Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
Juicy, tender, and flavor-packed, this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe is your shortcut to steakhouse-quality bites in 20 minutes flat! With crispy edges, a crave-worthy seasoning blend, and minimal cleanup, these steak bites are perfect for anything from weeknight dinners to party appetizers. Whether you use sirloin or ribeye, the air fryer ensures every morsel is perfectly cooked and positively addictive. Grab your favorite sauce and let’s get sizzling!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe is its simplicity—every ingredient does serious heavy lifting when it comes to taste, texture, and appearance. With just a handful of kitchen basics and fresh steak, you’re well on your way to something truly irresistible!
- 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak (cut into 1-inch cubes): Sirloin yields lean, beefy bites while ribeye offers melt-in-your-mouth marbling—pick your favorite or try both!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and promotes that gorgeous golden crust you crave.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds aromatic richness and savory depth you’ll notice in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Balances out the garlic and infuses a subtle, foundational sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a gentle, smoky warmth and appetizing color.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for highlighting all those big beefy flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A touch of spice that rounds out the seasoning blend perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish): Offers a fresh, vibrant pop of color and brightness at the end.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional for tossing after cooking): Creates an extra-rich finish, just like at your favorite steakhouse.
How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
To start, let your air fryer heat up to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. This quick preheat ensures your steak bites get that signature, seared edge as soon as they hit the basket—no soggy steak allowed!
Step 2: Season the Steak Bites
In a large bowl, add your steak cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good toss until the cubes are evenly coated and glistening. Every piece should be covered in that gorgeous, flavorful blend for maximum impact.
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
Spread the seasoned steak bites in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Don’t crowd them—giving each bite a bit of breathing room ensures they crisp up around the edges instead of steaming.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through so every piece cooks evenly. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of at least 130°F—if you like your steak a bit more done, just tack on another minute or two.
Step 5: Toss with Butter and Finish
This step is optional but highly recommended! Once your steak bites are cooked, transfer them to a bowl and toss with melted butter. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that final steakhouse flourish.
How to Serve Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is a classic, but don’t stop there—try a dusting of flaky sea salt, a squeeze of lemon, or crumbled blue cheese for a punch of flavor and color. A finishing drizzle of garlic butter is pure magic too!
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, creamy mashed cauliflower, crisp salads, or even simple steamed veggies. For a low-carb feast, toss them over greens with your favorite vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Skewer the steak bites with toothpicks and serve on a platter for an appetizer everyone will remember. Try tucking them into lettuce wraps, layering over garlic bread, or using them to top a grain bowl for an easy but elevated meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover steak bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before packing them up so they stay juicy and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe on hand for longer, you can freeze the cooked bites in a resealable freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-cooked sizzle, reheat your steak bites in the air fryer at 375°F for about 3 to 4 minutes. They’ll come out hot and just as crisp around the edges as the day you made them!
FAQs
What cuts of steak are best for this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe?
Both sirloin and ribeye work wonders—sirloin is lean and budget-friendly, while ribeye brings a little extra tenderness and flavor thanks to its marbling. Feel free to experiment with other cuts like NY strip!
Can I make this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe without olive oil?
If you need to avoid olive oil, swap in another high-heat cooking oil like avocado or canola. The oil helps with browning and ensures those seasonings stick, but you only need a little to get big results.
Is this recipe suitable for keto or gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! This Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe is both low-carb and gluten-free as written, making it perfect for a variety of dietary needs. Just double-check your seasonings to ensure they’re free from additives.
How do I make sure the steak bites don’t come out tough?
Be sure not to overcook them—8 to 10 minutes is usually perfect for medium-rare to medium, especially in an air fryer. Also, ribeye tends to be a bit more forgiving if you’re worried about tenderness.
Can I marinate the steak beforehand?
Definitely! Marinating the steak cubes in olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and a little garlic for 30 minutes before air frying adds even deeper flavor and extra juiciness. Just pat them dry a little so they still crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Final Thoughts
If you love big steakhouse flavors with none of the fuss, you’ll fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe. It’s fast, foolproof, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for busy weeknights or impressive bites at your next get-together. Don’t wait, give it a try and watch these steak bites disappear!
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Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Steak Bites are a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful bites of steak with a crispy exterior. Perfect as a main course or appetizer, these steak bites are seasoned with garlic, onion, and smoked paprika for a burst of flavor. Cooking in the air fryer ensures a juicy interior and a perfectly seared crust.
Ingredients
Steak Bites:
- 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Season Steak: In a large bowl, toss the steak cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook Steak Bites: Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Optional: Toss cooked steak bites with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak in olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic for 30 minutes before air frying.
- Serve with roasted potatoes, dipping sauces, or over a salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ pound
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
