Air Fryer Steak Bites: Cooking Time Perfection

Cooking steak bites in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy and delicious steak. The cooking time will depend on the size of the steak pieces, the desired level of doneness, and the power of the air fryer model. It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and to avoid overcooking the steak bites. The basket should also be shaken at least once during the cooking process. Depending on the desired level of doneness, the steak bites can be cooked for as little as 4 minutes or up to 20 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your food cooks evenly and achieves the desired level of crispness or caramelization. To preheat your air fryer, set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it heat up for about 5 minutes.

It is crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket when preheating and cooking. Overfilling the basket impedes air circulation, resulting in soggy or unevenly cooked steak bites. Arrange the steak cubes in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece. If needed, cook the steak bites in batches to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, remember to shake the basket during the cooking process. Shaking the basket at least once, preferably at the halfway point, promotes even browning and cooking.

Preheating your air fryer to the right temperature and following these simple tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked steak bites with a nice sear on the outside and a juicy, tender center.

Some air fryers may have slight variations in temperature settings, so it is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

Cut steak into bite-sized pieces

When preparing steak bites in an air fryer, it is important to cut the steak into bite-sized pieces. This allows for tremendous flavour with every bite without the need to marinate first. It is recommended to cut the steak into evenly sized cubes, about 1-inch thick, so that all the bites cook to the same level of doneness.

The size of the steak pieces will impact the cooking time and level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak bite, cut the steak into larger pieces as smaller pieces will cook through more quickly. If you are aiming for a crispy texture, cut the steak into slightly smaller pieces.

When cutting the steak, it is best to use a sharp knife and a large cutting board. Try to get the sizes as uniform as possible and leave some room between the pieces in the air fryer for even cooking. If needed, cook the steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Different types of steak can be used for the bites, such as ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip steak. It is best to avoid cheaper cuts that require slow cooking to tenderize.

Oil and season the steak

To make juicy and tender steak bites in an air fryer, you'll want to start by choosing your favourite cut of steak. Good options include NY Strip, ribeye, or sirloin.

Before you begin seasoning your steak, it's a good idea to let the meat reach room temperature. This usually takes about 30 minutes. You should also pat the steak dry to ensure a perfect sear and crust.

Now it's time to oil and season the steak. You can use avocado oil or olive oil to ensure the steak bites stay lubed during the air frying process and get that delectable crisp. A little oil goes a long way, so brush or rub it onto the steak bites. You can also spray the steak with oil to help it brown better.

When it comes to seasoning, you can keep it simple with salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper. If you're using a dry rub, make sure to coat the steak bites evenly. You can also marinate the steak bites in dressing or a marinade for an extra flavour punch. Don't forget to give the steak a good massage as you work in the seasoning!

If you're feeling fancy, you can even make a wet rub by mixing the oil with brown sugar and spices to create a paste, then coating the steak bites generously.

Cook for 4-6 minutes

To make the perfect steak bites in an air fryer, it is important to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This ensures that the steak bites get a quick sear and don't end up rubbery. Once heated, add the steak bites to the basket and air fry for 4-6 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to your desired doneness.

During the cooking process, remember to shake the basket at least once to promote even cooking and browning. You can also flip or turn the steak bites around 3 times to ensure even cooking on all sides. If you want a crispy texture, air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice.

The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your steak pieces and the power of your air fryer. For a medium-rare steak bite, cut the steak into larger pieces to prevent overcooking. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness.

After cooking, let the steak bites rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak bites are juicy and tender.

Rest the steak

Resting the steak is an important step in the cooking process. Once you have cooked your steak bites to your desired level of doneness, it is important to let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak bites are juicy and tender.

When the steak is cooked, its juices move towards the outside. If you cut into the steak or serve it immediately, the juices will end up on your plate, leaving your steak dry and tough. By letting the steak rest, you give the juices time to move back into the centre of the steak, resulting in a more flavoursome and tender bite.

The amount of time you should let your steak rest depends on the size of your steak bites and the level of doneness you prefer. For smaller, medium-rare steak bites, a shorter resting time of around 3 minutes will suffice. For larger, well-done steak bites, you may want to let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces to serve with your steak bites. Some side dish suggestions include steamed broccoli with lemon juice and parmesan, an air fryer baked potato, oven-baked crinkle-cut fries, or a simple salad.

A meat thermometer can be a useful tool to ensure your steak bites are cooked to your desired level of doneness. By checking the internal temperature of the steak, you can avoid overcooking or undercooking your steak bites.

Frequently asked questions