Air Fryer Beef Tips & Noodles (Crockpot Style)

Introduction:

Beef tips and noodles is a classic comfort food — slow-cooked tenderness, deep flavor, and a hearty finish. Traditionally made in a Crockpot, this version brings all the flavor in less time using the air fryer. We’ll use foil packets and strategic timing to mimic slow cooking and get tender beef with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

For the beef tips:

500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into chunks

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup beef broth

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for added umami)

1 tsp dried thyme

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp salt

1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)

For the noodles:

200g (about 4 cups cooked) egg noodles or any pasta

1 tbsp butter

Salt to taste

Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3–5 minutes.

Prepare the Beef Tips Packet

In a bowl, mix beef chunks with olive oil, onion, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Transfer mixture to a double-layered foil packet and seal well. Add a few holes at the top for steam.

Cook the Beef Tips

Place the foil packet in the air fryer basket.

Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes.

Check at 25 minutes — beef should be fork-tender and juicy.

Thicken the Gravy

Carefully open the foil (watch for steam).

Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it into the broth in the packet.

Return open packet to air fryer and cook for 5 more minutes to thicken the sauce.

Prepare Noodles

While beef cooks, boil noodles in salted water according to package instructions.

Drain and toss with 1 tbsp butter. Set aside.

(Optional: Reheat pre-cooked noodles in a foil pan in the air fryer at 180°C for 3–4 minutes.)

Serve

Plate the buttered noodles and top with beef tips and thick gravy.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Tricks:

No foil? Use a small baking dish that fits your air fryer.

Make it creamy: Stir in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese before serving.

Veggie add-ins: Add mushrooms or frozen peas into the packet for more texture.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving – serves 2–3)

Calories: ~480

Protein: 35g

Carbs: 32g

Fat: 22g

Fiber: 2g