Air Fryer Steak Bites: Timing For Tender Treats

Cooking steak bites in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy steak. The bites are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and can be cooked to your desired level of doneness. The cooking time depends on the size of your steak pieces and the model of your air fryer, but generally, it takes around 4-6 minutes at 400°F to cook steak bites in an air fryer.

How to cook steak bites in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make steak bites in an air fryer:

• Sirloin steak
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Red pepper flakes
• Parsley flakes

Method

• Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes.
• In a bowl, mix the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar. Ensure that all the pieces are evenly coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
• Place the steak bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
• Air fry the steak bites for 4-6 minutes at 400°F. The cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of doneness.
• While the steak bites are cooking, melt some butter and mix it with garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and parsley flakes.
• Once the steak bites are done, toss them in the garlic butter sauce and serve immediately.

Tips

• It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crisping of the steak bites.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the steak bites in batches if needed.
• For a more well-done steak bite, increase the cooking time by a minute or two.
• Let the steak bites rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and result in more tender meat.

How to get the best char on the outside of your steak bites

To get the best char on the outside of your steak bites, there are a few key steps to follow. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the perfect char:

Choose the Right Cut of Steak

Firstly, selecting the right cut of steak is essential. For air fryer steak bites, you want to choose a cut that is suitable for high-heat cooking and will remain tender and juicy. Some recommended options include sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, or skirt steak. These cuts tend to have good marbling, which adds flavour and helps keep the meat moist.

Prepare the Steak Bites

Cut the steak into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Aim for a size of around 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and allows the exterior to develop a nice char without overcooking the centre.

Seasoning and Marinade

To enhance the flavour of your steak bites, season them generously. You can use a variety of seasonings such as kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning. For an extra flavour boost, consider marinating the steak bites before cooking. A simple marinade of olive oil, soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, and your choice of seasonings can add a depth of flavour to the meat.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial to achieving a good char. Set the temperature to around 400°F and preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures that your steak bites will start cooking immediately at a high temperature, promoting a nice sear on the exterior.

Cook the Steak Bites

Place the seasoned steak bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook at 400°F for 4-6 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice during the cooking process. The short cooking time at high heat will help develop a char on the outside while keeping the inside tender.

Resting and Serving

Finally, allow your steak bites to rest for a few minutes before serving. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and juicy meat. Serve your steak bites with your choice of sides, such as roasted potatoes, garlic noodles, or a dipping sauce like garlic butter or chimichurri sauce.

By following these steps, you'll be able to achieve the best char on the outside of your steak bites, resulting in a delicious and flavourful dish that your family and friends will love!

How to get the most flavour into your steak bites

Choose the Right Cut of Meat

Selecting the right cut of steak is essential for juicy and tender steak bites. While sirloin is a popular choice due to its balance of flavour and cost-effectiveness, other options include ribeye, New York strip, and skirt steak. Steer clear of cheaper cuts that require slow cooking, such as flank steak or chuck roast.

Prepare the Steak Bites

Cutting the steak into uniform, bite-sized pieces is crucial for even cooking. Aim for 1-inch cubes, as smaller pieces may overcook. If you desire a medium-rare steak, opt for slightly larger pieces to prevent overcooking during the air frying process.

Seasoning

A good seasoning blend is key to enhancing the flavour of your steak bites. You can use a simple combination of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, or get creative with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or Cajun seasoning. Don't be afraid to experiment with different blends to find your favourite.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes is an important step. This ensures that your steak bites will start cooking immediately upon contact with the hot air, creating a mild sear on the surface while keeping the centre juicy.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time for your steak bites will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a good sear and a juicy interior, aim for a total cooking time of 4-6 minutes at 400°F. Adjust the timing based on your air fryer model and personal preference for doneness.

Resting the Meat

Allowing the steak bites to rest for a few minutes after cooking is crucial. This gives the juices a chance to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

Garlic Butter

For an extra flavour boost, consider making a garlic butter sauce. Combine melted butter with garlic powder, parsley flakes, and crushed red pepper. Brush this mixture onto the steak bites as soon as they come out of the air fryer, or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.

Sides and Presentation

While steak bites are delicious on their own, serving them with complementary sides can elevate the dish. Consider roasted potatoes, garlic noodles, or a simple side salad. For an extra touch, serve the steak bites with toothpicks for a fun and interactive presentation.

How to make garlic butter to serve with your steak bites

Ingredients

• 3-5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4-5 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

To make the garlic butter, simply combine the minced garlic with the melted butter. You can also add red pepper flakes and chopped fresh parsley for extra flavour and colour. Mix well and serve with your air fryer steak bites.

Tips

• If you're cooking for a crowd, you can easily double or triple the garlic butter recipe.
• For a more intense garlic flavour, you can sauté or roast the garlic before mixing it with the butter.
• If you're short on time, you can also buy ready-made garlic butter from the store.
• Get creative with your ingredients! Try adding other spices, herbs, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to your garlic butter.
• If you want to thin out your garlic butter, you can add a small amount of olive oil or avocado oil.

What to serve with your steak bites

Steak bites are a delicious, protein-packed meal that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Vegetables

Air-fried food doesn't have to be unhealthy! Balance out your steak bites with some tasty vegetables. Try air fryer ranch carrots, air fryer green beans, roasted cabbage and carrots, air fryer frozen broccoli, or Pennsylvania Dutch green beans. Asparagus almondine and cheesy roasted broccoli are also great options. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try air fryer brussels sprouts or air fryer potatoes, like cajun fries or ranch potato wedges.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish for steak, and for good reason—they're a perfect complement. Try homestyle cauliflower mash, air fryer french fries, air fryer roasted potatoes, baked potatoes, or your favourite mashed potato recipe. If you're feeling indulgent, you could even serve steak bites with gravy.

Rice

Rice is a simple yet delicious option that goes well with steak bites.

Grits

For something a little different, try serving your steak bites with a pile of cheesy grits.

Pasta

Pasta salad can be a great summery option to serve with steak bites. Try a BLT pasta salad or a sweet corn pasta salad.

Salad

If you're looking for something fresh and healthy to balance out your meal, a salad is a great option. Try an avocado tomato salad or a copycat olive garden salad.

Bread

No meal is complete without some delicious bread on the side. Try serving your steak bites with garlic bread or naan bread.

Dips and sauces

Don't forget the dips and sauces! Steak bites go well with a variety of dips and sauces, like creamy horseradish sauce, steak sauce, chimichurri sauce, or a garlic butter concoction.

So, there you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create a delicious and well-rounded meal with your steak bites. Happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions