Air Fryer Steak Bites are an economical choice to make a pricier steak feed more people. They are so quick to make and perfectly cooked!
(Originally published 5/3/23 and updated for content 8/22/24)
If you like this recipe, check out my Air Fryer Fajitas and Air Fryer Salmon Bites next!
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Are you a steak snob like me? If I’m going to cook steak I prefer filet mignon. But they are so expensive. I mean they’re way cheaper to purchase and cook at home rather than eat at a restaurant, but still. With these easy air fryer steak bites, you can save money and still enjoy that filet mignon. This recipe works just as well for cooking sirloin steak, New York strip steak and ribeye. Plus your air fryer cooks the cubes of steak to perfection in a fraction of the time it takes to cook one big, thick steak.
Why this recipes works
Cutting a steak into smaller, bite-sized pieces helps it cook quickly. The air fryer cooks the steak evenly on all sides, sealing in the juices for tender bites of steak. These steak bites are so versatile. You can build a variety of meals with them. Or they can just be a quick protein-packed snack or delicious appetizer.
More air fryer recipes
Ingredients for air fryer steak bites recipe
- Steak – When testing this recipe I used filet mignon steak. They make for incredibly juicy steak bites. Other great choices for for steak cubes are top sirloin, ny strip or skirt steak.
- Olive Oil – Massaging the steak pieces with a little olive oil helps to make sure the seasonings adhere to the steak evenly. You could use avocado oil too.
- Seasonings – My favorite way to flavor steak bites is with a combination of Tajin, garlic powder (or sometimes I use this garlic citrus blend from Trader Joe’s), smoked paprika salt and black pepper. You are welcome to use your own favorite combination of seasonings. Parsley, rosemary and thyme are also good choices. I like to sprinkle on some fresh herbs after cooking. But I prefer using dried herbs to season the steak before air frying.
- Variations – Feel free to use Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce as well with or instead of the oil. Or if you like spice, add some red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites – Microwave two tablespoons of butter with two minced garlic cloves for about 45 seconds, or until butter has melted. Pour this over the cooked steak bites. These would be delicious served with air-fried potatoes.
Instructions for air fryer steak bites
- Use a sharp knife to cut steak into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes
- Massage the olive oil into the steak
- Combine the seasonings and stir them with the steak to evenly coat
- Allow the steak to rest while you preheat your air fryer
- Place the steak in a single layer in the air fryer basket
- Cook the steak at 400 degrees F for about 8 – 10 minutes, or until cooked to your desired doneness
- Steak cooked to a medium doneness will have an internal temperature of 140 degrees F. Be sure to use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature before serving.
Pro Tips/FAQ’s
What cut of steak is best for the air fryer?
Filet mignon, Strip steak, sirloin or top sirloin and ribeye steak are all good choices to cook in your air fryer.
Does air frying steak dry it out?
It does not dry out steak. In fact, cooking steak in the air fryer helps to seal in its natural juices. The air fryer sears the steak on the outside, leaving it tender and juicy on the inside.
Do you need to flip food in the air fryer?
I sometimes do, but most often I have found that it is not necessary to flip food. The air fryer forces very hot air on all sides of the food. You are welcome to shake the basket to move the steak around about halfway through cooking time. But you don’t have to.
Storage directions
Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You could also store cooked steak bites in a freezer bag for up to one month in the freezer.
Serving suggestions
My favorite way to serve these air fryer steak bites is as part of a burrito bowl. You can customize these to your own tastes. I like rice, diced tomato, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, taco sauce and cilantro with mine. It’s such a quick and easy dinner to make! Here’s some more recipe ideas…
Kitchen tools
- I use a Philips XXL Air Fryer to test all of my recipes
- Use a heavy, sharp chef’s knife for cutting your steak into bite-sized pieces
- Always use a meat thermometer to check the temperature before serving – this one is my favorite inexpensive and reliable
Air Fryer Steak Bites
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs Steak
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Tajin
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Cut steak into bite sized cubes, about 1-inch square.
- Massage the olive oil into the steak bites.
- Combine all the seasonings and then toss them with the steak bites so the steak is evenly coated.
- Allow the steak to rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat the air fryer for about 3 minutes at 400 degrees F.
- Add the marinated steak bites to the air fryer basket in an even layer.
- Air fry the steak bites for 8 - 10 minutes at 400 degrees F, or until the steak is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Check the steak bites with an instant read digital thermometer. Steak cooked to medium will be about 140 degrees F.
- Garnish the cooked steak bites with some chopped fresh herbs of your choice before serving.
Nutrition
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