Juicy Air Fryer Steak Bites
These Juicy Air Fryer Steak Bites are the easiest way to get perfectly cooked steak on the table in about 20 minutes! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe delivers juicy, well-seasoned steak bites that taste just as good as a full steak, without the extra work!
Steak in Convenient Bite-Sized Form
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 made them for fiancé and he absolutely loved them! (Shoutout to my taste tester, Carlos!)
Air fryer steak bites really are my secret weapon when I want a high-protein dinner without putting in a ton of effort. Cutting the steak into cubes means more surface area for seasoning, faster cooking, and evenly juicy results, especially in the air fryer.
These air fryer steak bites are incredibly versatile, too. I’ll serve them with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies on busy nights, toss them into steak taco bowls, or use them in my hibachi steak bowls when I want something fun but still easy. It’s one of those recipes that fits into just about any meal plan!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
- Quick and easy. From start to finish, these steak bites are done in about 20 minutes, making them perfect for weeknights.
- Minimal ingredients. You only need steak, olive oil, and a simple blend of spices you probably already have on hand.
- Juicy and tender. The air fryer locks in moisture while giving the steak bites a beautifully browned exterior.
- So versatile! Serve them as a main dish, add them to bowls, salads, or tacos, or prep them for easy protein all week long.
Air Fryer Steak Bites Ingredients
- 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!
What’s the best steak for air fryer steak bites?
Sirloin is my top choice because it’s tender, flavorful, and cooks evenly in the air fryer. Ribeye, New York strip, or tenderloin also work well if you want something richer, but sirloin gives the best balance of flavor and value.
What other seasonings can I use?
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!
You can easily customize these steak bites with steak seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or any good BBQ seasoning blend would all go well here. Just be careful when adding salt if your spice blend already has salt!
Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Steak: Swap sirloin for ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin. I have used skirt steak for these before, and it was really good!
- Finish: Add a tablespoon of butter or garlic butter after cooking for extra richness! You can also finish with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs
- Spices: Use your favorite store-bought steak seasoning instead of the spice blend if you prefer!
How to Make Steak Bites in Air Fryer
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)
Lauren’s Top Tips for the Best Steak Bites in the Air Fryer
- 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 these air fryer steak bites makes a huge difference in keeping all those tasty juices inside.
Serving Your Air Fryer Steak Bites
These steak bites are delicious served with mashed potatoes, white rice, or roasted vegetables. They’re also perfect for building bowls! Here are my two favorites:
- 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!
How to Store Leftover Steak Bites
Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or a skillet to avoid overcooking.
Air Fryer Steak Bites FAQs
Yes, you can cook them in a hot skillet on the stovetop, turning frequently until browned and cooked through!
Absolutely. Ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin all work well, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Most steak bites cook in 6–7 minutes at 400°F, depending on size and desired doneness. You can also refer to my steak doneness chart in the recipe section below!
You don’t need to, but a short marinade can add extra flavor if you have time! I typically want these done as quickly as possible and don’t marinate them for a long time.
Use a tender cut of steak, avoid overcooking, and let the steak rest before serving for the juiciest results! It’s as simple as that!
More Favorites to Try
- How to Make Quinoa – fluffy, foolproof quinoa that actually tastes good every single time.
- Buffalo Chicken Bowls – spicy, saucy, and loaded with bold flavor in every bite.
- Tahini Recipe – creamy, nutty, and endlessly useful for drizzling on everything.
- Air Fried Salmon Bites – crispy on the outside, tender inside, and ready in minutes.
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
- 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 these air fryer steak bites makes a huge difference in keeping all those tasty juices inside.
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)
