Air Fryer Steak Bites: How Long Until They're Done?

Air fryer steak bites are a quick and easy meal to make for the family. They are high in protein, low in carbs, and can be made in under 20 minutes. The bites can be seasoned with garlic butter, Cajun seasoning, or soy sauce, and cooked for 4-12 minutes, depending on how well you like your steak cooked.

How to season steak bites

To make delicious steak bites in an air fryer, you'll want to start with a good seasoning. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

• Steak of your choice (top sirloin, ribeye, NY strip, or round steak are popular options)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt and pepper (kosher salt if available)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Brown sugar

Optional Ingredients

• Red pepper flakes
• Parsley flakes
• Worcestershire sauce
• Soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Butter

Step-by-Step Guide

• Cut your chosen steak into bite-sized pieces, around 1-inch cubes. Try to keep the sizes as uniform as possible so that the steak bites cook evenly.
• In a bowl, toss the steak pieces with oil. The oil will help the seasoning stick to the meat and enhance the flavour.
• Mix your chosen seasonings together and coat the steak pieces generously and evenly. You can also add brown sugar to the mix for a touch of sweetness.
• If you have time, let the steak bites sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavours to develop. Alternatively, you can prepare the steak bites ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. A preheated air fryer will help you achieve a better sear on the steak bites.
• Place the steak bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, and cook in batches if needed.
• Air fry the steak bites for 4-6 minutes at 400°F for a medium-rare to medium doneness. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.
• For an extra flavour boost, melt some butter and mix it with garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and parsley flakes. Toss the cooked steak bites in this garlic butter sauce before serving.

Your delicious steak bites are now ready to be served! Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.

How to cook steak bites in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Sirloin steak
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Butter
• Parsley flakes
• Red pepper

Optional ingredients

• Brown sugar
• Cajun seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Minced garlic
• Soy sauce
• Blue cheese crumbles
• Thyme
• Chilli flakes
• Chimichurri sauce
• Hummus
• Tzatziki sauce
• A1 sauce
• Barbecue sauce
• Mustard cream
• Steak Diane sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cajun butter sauce

Method

• Cut the sirloin steak into bite-sized cubes.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Season the steak bites with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add olive oil to help the seasoning stick.
• Place the steak bites in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
• Air fry the steak bites for 4-6 minutes at 400°F.
• For an extra flavour boost, melt some butter and mix with garlic powder, parsley flakes, and crushed red pepper. Toss the cooked steak bites in this garlic butter before serving.

Tips

• You can season the steak bites up to two days in advance and store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook them.
• If you prefer your steak bites to be more well done, simply air fry them for a few extra minutes.
• For extra flavour, marinate the steak bites in soy sauce or teriyaki sauce before cooking.

How to store and reheat steak bites

Storage

Steak bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheating

There are several ways to reheat steak bites, with varying results:

• Microwave: Place the steak bites on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a slightly damp paper towel. Set the microwave to medium heat and cook in 30-second intervals, flipping the steak bites in between. This will prevent the steak from drying out and overcooking.
• Stovetop: Place the steak bites in a pan with a teaspoon of oil over medium-low heat and cover the pan with a lid for a few seconds. Cooking the steak bites too quickly or at too high a temperature will dry them out.
• Oven and stovetop: Set your oven to 250°F. Place a steady cooling rack inside a shallow baking sheet and put the steak bites on the rack. Put the baking sheet in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches about 100-110°F. Then, swirl a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium frying pan or cast iron skillet and place over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites to the pan and cook for about 60 seconds on each side, or until you achieve a crispy exterior.
• Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 250°F and put the steak bites in the air fryer basket. Air fry for about 10 minutes, then check the internal temperature of the steak bites.

Tips

• If possible, use fattier cuts of steak, such as ribeye or sirloin, as these tend to reheat better than leaner cuts.
• If you plan on having leftovers, undercook the steak bites by a minute or two to prevent overcooking when reheating.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak bites to avoid overcooking.
• If your steak bites are already sliced, consider serving them cold to avoid overcooking.

Serving suggestions

Steak bites can be served with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, potatoes, or noodles. For a full meal, try pairing them with smashed potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, and garlic bread.

What to serve with steak bites

Steak bites are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to make a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air fryer steak bites:

Potatoes

Roasted crispy potatoes, potato wedges, smashed potatoes, or hasselback potatoes are all great options to serve with steak bites. You can also try air fryer Greek chicken and potatoes, or air fryer potatoes recipes like cajun fries or ranch potato wedges. If you're short on time, a simple baked potato is always a good choice.

Vegetables

Steak bites can be paired with a variety of vegetables, such as steamed broccoli with lemon juice and parmesan, roasted Brussels sprouts, corn on the cob, or a chopped Caprese salad. Green beans are also a great option, especially Pennsylvania Dutch green beans or asparagus almondine. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try cheesy roasted broccoli.

Breads

To round out your meal, consider serving some garlic bread or naan bread on the side.

Dipping Sauces

For an extra touch of flavor, serve your steak bites with a dipping sauce like creamy horseradish sauce or Oh My! steak sauce. A simple garlic butter sauce is also a great option.

Other Sides

If you're looking for something a little different, try serving your steak bites with oven-baked crinkle-cut fries, air fryer green beans, or air fryer brussels sprouts. Pineapple pieces, cherry tomatoes, and French fries are also fun options, especially if you're serving kids.

How to cook steak bites without an air fryer

Steak bites are a great snack or quick weeknight dinner option. They can be cooked in an air fryer, but if you don't have one, you can also cook them in a skillet on the stove. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook steak bites without an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Sirloin steak or your preferred cut of steak
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Parsley (optional)
• Melted butter
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cut the sirloin steak into bite-sized cubes, around 1-inch to 1½-inch in size. Try to make the pieces as evenly sized as possible so they cook at the same rate.
• In a bowl, whisk together the oil, melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper to form a sauce. You can also add other spices like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or Cajun seasoning for extra flavor.
• Add the cubed steak to the sauce bowl and toss until each piece is coated. Let the steak sit in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. You can even prepare this step ahead of time and refrigerate the steak for up to 2 days before cooking.
• Get a large skillet, preferably cast iron, and place it on the stove. Turn the heat up to high and let the skillet get really hot.
• Add a little oil to the hot skillet and then add the steak bites. Cook the steak bites for 2-3 minutes without stirring.
• After the initial sear, stir the steak bites and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are cooked to your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for a total of around 4-5 minutes. For a more well-done steak, cook for a few minutes longer.
• Remove the steak bites from the skillet and let them rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak bites to ensure they are cooked to your desired doneness.
• For extra flavor, toss the cooked steak bites in melted garlic butter before serving.
• Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes, garlic noodles, steamed vegetables, or fries.

Frequently asked questions