Cody Casey
Cooking steak bites in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. The cooking time will depend on the doneness you prefer—for a rare steak, 4 to 6 minutes should be enough, while for a medium-rare steak, you're looking at around 6 to 8 minutes. If you like your steak well done, you might need to leave it in the air fryer for up to 8 minutes or even 10 to 12 minutes. It's worth noting that steak bites will continue to cook a little after you take them out of the air fryer, so it's a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature.
How long to cook steak bites in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 400°F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Steak bite size | 1-inch cubes |
| Steak type | Sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, fillet, top sirloin, flank, tri-tip, flat iron |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil spray |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, brown sugar, red pepper, parsley |
| Air fryer temperature | 400°F |
| Air fryer cooking time | 4-12 minutes |
| Post-cooking rest time | 3 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your steak bites develop a nice sear on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
Firstly, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Most recipes recommend preheating for about 5 minutes. This is a crucial step as it ensures your steak bites cook evenly, with a nice crust on the outside. Not preheating your air fryer could result in your steak bites turning out rubbery, so it's definitely worth taking the time to do this step.
While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your steak bites. Cut your steak into bite-sized pieces, aiming for uniformity in size so that they cook at the same rate. You don't want the pieces to be too small, as this can lead to overcooking. A good rule of thumb is to cut the steak into 1-inch cubes, but some recipes suggest going slightly larger, with 1.5-inch cubes.
Once your steak is cut into the desired size, toss the pieces in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice. You can also add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or brown sugar for extra flavor. Make sure the steak pieces are thoroughly coated in the oil and seasonings.
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Cut steak into bite-sized pieces
To make steak bites in an air fryer, you'll want to cut your steak into bite-sized pieces. It's important to cut the steak into uniform, evenly sized pieces so that they cook at the same rate. The recommended size is 1-inch cubes, with a minimum size of 0.5 inches. Anything smaller than 0.5 inches may lead to overcooking.
Before cooking, you should season the steak. You can season the steak up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. The longer it sits in the seasoning, the more flavourful it will be. For seasoning, you can use olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. You can also add paprika, brown sugar, and red pepper. Toss the steak pieces in a bowl with the seasoning and oil to ensure they are evenly coated.
Once your steak pieces are seasoned and coated, you can cook them in the air fryer. First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. Then, place the steak bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Depending on your desired level of doneness, cook the steak bites for 4 to 8 minutes. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 6 minutes, and for a well-done steak, cook for 8 to 10 minutes.
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Seasoning and coating the steak
Choosing the Steak
The first step is to select the right cut of steak. Top sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, or fillet are all great options. If you want a leaner option, go for the top sirloin, or choose ribeye or New York strip if you prefer a fattier bite.
Cutting the Steak
Before you season the steak, cut it into bite-sized pieces or cubes. It is recommended to cut them into uniform sizes, ideally about 1-inch cubes, to ensure even cooking. Cutting them into similar sizes will ensure that the steak bites cook at the same rate and prevent overcooking.
Oil and Seasoning
Once you have your steak cubes, it's time to coat them with oil and season generously. You can use olive oil or any oil spray you have on hand. Avocado oil spray is a popular choice. Add the oil to a bowl and toss the steak cubes in it to ensure they are evenly coated.
For seasoning, you have a variety of options. A simple combination of salt and pepper is a classic choice, but you can also use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, or a combination of brown sugar and spices. You can also explore different seasoning blends like Montreal Steak Seasoning, Cajun, or BBQ seasoning to add a unique twist to your steak bites. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices to find your favorite blend.
Marinating (Optional)
While this step is optional, marinating the steak bites can take your dish to the next level. You can let the steak bites rest in the refrigerator after coating and seasoning for about 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop further. If you're a planner, you can even season the steak up to two days in advance, ensuring a rich and flavorful result.
Final Preparation
After the steak bites have been coated, seasoned, and marinated (if desired), it's time to give them one final toss. Combine the steak pieces with melted butter, garlic, and any additional seasonings of your choice. This step will ensure that your steak bites are juicy and packed with flavor.
Now that your steak bites are seasoned and coated, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer, spread the steak bites in a single layer, and cook according to your desired doneness.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for steak bites in an air fryer depend on your desired level of doneness. It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. For a medium-rare steak, air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes, 8 minutes for medium, and 10 minutes for well-done. If you like your steak with a pink inside, 4 minutes should be enough. For a more well-done steak, you will likely need 8 minutes or more.
One source suggests cooking steak bites in an air fryer for 7-12 minutes, depending on the preferred doneness. Another source recommends cooking steak bites for 4 to 8 minutes, checking for doneness, and cooking for additional time if desired. It is important to note that the steak bites will continue to cook a bit longer once you take them out of the air fryer, so you may need to pull them out a little earlier than you would otherwise.
The cooking time can also vary based on the size of the steak bites and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cut the steak into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Smaller pieces may lead to overcooking. Additionally, it is important to arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, leaving some space between each piece, to ensure even cooking.
A meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the steak bites and determine their doneness. For a medium doneness temperature, the internal temperature should be between 140°F and 150°F.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer steak bites are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- As an appetizer: Serve the steak bites as an appetizer or starter. They can be served on toothpicks, making them easy to eat. You can also pair them with a dipping sauce, such as creamy horseradish sauce.
- With sides: Air fryer steak bites go well with a variety of sides. Some options include steamed vegetables, potatoes, or noodles. For potatoes, you can try roasted crispy potatoes, potato wedges, blue cheese bacon potato salad, or dill potato salad, or smashed potatoes. If you're looking for a lighter option, a simple salad or steamed broccoli with lemon juice and Parmesan cheese can also complement the steak bites well.
- In a salad: Toss the steak bites into a salad for a hearty and flavorful main course. You can also add other ingredients to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes and pineapple pieces.
- With a starch: For a more filling meal, serve the steak bites with a starch such as rice, quinoa, or bread. Garlic bread or a simple roll can help soak up the juices from the steak bites.
- As a main dish: Air fryer steak bites can also be the star of the show and served as the main dish. Serve them with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables and potatoes, to create a well-rounded meal.
- With a sauce: Take your steak bites to the next level by serving them with a delicious sauce. You can make a simple butter sauce by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat and adding garlic and parsley. Toss the steak bites in the sauce to coat them before serving.
- With a side of fruit: For a touch of sweetness to balance out the savoury steak bites, consider serving them with fresh fruit. This could include sliced apples, pears, or stone fruits.
- With a drink: Pair your steak bites with a refreshing beverage, such as a crisp white wine or an ice-cold beer.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook your steak bites in the air fryer for 4-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak bites. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F, and for a medium steak, aim for 140°F-150°F.
Cut your steak into 1-inch cubes, then toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika or garlic powder. You can also add Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Let the steak sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop before cooking.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes before adding your steak bites.
