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

Steak bites are a fun and tasty way to enjoy steak. They can be served as a snack, appetiser, or main meal, and are a great option for those who are short on time as they require minimal preparation and can be cooked in an air fryer in under 20 minutes.

Choosing the right cut of steak

Taste and Texture

Ribeye, sirloin, and New York strip steaks are popular choices for steak bites due to their flavourful and tender qualities. Ribeye, in particular, has a good amount of fat and marbling, resulting in a tender texture and rich flavour.

Budget

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider chuck shoulder steaks (also known as London Broil steaks). While these cuts tend to be firmer, they can still work well for steak bites, especially if you are used to cooking with them.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for your steak bites will depend on the cut of steak you choose. Thinner cuts, such as round steak, flank steak, or skirt steak, will cook faster than thicker cuts.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the best cut of steak for your steak bites will depend on your personal preference. If you're unsure, it's a good idea to experiment with different cuts to find the one that suits your taste and cooking methods.

Remember, the key to delicious steak bites is to cut your steak into even-sized pieces, season it well, and cook it to your desired doneness. Enjoy experimenting with different cuts of steak to find the perfect one for your air fryer steak bites!

How to season the steak

When it comes to seasoning your steak bites, you have a lot of options! The key ingredients are salt and pepper, but you can also experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your favourite flavour profile. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salt and Pepper

The dynamic duo of salt and pepper is a classic for a reason. Use a generous amount of each to season your steak bites before cooking. This will ensure your steak bites are full of flavour.

Garlic

Freshly minced garlic adds a savoury kick to your steak bites. You can also use garlic powder if you don't have fresh garlic on hand. For an extra punch of flavour, toss your cooked steak bites in garlic butter before serving.

Onion

Onion powder is another great way to add depth of flavour to your steak bites. Alternatively, you could use fresh onions, either chopped and mixed in with your steak bites before cooking or sliced and served on the side.

Paprika

Smoked paprika will give your steak bites a subtle smoky flavour. If you like your food with a bit of a kick, you could also add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Herbs

Fresh or dried herbs can add a lot of flavour to your steak bites. Parsley, rosemary, and thyme are all great options. Chop them finely and mix them into your steak bites before cooking, or sprinkle them on top after cooking for a pop of colour and flavour.

Worcestershire Sauce

A dash of Worcestershire sauce will give your steak bites a savoury, umami flavour. If you don't have any on hand, you can use soy sauce or liquid aminos instead.

Steak Seasoning Blends

There are also lots of pre-made steak seasoning blends that you can use to save time and create a consistent flavour profile. Options include Montreal Steak Seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute, and BBQ blends.

Other Ideas

You can also get creative and experiment with other spices and seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, or chilli powder. Or, marinate your steak bites in soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.

How long to cook the steak for

The cooking time for your steak bites will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, you should air fry for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 120-125°F. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 130-135°F. For a medium steak, air fry for 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F. If you like your steak medium-well, air fry for 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 150-155°F.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your steak pieces, the power of your air fryer, and how full your air fryer basket is. As a general rule, smaller pieces will require less cooking time than larger chunks. It's always a good idea to spot-check the internal temperature of your steak bites with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Additionally, if you are cooking steak bites in batches, the first batch may take longer to cook, as the air fryer will not have been preheated.

What to serve with steak bites

Steak bites are a great appetizer or main dish, and there are plenty of sides to serve with them. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

Steak bites go well with roasted veggies, such as:

• Green beans
• Asparagus almondine
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Corn on the cob
• Avocado tomato salad
• Roasted sugar snap peas
• Creamed spinach

Potatoes

As steak and potatoes are a classic combination, you could also serve your steak bites with:

• Smashed potatoes
• Corn-on-the-cob and garlic bread
• Hasselback potatoes
• Oven-baked crinkle-cut fries
• Baked potatoes
• Parmesan potatoes
• Potato wedges

Other Sides

If you're looking for something other than vegetables or potatoes, you could try:

• Bread
• Salad
• Noodles
• Rice
• Stuffed mushrooms
• Naan bread

How to store and reheat leftovers

To store your steak bites, place them in an airtight container and put them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, although some sources say they can last for up to a week.

To reheat your steak bites, you can use an air fryer, setting it to 400°F and heating them for about 2 to 3 minutes. You can also use an oven, setting it to 250°F and heating for 20-30 minutes.

Other methods to reheat steak bites include:

• Stovetop steaming: Place the steak bites in a covered pan with a small amount of water over an indirect heat source for about 10 minutes.
• Stovetop searing: Warm oil in a skillet and sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes, flipping them every minute until they reach your desired level of doneness.
• Sous vide: Place the steak bites in a sealable plastic bag and submerge them in water at 120°F-130°F for 5-8 minutes. You can then sear the steak bites in a pan for a crisp exterior.
• Microwave: Place the steak bites on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals at medium heat for 90 seconds to 2 minutes.

Frequently asked questions