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers:

To store leftover steak tips, first, let them cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave, oven, stovetop, or the air fryer.

Microwave: Place the steak tips in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap in microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the steak tips in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Add the steak tips to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through, flipping occasionally.

Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400F for 3-5 minutes. Place the leftovers in a single layer if possible. Cook at 400F for about 5 minutes. Shake and add another 2 minutes if needed.

Note: When reheating, be careful not to overcook the steak tips, as this can cause them to become tough and dry. Reheated potatoes are best served crispy, so if you want them crispy, you can place them in the oven to reheat for about 10-15 minutes or until crispy. Alternatively, you can also reheat them on a stovetop in a pan with a little bit of oil over medium heat until crispy.

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