Ninja Foodi Steak Tips

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🥩 Introduction: Mastering Steak Tips in the Ninja Foodi

The Ninja Foodi has revolutionized the way home cooks prepare meals. With its innovative combination of pressure cooking, air frying, and broiling functions, it brings gourmet-level results into everyday kitchens. Among the many dishes that shine in this multifunctional appliance, steak tips stand out as a juicy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile option. Whether you’re serving them over mashed potatoes, pairing them with roasted veggies, or tucking them into wraps and rice bowls, Ninja Foodi steak tips make for a satisfying and elevated meal.

But what exactly are steak tips? Commonly made from sirloin, flap meat, or tenderloin, steak tips are small, thick chunks of beef known for their tenderness and rich beefy flavor. When prepared correctly, they are juicy on the inside, perfectly seared on the outside, and can be seasoned in endless ways—from garlic butter to BBQ, teriyaki, Cajun, or classic herb marinades.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll guide you step by step through making Ninja Foodi Steak Tips using the air crisp or sauté function, with optional pressure cooking for ultra-tender bites. We’ll also include seasoning ideas, cooking techniques, and serving suggestions to help you get the most out of your Ninja Foodi and your steak tips.

Let’s dive into the art of making steak tips that are so delicious, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

🔥 The Recipe: Juicy Ninja Foodi Steak Tips

🍽️ Yield:

  • Serves: 4

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Marinating time (optional): 1 to 24 hours

  • Cook time: 10–20 minutes (depending on method)

🛒 Ingredients

For the Steak Tips

  • 1.5–2 pounds of steak tips (sirloin, flap meat, or tenderloin)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

  • 2 tablespoons butter (for finishing)

  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Marinade (Optional but Recommended)

  • ¼ cup soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for sweetness)

Optional Add-ins

  • Sliced mushrooms

  • Sliced onions

  • Bell peppers

  • Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme

🔪 Step 1: Prep the Steak Tips

  1. Trim and Cut (if needed):
    If your steak tips are not already pre-cut, start by slicing your steak into uniform chunks—about 1½ inches in size. This ensures even cooking.

  2. Marinate (Highly Recommended):
    Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl or zip-lock bag. Add steak tips and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
    Pro tip: Let the meat sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even doneness.

🍳 Step 2: Sear or Sauté in the Ninja Foodi

Using the SAUTÉ/SEAR function gives the steak tips a flavorful crust before finishing with the air crisp or pressure function. Here’s how:

  1. Preheat the Ninja Foodi using the sauté setting on high for about 5 minutes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

  2. Add the steak tips (do this in batches if needed to avoid crowding).

  3. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. You don’t need to fully cook them at this point—just get that color and flavor.

  4. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. Remove the steak tips and set them aside. If you’re using pressure cooking or air crisp, continue with the next step.

🧈 Step 3A: Finish with Air Crisp (Best for Crusty Exterior)

  1. Transfer the steak tips to the air fryer basket inside the Foodi.

  2. Air Crisp Settings:

    • Temperature: 400°F (200°C)

    • Time: 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through

    • Check internal temp: Aim for 130°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium.

  3. Once done, add a pat of butter and cover for 5 minutes to rest. The butter will melt over the steak, infusing richness and moisture.

🔄 Step 3B: Pressure Cook for Extra Tenderness (Optional)

  1. After searing, add ½ cup beef broth to the pot.

  2. Place steak tips back in and pressure cook on HIGH for 4 minutes.

  3. Allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release.

  4. Optional: After pressure cooking, use the air crisp or sauté function to brown the outside for texture.

🥗 Step 4: Garnish and Serve

  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, cracked pepper, or grated Parmesan.

  • Serve over:

    • Mashed potatoes

    • Garlic rice

    • Egg noodles

    • Steamed vegetables

    • Inside wraps or tacos

🧂 Flavor Variations & Marinade Twists

Steak tips are extremely flexible and can take on many flavor profiles. Here are some ideas:

🍯 Honey Garlic Steak Tips

  • Mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a splash of sesame oil.

  • Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

🌶️ Cajun Steak Tips

  • Rub steak tips with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and a dash of cayenne.

  • Serve with spicy aioli or hot sauce.

🥩 Balsamic & Herb

  • Marinate with balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.

  • Serve over a bed of arugula and cherry tomatoes.

🧄 Garlic Butter Steak Tips

  • Finish the cooked steak tips with a compound butter made from garlic, herbs, and a touch of lemon zest.

⏱️ Ninja Foodi Cooking Tips & Tricks

🔥 Avoid Overcrowding

Air needs to circulate for the air crisp function to work. Cook in batches if needed.

🌡️ Use a Meat Thermometer

For perfect doneness:

  • Rare: 125°F

  • Medium Rare: 130–135°F

  • Medium: 140–145°F

  • Medium Well: 150°F

  • Well Done: 160°F+

🧽 Clean Between Functions

If using both pressure cook and air crisp modes, rinse out the pot between steps to avoid burning leftover marinade or bits.

🥄 Deglaze After Searing

Before pressure cooking, always deglaze with broth or wine to prevent the burn notice.

🍷 Suggested Pairings

Sides:

  • Roasted garlic mashed potatoes

  • Air fryer asparagus or green beans

  • Macaroni and cheese

  • Creamed spinach

  • Buttery corn on the cob

Sauces:

  • Chimichurri

  • Peppercorn cream sauce

  • Horseradish aioli

  • Steakhouse mushroom sauce

Wine Pairings:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Malbec

  • Syrah

  • Zinfandel

🧊 Storage & Reheating

🥡 Leftovers:

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes.

🔁 Reheating Tips:

  • To retain juiciness, add a small pat of butter on top when reheating.

  • Avoid microwaving—this dries out the steak tips quickly.

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions

❓Can I use frozen steak tips in the Ninja Foodi?

Yes, but they must be thawed before marinating or searing. If cooking from frozen, pressure cooking is more reliable than air crisping.

❓What’s the best cut for steak tips?

Sirloin is most commonly used due to its balance of tenderness and affordability, but flap meat or tenderloin also work wonderfully.

❓Can I skip the marinade?

Yes, but a marinade significantly boosts flavor and tenderness. At minimum, season well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil.

❓Can I use the grill function?

Absolutely! The grill setting on some Ninja Foodi models adds smoky flavor and attractive grill marks.

✅ Conclusion: Why Ninja Foodi Steak Tips Are a Must-Try

Ninja Foodi steak tips are not just another recipe—they’re a delicious representation of how this all-in-one appliance transforms everyday cooking. With the right marinade, a perfect sear, and smart use of pressure and air crisp functions, these steak tips come out juicy, flavorful, and restaurant-quality every time.

Whether you’re preparing a casual family dinner or an elevated date-night meal, steak tips offer the flexibility and crowd-pleasing appeal to suit any occasion. The beauty of the Ninja Foodi lies in its versatility—and steak tips are the perfect canvas to showcase just what this machine can do.

So next time you’re craving steakhouse flavor without leaving your home, reach for your Ninja Foodi and whip up these easy and delicious steak tips. You’ll be amazed at how effortless—and mouthwatering—home-cooked steak can be.

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