If you’re craving a juicy, tender steak but don’t want to spend all evening cooking, these Air Fryer Steak Bites are exactly what you need. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor—each bite is bursting with that delicious steakhouse taste, and you didn’t have to fire up the grill to make it happen. The air fryer does all the magic, giving you perfectly seared steak in just minutes. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner or as a snack, these steak bites are a total game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Steak Bites
Quick and Easy
This recipe takes minimal time and effort. The air fryer works its magic, cooking the steak bites to perfection in just 10-12 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you want steak but don’t want to wait!
Juicy and Tender
Even though it’s cooked quickly, the steak bites turn out juicy and tender with a beautifully caramelized crust. The seasoning is simple, yet it enhances the natural flavor of the steak without overpowering it.
Versatile
You can serve these steak bites in so many ways—on top of salads, in tacos, or even on their own with a dipping sauce. The possibilities are endless, and they’re sure to impress no matter how you serve them.
No Fuss, No Mess
Forget about splattering oil or turning on the stove. With the air fryer, you get all the flavor and none of the cleanup. Just pop the steak bites in, set the timer, and let the air fryer do all the work.
Healthy
By cooking the steak bites in the air fryer, you’re cutting down on unnecessary oils and fats while still getting that crispy, delicious texture. It’s a healthier way to enjoy steak without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Air Fryer Steak Bites.
Steak (Ribeye, Sirloin, or New York Strip)
The star of the dish! Choose a cut of steak you love—ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip all work wonderfully. The marbling in these cuts will give you that tender, juicy bite we’re aiming for.
Olive Oil
A light coating of olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the steak while also promoting that golden-brown crispiness as it cooks in the air fryer.
Seasonings
Keep it simple with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of onion powder. If you like a bit of extra flavor, throw in some smoked paprika or cayenne for a smoky, spicy kick.
Fresh Herbs (Optional)
A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary adds a fresh, earthy note to your steak bites. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried versions work just as well!
Butter (Optional for Extra Richness)
After cooking, toss the steak bites in a little butter to give them an extra rich, melt-in-your-mouth finish. It’s totally optional, but definitely worth considering if you’re feeling indulgent!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make these perfect steak bites? Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized cubes—about 1-inch pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps them crisp up better when cooking.
Step 2: Season the Steak
Drizzle the steak pieces with olive oil and toss them to coat evenly. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other spices or herbs you like. If you’re using fresh herbs, you can sprinkle those on now too.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the steak bites will cook evenly and quickly.
Step 4: Air Fry the Steak Bites
Arrange the seasoned steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded—this helps them cook evenly and get that delicious crispy exterior. Air fry the steak bites for 8-12 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Step 5: Rest the Steak
Once the steak bites are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps them tender.
Step 6: Optional Butter Finish
If you want an extra touch of richness, toss the steak bites in a little melted butter before serving. This step is optional but adds that melt-in-your-mouth factor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your air fryer steak bites with a dipping sauce, over a salad, or simply on their own. You could also drizzle some garlic butter or chimichurri sauce over them for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 300
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 28g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Air Fryer Steak Bites
These Air Fryer Steak Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways. Here are a few ideas:
Salad
Toss these steak bites over a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Tacos
Stuff the steak bites into soft tortillas, add some avocado, shredded cheese, and salsa for a tasty taco filling. You could even drizzle some creamy chipotle sauce for extra flavor.
Dipping Sauces
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or garlic butter. These steak bites are perfect for dipping!
On Their Own
Sometimes the simplest way is the best—serve the steak bites on their own with a side of roasted veggies or mashed potatoes. Simple, satisfying, and oh-so-tasty.
Additional Tips
Use a Meat Thermometer
If you prefer your steak cooked to a specific temperature, use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Aim for 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, and 145°F for medium.
Rest the Steak
Don’t skip the resting step! It allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak bites are juicy and tender.
Customize the Seasoning
Feel free to get creative with your seasoning. Add a little smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or a pinch of cayenne for some heat. You can even use a steak seasoning blend if you have one on hand.
Add Veggies
You can also toss some veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms in the air fryer along with the steak bites. They’ll cook up beautifully and make for a complete, one-pan meal.
Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes to keep them crispy.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
A1: Yes! Ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip all work well. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces before air frying.
Q2: How do I make the steak bites extra crispy?
A2: Make sure the steak bites are dry before seasoning, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Giving them space will help them crisp up.
Q3: Can I make these steak bites without an air fryer?
A3: Yes! You can also cook them in a skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Just make sure to sear each side for a couple of minutes until they’re cooked to your liking.
Q4: What’s the best dipping sauce for steak bites?
A4: Classic options include ranch, blue cheese, or garlic butter. You could also try chimichurri or a spicy sriracha mayo for a twist.
Q5: Can I add veggies to the air fryer with the steak?
A5: Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the basket. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
Q6: Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?
A6: It’s best to use fresh steak for the best results, but if you’re using frozen steak, make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
Q7: How do I know when the steak bites are cooked to my liking?
A7: The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. For rare, aim for 125°F, for medium-rare, 135°F, and for medium, 145°F.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes, you can! Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to cook the steak bites in batches for the best results.
Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes.
Q10: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A10: Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or even some chopped jalapeños to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Steak Bites are a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy a juicy steak without all the hassle. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a snack, or meal prep, they’re always a hit. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’ll be making these over and over again. Enjoy!
PrintAir Fryer Steak Bites
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
These Air Fryer Steak Bites are tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, making them the ideal quick and easy dinner or appetizer! With minimal prep time and the convenience of the air fryer, you can enjoy steak bites that are crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. Paired with a simple seasoning blend, these bites are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak or your preferred cut, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Steak:
Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they are of uniform size for even cooking. Pat the steak pieces dry with a paper towel to help achieve a crispy exterior. - Season the Steak:
In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the steak cubes in the seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated. - Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. - Cook the Steak Bites:
Place the seasoned steak bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure there’s some space between each piece for optimal air circulation. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. For medium-rare, aim for 6 minutes, or cook longer for your preferred doneness. - Serve:
Once cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove the steak bites from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer a different steak cut, feel free to use ribeye, flank steak, or even filet mignon.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- These steak bites can be served as a main dish with a side salad, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces like garlic butter or ranch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of the recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg