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When dinner calls for something quick, flavorful, and satisfying, Air-Fryer Steak Bites are the answer. With a perfectly seasoned crust and tender, juicy center, these steak bites are ideal for busy weeknights or as an impressive appetizer for guests. You won’t believe how simple they are to make in your air fryer, delivering steakhouse-quality results with minimal effort!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, including prep time.
- Tender and Flavorful: A savory garlic-butter coating takes the flavor to the next level.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer means less mess and more time to enjoy.
- Customizable: Adjust seasonings or cook times to suit your taste preferences.
What Do Air-Fryer Steak Bites Taste Like?
These steak bites are a dream for meat lovers. The outside develops a beautiful caramelized crust, thanks to the paprika and garlic powder, while the inside remains juicy and tender. The finishing touch is a luxurious garlic butter coating that’s downright irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef top sirloin steak, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for melted butter
- Meat thermometer (optional, but highly recommended)
Need an air fryer! We got you
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed steak, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika. Toss until the steak is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket and arrange the steak bites in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Cook the steak bites for 5–6 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer for precision:
- Medium-rare: 135°F
- Medium: 140°F
- Medium-well: 145°F
- While the steak bites cook, mix the melted butter and minced garlic in a large bowl.
- Add the cooked steak bites to the garlic butter mixture and toss to coat.
- Return the steak bites to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, until the garlic is browned and fragrant.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve with Air-Fryer Steak Bites
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch, garlic aioli, or a tangy horseradish cream.
- Sides: Pair with a crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- As an Appetizer: Serve on skewers for a party-ready bite-sized treat.
Tips for Perfect Air-Fryer Steak Bites
- Choose the Right Cut: Top sirloin works wonderfully, but tenderloin or ribeye are excellent alternatives.
- Room Temperature Meat: Let the steak cubes sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Use a Thermometer: This helps you nail your preferred level of doneness every time.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic Butter: It adds a rich, savory flavor you won’t want to miss.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked steak bites in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Tender cuts like ribeye, tenderloin, or strip steak work perfectly. Avoid tougher cuts unless you marinate them beforehand.
Can I make these in a regular oven?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What other seasonings can I try?
Experiment with steak seasoning, Cajun spice, or even a sprinkle of rosemary or thyme for a herbaceous touch.
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Air-Fryer Steak Bites Recipe: Juicy, Tender, and Ready in Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy and tender, these Air-Fryer Steak Bites are perfectly seasoned and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, they’re ideal as a dinner, appetizer, or snack!
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef top sirloin steak, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine cubed steak, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket and arrange steak bites in a single layer.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes, or until steak reaches desired doneness (135°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 145°F for medium-well).
- Mix melted butter and minced garlic in a large bowl. Add cooked steak bites and toss to coat.
- Return steak bites to the air fryer and cook for 1–2 minutes, until garlic is browned.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary before serving.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for even results.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: air fryer
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 ounces cooked beef
- Calories: 281
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 438mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 77mg