Air Fryer Diced Beef: Cooking Time Perfection

Cooking diced beef in an air fryer is a quick and easy method that can produce tender and juicy bites of beef. The cooking time depends on the type of diced beef and the desired level of doneness. For example, steak bites can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 2-3 minutes for rare steak, 8-10 minutes for medium-rare, and 12 minutes for well-done. On the other hand, minced beef needs to be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F), while beef stew can be cooked in an air fryer in about 35 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is essential when cooking diced beef. This step ensures that your diced beef will get a quick sear, resulting in a desirable crust. If you skip preheating, your diced beef may cook too slowly, becoming rubbery.

Preheat your air fryer at 200C/400F for 4 to 5 minutes. Different air fryer models may have varying preheat times, so it's always good to refer to your specific model's instructions. Once preheated, you can proceed with cooking your diced beef.

It's important to note that the cooking time for diced beef in an air fryer can vary depending on your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare steak bites, 2 to 3 minutes in the air fryer is recommended. If you prefer your steak bites well done, you may need to cook them for up to 12 minutes.

When cooking diced beef, it is advisable to flip or turn the pieces a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking. This will help you achieve your desired level of doneness on all sides of the diced beef.

Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces

To cook diced beef in an air fryer, it's important to cut the beef into bite-sized pieces. This ensures the beef cooks evenly and results in juicy and tender steak bites.

When cutting the beef, aim for pieces that are roughly 1-inch in size. This can be done by cutting the steak into even 1-inch cubes. This size allows the hot circulating air of the air fryer to sear the outside of the beef while keeping the centre as rare as desired.

Cutting the beef into bite-sized pieces also makes it easier to flip or turn the steak bites during cooking, ensuring even cooking on all sides. It is recommended to flip or turn the steak bites about three times during cooking.

Additionally, cutting the beef into bite-sized pieces allows for better coating with seasonings and oils, enhancing the flavour of the final dish. This step can be done after cutting the beef into the desired size, transferring the meat into a bowl, and tossing it with the desired seasonings and oils.

Seasoning and oil

First, select your seasoning. A blend of herbs and spices can be used to season the diced beef. Popular options include garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, and steak marinade. You can also use liquid seasonings such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or sesame oil to add a savoury boost to the meat.

Next, choose your oil. Avocado oil is a good option as it ensures the diced beef stays lubricated during the air-frying process, resulting in a delectable crispness. It also helps the seasonings adhere to the beef for optimal flavour. Alternatively, olive oil or sesame oil can be used.

Once you have your seasoning and oil, it's time to prepare the meat. Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch in size. In a small bowl, mix together the oil and any liquid seasonings, such as soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. In a larger bowl, toss the steak cubes with the dry seasonings, ensuring they are well-coated. Then, pour the oil and liquid seasoning mixture over the steak cubes and rub it in well so that all pieces are evenly coated.

Finally, place the seasoned steak cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes, and then add the steak. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness, ranging from 2-3 minutes for rare to 10-12 minutes for well-done. Flip the steak cubes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

By following these steps for seasoning and oiling the diced beef, you'll achieve juicy, flavourful results with a desirable crisp exterior.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for diced beef in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of beef, the size of the dices, and your desired level of doneness. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve the best results:

Before cooking diced beef in your air fryer, it is crucial to preheat the appliance. Preheating ensures that the diced beef will get a quick sear, and starting with a cold air fryer can result in overcooked and rubbery meat. Typically, preheating your air fryer at 200C/400F for around 4 to 5 minutes is recommended.

Once preheated, transfer the seasoned or marinated diced beef to the air fryer basket. For even cooking, spread the dices in a single layer and try to flip or turn them a few times during the cooking process.

The cooking time can vary depending on your desired level of doneness. For rare or medium-rare steak bites, 2 to 3 minutes in the air fryer should suffice. If you prefer your steak well done, increase the cooking time to around 10 to 12 minutes. It is important to note that cooking times can also vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, so adjustments may be necessary.

Additionally, the type of beef cut can impact the cooking time. Tougher cuts of meat may require a longer cooking time to break down the meat fibers. Stew meat, for example, tends to be very hard and usually needs to be cooked for a longer period. On the other hand, more tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye may cook faster and require less time in the air fryer.

To ensure your diced beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is a precise method. The internal temperature for beef can vary depending on the cut and your preference, but a minimum of 71°C (160°F) is generally recommended.

In summary, the cooking time for diced beef in an air fryer can range from a couple of minutes for rare steak bites to around 10-12 minutes for well-done dices. Preheating, flipping the dices during cooking, and using a meat thermometer can all help ensure your desired level of doneness. Adjustments may be necessary based on the type of beef, the size of your air fryer, and personal preferences.

Serving suggestions

The cooking time for diced beef in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of doneness, the thickness of the steak, and the size of the air fryer. For a rare or medium-rare steak, 8 to 10 minutes is recommended, while 12 minutes is suggested for a well-done steak.

• Steak bites with mushrooms: Cut the mushrooms into similar-sized pieces as the steak. Season and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until well-done to your preference.
• Steak bites with veggies: Use any vegetables of your choice. Some recommended options include bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, asparagus, green beans, and potatoes.
• Steak bites with potatoes: Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and parboil them for a few minutes before cooking them in the air fryer with the steak. Alternatively, you can serve the steak bites with garlic butter smashed potatoes or honey bacon potatoes.
• Steak bites with rice: This is a quick and easy option to pair with your steak bites.
• Steak bites with gravy: For extra comfort food vibes, serve the steak bites with gravy.
• Steak bites with sauce: Create a dipping sauce by mixing melted butter with garlic powder, dried parsley, and other seasonings of your choice. You can also add fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of chilli flakes.

Frequently asked questions