Cooking guide
Air Fryer Tri-Tip
Tri-tip cooking time is driven by weight, thickness, starting temperature, fat cover, and air fryer geometry. Use time only to decide when to start measuring; use internal temperature to decide when the roast is ready.
Reviewed and updated July 30, 2026
- Start at
- 375°F / 191°C
- Yield
- One 1.5- to 2-pound roast
- Prep time
- 10 minutes
- Cook time
- 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tri-tip roast, about 1.5 to 2 pounds and small enough to fit with airflow around it
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Method
- Check that the roast fits without touching the heating element and follow the air fryer manual for meat and preheating. Pat the meat dry, rub with oil, and season.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F if the model recommends preheating.
- Place the roast in the basket with space around it. Cook for 10 minutes, then turn.
- Continue cooking and begin checking the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer at 20 minutes total. Continue in 3- to 5-minute intervals as needed.
- USDA's safe minimum for whole beef is 145°F / 63°C followed by a 3-minute rest. Remove at a temperature consistent with safe handling and your preferred final doneness, accounting for carryover heat. Rest at least 5 to 10 minutes, then slice thinly across the grain.
Useful adjustments
- A thin 1.5-pound roast can reach temperature much earlier than a thick 2-pound roast.
- Insert the thermometer from the side into the thickest center, away from large fat seams.
- If the exterior needs more color after the center is safe, use a short higher-temperature finish while monitoring closely.
- The grain changes direction in tri-tip; rotate the roast as you slice so every piece is cut across the grain.
Sources and further reading
We prioritize manufacturer instructions and government guidance. Product claims remain attributable to the source named below.