There is something absolutely delightful about quick, juicy morsels of tender steak that burst with flavor in every bite, and that’s exactly what this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe delivers. Perfectly crispy on the outside yet wonderfully juicy inside, these steak bites are easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer. Whether you’re looking for a speedy dinner, a tasty appetizer, or a crowd-pleasing snack, this recipe hits all the marks with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, from bringing depth and savoriness to adding the perfect seasoning balance. Let’s take a look at the essentials you’ll need to create these bite-sized delights.
- 1 pound steak (sirloin, New York strip, ribeye, etc., chopped into cubes): Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful bites that cook evenly.
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil: A high smoke point oil that keeps the steak perfectly seared without burning.
- 2 tsp liquid aminos or soy sauce: Adds a subtle umami richness and savory depth to the meat.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings warm, aromatic notes to each tender cube.
- ¼ tsp paprika: Offers a hint of smokiness and rich color to the steak bites.
- ¼ tsp sea salt (to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ tsp black pepper (to taste): Delivers just the right amount of peppery kick.
How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat for about 4 minutes. This ensures a hot environment that will sear your steak bites quickly and lock in all those delicious juices right from the start.
Step 2: Season the Steak Bites
In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed steak with avocado oil, liquid aminos or soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning. This step is where the magic begins—every bite will be bursting with flavor thanks to this simple yet effective marinade.
Step 3: Arrange the Steak Bites in the Air Fryer
Transfer the seasoned steak cubes to the air fryer basket in a single layer so they cook uniformly. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of crisping, so take your time to spread them out nicely.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook the steak bites for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. Don’t forget to pause twice during cooking to give the basket a good shake—this helps all sides develop that incredible crust. I personally love letting them go for around 12 to 15 minutes for wonderfully tender and juicy results that never disappoint.
How to Serve Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few flakes of sea salt add both brightness and a simple elegance to your steak bites. A drizzle of lemon juice or a dollop of garlic aioli can also elevate each bite with a pop of fresh zest or creamy richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe with crispy roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced and satisfying meal. Even a side of warm crusty bread works beautifully to soak up any delicious juices left behind.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, thread the steak bites onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and bell peppers for colorful, handheld kebabs. You can also top a hearty grain bowl or toss into a warm pasta dish to add a protein-packed punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover steak bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Proper storage keeps them flavorful and tender, ready for a quick snack or meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these steak bites later, freezing is an option! Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for about 1 to 2 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
To maintain their delightful crust and juicy interior, reheat the steak bites in your air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes. This method prevents sogginess and gets them tasting almost as good as fresh.
FAQs
What cut of steak is best for this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe?
Sirloin, New York strip, and ribeye are all excellent choices because they provide good marbling and tenderness, which are perfect for quick air frying and juicy steak bites.
Can I use a marinade instead of seasoning powder?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses simple dry seasonings and liquid aminos, you can marinate the steak bites for 30 minutes to a few hours in your favorite marinade for extra flavor depth.
How do I know when the steak bites are done?
Cooking times will vary based on the size of the cubes and your preference, but generally, 12 to 15 minutes yields medium-rare to medium steak bites. Use a meat thermometer or cut a piece to check if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your liquid aminos or soy sauce are gluten-free varieties, and this recipe will be safe and delicious for gluten-sensitive diets.
Is it necessary to shake the air fryer basket during cooking?
Shaking the basket helps the steak bites cook evenly and develop a nice crust on all sides. It’s a small step that significantly improves texture and flavor, so definitely recommend doing it.
Final Thoughts
Cooking up this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe is like unlocking a new level of easy, flavorful cooking that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles. The juicy, tender bites seasoned to perfection will quickly become a favorite, whether for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for these steak bites over and over again.
PrintAir Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
This Air Fryer Steak Bites recipe delivers perfectly tender and juicy steak cubes seasoned with garlic, paprika, and soy sauce, cooked quickly in the air fryer for a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer or main dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 17-20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 pound steak (sirloin, New York strip, ribeye, chopped into cubes)
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tsp liquid aminos or soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp sea salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 4 minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking steak bites evenly.
- Season Steak Bites: In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed steak with avocado oil, liquid aminos (or soy sauce), garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all pieces are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.
- Arrange Steak in Air Fryer: Transfer the seasoned steak cubes to the air fryer basket in a single layer to promote even cooking and browning.
- Cook the Steak Bites: Air fry the steak bites for 10 to 20 minutes depending on your preferred doneness. Shake the air fryer basket twice during cooking to ensure all sides cook evenly. For perfectly tender and juicy results, cook for about 12 to 15 minutes.
Notes
- Choose a tender cut like sirloin, New York strip, or ribeye for best results.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste preferences, especially salt and pepper.
- Shaking the air fryer basket during cooking helps the steak bites brown evenly and prevents sticking.
- Cooking time can vary based on air fryer model and steak bite size.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
