Air-Fryer Steak Bites: Quick, Crispy, And Juicy

Steak bites are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They are low-carb, high-protein, and delicious. The best way to cook steak bites is to cut the steak into bite-sized cubes, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook in the air fryer for 4-6 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. You can also toss the steak bites in garlic butter after cooking for extra flavor.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your food cooks evenly and gets crispy or caramelized. It's best to preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. During this time, you can prepare the steak bites by cutting them into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them.

Every air fryer is different, but a preheated air fryer will help you get a mild sear on the steak without overcooking the centre. You can also use this time to prepare any sides, such as steamed broccoli with lemon juice and parmesan, or an air fryer baked potato.

Preheating your air fryer to the right temperature will ensure your steak bites are cooked to your desired doneness. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak bites, which should be around 135°F after 5 minutes of cooking.

Remember, the steak bites will continue to cook a bit longer once you take them out of the air fryer, so you may want to remove them a little earlier than you think to achieve your desired level of doneness.

Cut steak into bite-sized pieces

To make steak bites in an air fryer, you'll need to cut your steak into small, bite-sized pieces. It's important to cut the steak into evenly sized cubes so that they cook at the same rate. This will ensure that all your steak bites are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

You can use a variety of steak cuts for this recipe, such as top sirloin, flank steak, ribeye, or New York strip steak. Look for a cut with some marbling and good fat for the best results. Cut the steak into 1-inch to 1½-inch cubes. Try to make the pieces as uniform in size as possible so that they cook evenly.

Once you've cut your steak into bite-sized pieces, you can move on to the next step of preparing your steak bites for the air fryer. This typically involves coating the steak pieces in oil and seasoning to add flavor and help achieve a crispy texture.

Remember to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and to avoid ending up with rubbery steak bites. Preheating the air fryer is an important step to achieve the desired texture and doneness for your steak bites.

Season and coat steak pieces

Seasoning and coating your steak pieces is a crucial step in the cooking process. It ensures your steak bites are flavourful and tender. Firstly, cut your steak into bite-sized pieces, ideally into even cubes, so they cook at the same rate. Next, prepare a seasoning mix. You can use a simple combination of salt, pepper, and paprika, or get creative with brown sugar, red pepper, parsley, and garlic powder. You can also experiment with different types of premade seasoning mixes, such as Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or BBQ seasoning.

Once you have your spices ready, mix them with olive oil or avocado oil in a bowl. You can also use oil spray to help achieve a nice char on the outside of the steak pieces. Add the steak bites to the bowl and toss them in the mixture until each piece is coated evenly. Alternatively, you can drizzle the oil and sprinkle the seasonings directly onto the steak pieces in the air fryer basket and then toss them to coat. Make sure the steak pieces are in a single layer with a bit of space between each one to ensure even cooking.

Cook steak bites for 4-6 minutes

To cook steak bites in an air fryer, you should first preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, you can cut your steak into bite-sized pieces and season them. It is important to cut the steak into evenly sized pieces so that they cook at the same rate. You can also add olive oil or flavored oil to the steak bites and toss them in a bowl to coat them.

Once the air fryer is preheated, add the steak bites in a single layer to the air fryer basket. No need to spray the basket. Then, cook the steak bites for 4-6 minutes at 400°F to your desired doneness. You can cook them for a shorter time if you prefer your steak rare, and for a longer time if you prefer it well done. Note that the steak bites will continue to cook a bit longer once you take them out of the air fryer, so you may want to remove them a little before they reach your desired level of doneness.

You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak bites. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 135°F, while for a medium steak, the temperature should be between 140°F and 150°F.

Serve with sides and toppings

Steak bites are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some ideas to elevate your air-fried steak bites into a delicious meal:

Sides

• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli with lemon juice, a caesar salad, or a kale salad are all great options to add some greenery to your plate. You can also serve the steak bites with pineapple pieces, cherry tomatoes, or a simple side of French fries.
• Potatoes: Smashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or hasselback potatoes make for a hearty and filling side dish. For a fun twist, try air fryer Greek chicken and potatoes or oven-baked crinkle-cut fries with garlic parmesan.
• Bread: A slice of garlic bread or some form of toasted bread can help mop up all the delicious juices from the steak bites.

Toppings

• Butter and Oil: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some melted butter or flavored oil over your steak bites. Avocado oil spray is a great option as it has a high smoke point and won't leave any residue.
• Cheese: Sprinkle some Parmesan or blue cheese crumbles over the steak bites. The cheese will slightly melt into the meat, adding a tangy and sharp flavor.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like parsley can be sprinkled over the steak bites for an extra punch of flavor. You can also use spices like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper, Cajun seasoning, or black pepper to enhance the taste.
• Sauces: Don't forget to serve your steak bites with some sauce on the side! This could be a simple butter sauce, a garlic butter sauce, or even some Worcestershire sauce.

Remember, the beauty of steak bites is that they are versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences. Get creative and experiment with different sides and toppings to find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions