Emilie Meyer
Air fryer steak bites are a quick and easy way to enjoy juicy steak with a caramelized outside and a tender inside. The bites are simply little pieces of steak, seasoned and air-fried to your desired level of doneness. You can use your favourite cut of steak, but remember that some cuts are tougher than others and may need to be cooked for longer. To make the bites, you'll need to preheat your air fryer, season and cook the steak, and then let it rest before serving.
How to cook steak bites in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Sirloin, ribeye, tri-tip, New York strip, chuck shoulder, round steak, flank steak, skirt steak, filet mignon, cube steak |
| Steak seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, parsley, red pepper, brown sugar, chilli powder, cajun, Italian seasoning, Montreal steak seasoning, BBQ seasoning, Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute, Outback seasoning |
| Steak size | Bite-sized, 1.5-inch cubes, evenly cut |
| Steak temperature | 400°F/205°C |
| Steak cooking time | 4-12 minutes, depending on the desired doneness |
| Steak cooking method | Preheat the air fryer, add steak to the basket, cook, shake the basket, cook again, let the steak rest |
| Steak sides | Broccoli, lemon juice, parmesan, potatoes, French fries, pineapple, cherry tomatoes, garlic bread, asparagus, green beans |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of steak
When it comes to choosing the right cut of steak for your air fryer steak bites, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is essential to select a tender, boneless cut of steak. Sirloin, ribeye, strip steak, and beef tenderloin/fillet are all excellent options that will result in juicy and tender steak bites. Sirloin steak, in particular, is a good choice as it is relatively affordable, easy to find, and cooks quickly. If you're looking for something extra special, go for the beef tenderloin or fillet, which will give you exceptionally tender steak bites.
Another factor to consider is the amount of fat and marbling in the steak. Cuts like ribeye, sirloin, tri-tip, and chuck shoulder (also known as London Broil) have a good amount of fat and marbling, resulting in flavourful and juicy steak bites. However, these cuts tend to be more expensive. If you're on a tighter budget, consider a leaner cut like top sirloin or round steak. Flank steak is also an option, but it has a higher fat content, so choose according to your preference.
The size of the steak bites is another important consideration. Smaller bites will cook more quickly and result in a more well-done steak bite. Larger bites will stay more tender and have a medium-rare to medium doneness. Cut your steak into even-sized cubes to ensure consistent cooking. Also, keep in mind that the size of the steak bites will affect the cooking time, with smaller pieces cooking faster.
Lastly, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right cut of steak. Consider your favourite type of steak that you're used to eating. This way, you'll already be familiar with its flavour, texture, and toughness. If you're open to experimenting, you can try different cuts and find the one that suits your taste and cooking method best.
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Preparing the steak bites
Once you've chosen your steak, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Try to cut the pieces as evenly as possible so that they cook at the same rate. If you want your steak bites to be crispy, cut them into smaller pieces; if you prefer them medium-rare, cut them larger.
Next, prepare your seasoning. A simple combination of salt and pepper will do, but you can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or BBQ seasoning. Combine your steak cubes and seasoning in a bowl, and add oil to the mixture. Avocado oil is a good option, as it has a high smoke point and will help the steak bites stay crispy. You can also add other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for extra flavour.
After your steak bites are seasoned and oiled, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Preheating is important because it ensures that your steak bites cook evenly and get crispy. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.
Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the steak bites. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. This will ensure even cooking. Air fry the steak bites for 4 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice during cooking to promote even browning. If you prefer your steak more on the medium-rare side, you may want to cook for less time.
Finally, let the steak bites rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring that your steak bites are juicy and tender.
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Cooking the steak bites
To cook steak bites in an air fryer, start by preparing your steak of choice. Common cuts used for this recipe include ribeye, sirloin, tri-tip, and chuck shoulder steaks (also known as London Broil steaks). However, you can use any cut of steak you prefer, including cheaper cuts, as long as you marinate it ahead of time.
Next, cut the steak into bite-sized or 1½-inch cubes, ensuring that each piece is as evenly sized as possible for consistent cooking. If you want your steak bites to be medium-rare, cut the pieces larger so that they don't cook through as quickly.
Now, it's time to season your steak bites. You can simply use salt and pepper, or try a specific steak seasoning blend, such as Montreal Steak Seasoning or Cajun seasoning. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, paprika, red pepper, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Combine the steak cubes with your chosen seasonings and oil in a bowl, tossing them together to ensure the seasonings and oil are well-coated. You can also add other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or liquid aminos for additional flavor.
Once your steak bites are seasoned, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 4 to 6 minutes to ensure the basket is hot. This step is crucial, as it helps to create a mild sear on the steak and prevents overcooking.
After preheating, carefully place the steak bites into the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cooking in batches may be necessary depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry the steak bites for about 4 to 7 minutes for the first interval, shaking the basket once or twice during this time to ensure even cooking.
For medium-rare steak bites, cook for a total of 6 to 8 minutes, while for medium, cook for about 7 to 12 minutes. If you prefer your steak bites well-done, you may need to cook them for a couple of minutes longer. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and don't forget that the steak bites will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer.
Once they've reached your desired level of doneness, remove the steak bites from the air fryer and let them rest for at least 3 minutes before serving. This resting period is essential, as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak bites are juicy and tender.
Finally, serve your steak bites immediately with your choice of sides and enjoy!
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Making a butter sauce
While the steak bites are cooking in the air fryer, you can make a delicious butter sauce to toss them in. Here's how to make it:
Firstly, melt some butter in a large skillet over medium heat. It is important to use real butter for the best flavour and avoid margarine. The amount of butter you use can vary depending on your preference, but generally, a few tablespoons should be enough. Once melted, add some freshly minced garlic cloves to the skillet. It is best to avoid using jarred garlic here as fresh garlic will provide a much better flavour. Cook the garlic in the butter until it becomes fragrant, which should take around 30 seconds.
Next, you can add some spices and herbs to the butter mixture. Some options include red pepper flakes, parsley, and paprika. You can also add some salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined. If you like your sauce with a kick, you can add some hot sauce or chilli flakes. Alternatively, you can keep it simple with just butter and garlic.
Once your steak bites are cooked to your desired doneness, add them directly to the skillet with the butter sauce. Toss them together for about a minute to ensure each bite is well coated. Serve the steak bites immediately, as they will continue to cook slightly in the butter sauce. Enjoy!
This garlic butter sauce is a perfect way to add extra flavour to your steak bites and can be customised to your taste preferences. You can also adjust the amount of butter and garlic to your liking.
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Serving suggestions
Steak bites are a great appetizer or snack, but they can also be served as a main dish with sides. They go well with a variety of side dishes, including vegetables, potatoes, and salad. Here are some specific serving suggestions:
Side Dishes
Steak bites can be served with a variety of roasted or air-fried vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or mushrooms. They can also be served with potatoes, such as smashed potatoes, hasselback potatoes, or Cajun fries. For a lighter option, a simple salad or caesar salad can be a good choice.
Dipping Sauces
For an interactive and fun dining experience, especially for kids, serve the steak bites with toothpicks and a dipping sauce such as creamy horseradish sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Other Proteins
If you want to make the steak bites part of a larger meal, they can be served as a side dish alongside another protein, such as chicken or fish. For example, you could prepare air fryer chicken nuggets or Greek chicken and potatoes, or even a simple stir-fry.
Seasonings and Sauces
To enhance the flavor of your steak bites, consider serving them with a variety of seasonings and sauces. You can sprinkle Parmesan or blue cheese crumbles over the steak bites, or serve them with a garlic butter sauce or a simple butter sauce with parsley. Other sauce options include Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, or soy sauce. For extra flavor, you can marinate the steak bites before cooking or experiment with different seasonings such as Cajun, Italian, or Montreal steak seasoning.
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Frequently asked questions
Cut your steak into bite-sized pieces, season and coat with oil, then place in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 400ºF and cook for 4-6 minutes.
For crispy steak bites, air fry at 400ºF for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice.
To prevent overcooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and shake the basket at least once during cooking to promote even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak bites.
