Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Cut the sirloin steak into evenly sized 1-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces uniform helps them cook evenly in the air fryer.
Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps create a better crust during cooking.
Step 2: Season the Steak
Place the steak cubes into a large mixing bowl.
Add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix well until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Preheating helps the steak begin cooking immediately and creates a delicious seared exterior.
Step 4: Cook the Steak Bites
Arrange the steak cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7–9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
Cooking times vary depending on your preferred doneness.
Steak Doneness Guide
- Rare: 5–6 minutes (125°F)
- Medium-Rare: 6–7 minutes (135°F)
- Medium: 7–8 minutes (145°F)
- Medium-Well: 8–9 minutes (150°F)
- Well Done: 10 minutes (160°F)
Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results.
Step 5: Make Garlic Butter
While the steak cooks, combine the melted butter with the minced garlic.
When the steak bites finish cooking, immediately toss them in the garlic butter.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Choose sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket.
- Shake halfway through cooking.
- Let the steak rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
Variations
Spicy Steak Bites
Add:
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
Herb Butter Steak Bites
Mix butter with:
- Fresh thyme
- Rosemary
- Parsley
Parmesan Steak Bites
Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese immediately after cooking.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Steak Bites
These steak bites pair well with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Garlic butter rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Air fryer broccoli
- Caesar salad
- Mac and cheese
- Garlic bread
- Baked potatoes
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooked steak bites for up to 2 months.
Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the steak chewy.
Pro Tips
- Use room-temperature steak before cooking.
- Cut evenly sized cubes.
- Dry the steak before seasoning.
- Cook in a single layer.
- Toss in garlic butter immediately after cooking.
- Serve immediately for the juiciest texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen steak?
Yes, but thaw it completely before seasoning for even cooking.
What’s the best steak for air fryer steak bites?
Sirloin is affordable and tender, while ribeye offers richer flavor.
Can I marinate the steak?
Absolutely. Marinate for 30 minutes to 8 hours for even more flavor.
Do I need to flip the steak?
No. Simply shake the basket halfway through cooking.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 345
- Protein: 31g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Potassium: 510mg
- Iron: 15% DV