Juicy 20-Minute Air Fryer Steak Bites
I don’t know about you, but sometimes a whole steak feels a little intimidating. Do I sear it in a pan? Fire up the grill? Will it cook evenly? Enter my favorite shortcut: Air Fryer Steak Bites. By cutting the steak into cubes, it cooks in just minutes and comes out juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Just toss, air fry, and eat!
The first time I tried steak bites in the air fryer, I knew I’d never go back. Steak dinners always used to feel like a “special occasion” thing, but these little bites are weeknight-friendly, ready in less than 10 minutes, and honestly just fun to eat!
I love that the air fryer gets the outside browned and a little crispy while keeping the center tender and juicy. And because you’re cooking bite-sized pieces instead of a whole steak, you get more flavor with every bite! This is why I also cook salmon this way, as air fryer salmon bites!
You can enjoy them as-is for a protein-packed dinner, or dress them up with sides and sauces for something more special. Personally, I love throwing them on top of rice bowls with a drizzle of sauce (like my cilantro lime taco sauce, or even some yum yum sauce)!
Ingredients You Need
- Sirloin Steak: Sirloin is lean, flavorful, and budget-friendly, but you can swap in ribeye or New York strip if you want something richer.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and gives a little extra richness. Avocado oil works too.
- Spices: I used some simple spices here so that the steak bites can go with anything you want to pair them with. I used salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano and thyme! You can use whatever you usually put on your steak, though!
Variation Tip! If you are looking for an air fryer garlic butter steak bites recipe, you can melt 1/4 cup of butter and mix in 3-4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp of parsley, and salt to taste. Mix the steak bites in this mixture before cooking!
How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites
For the full ingredients list and instructions, click here.- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano and thyme. Toss until the meat is evenly coated.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, then arrange the steak cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).
- Air fry at 400°F for 6–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the steak bites are browned on the outside and cooked to medium to medium-well inside.
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Steak Doneness Guide
Cooking juicy steak bites is all about knowing how you like your steak done. Since the air fryer cooks these bites of steak quickly, you’ll have to keep a close eye on the time to get to your desired doneness! Here’s a quick guide:
- Rare: 4–5 minutes (cool red center)
- Medium-Rare: 5–6 minutes (warm red center)
- Medium: 6–7 minutes (pink center)
- Medium-Well: 7–8 minutes (slightly pink center)
- Well-Done: 8–9 minutes (little to no pink)
Tips for Success
- Preheat the air fryer: This is non-negotiable! The hot basket helps sear the outside right away for maximum juiciness. The steak should sizzle when it touches the air fryer basket!
- Don’t overcrowd: Too many steak cubes in the basket = steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if needed for best results.
- Watch the cook time: Steak cooks fast in the air fryer. Pull it out a little early if you like it more on the rare side.
- Rest the steak: Just a few minutes of resting makes a huge difference in keeping all those tasty juices inside.
Serving Suggestions
- Steak Taco Bowls: Pile the steak bites on top of rice or quinoa, add some guac, and drizzle with your favorite taco sauce.
- Hibachi Steak Bowls: Pair the steak bites with hibachi-style fried rice, grilled veggies, and a big spoonful of yum yum sauce!
Air Fried Steak Bites FAQs
Yes! You can use your favorite cut of setak fo this steak bites recipe. Ribeye or New York strip will be extra juicy, while flank or sirloin tips are leaner but still work well.
Nope! The seasoning mix does the job, but if you want to marinate, a quick soy sauce and garlic mix will add extra punch.
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook them in the oven on the broil setting. Spread the steak bites on a sheet pan and broil on high for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
I personally think that air fryer steak bites are best fresh, since reheating them will cause them to be overcooked. But if you do have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat quickly in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes, but know that they will be more cooked than before!
Easy Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano and thyme. Toss until the meat is evenly coated.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, then arrange the steak cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).
- Air fry at 400°F for 6–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the steak bites are browned on the outside and cooked to medium to medium-well inside.
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Air Fryer Steak Doneness Guide:
- Rare: 4–5 minutes (cool red center)
- Medium-Rare: 5–6 minutes (warm red center)
- Medium: 6–7 minutes (pink center)
- Medium-Well: 7–8 minutes (slightly pink center)
- Well-Done: 8–9 minutes (little to no pink)
