If you’re craving tender, flavorful bites of steak that come together in a flash, this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Juicy, perfectly seasoned steak pieces cooked to your desired doneness and tossed in a savory garlic butter sauce create a dish that’s as easy as it is impressive. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an impromptu dinner party treat, these steak bites deliver big on taste and make the air fryer a true kitchen hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe lies in the simplicity and harmony of its ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in bringing out juicy, spicy, and buttery notes that make every mouthful irresistible.
- Top sirloin filet, 16 oz: Choose a tender, lean cut cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Olive oil, ½ tablespoon (8g): Helps the seasoning stick and adds a touch of richness.
- Brown sugar, ½ tablespoon (6g): Balances the spice with a subtle sweetness and encourages caramelization.
- Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon: Elevates all the flavors with that crucial seasoning punch.
- Black pepper, 1 teaspoon: Adds a mild heat and depth to the bite.
- Chili powder, 1 teaspoon: Brings a smoky warmth that livens up the steak.
- Garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon + ¼ teaspoon: Double inclusion for robust garlic flavor without overpowering.
- Onion powder, ¼ teaspoon: Adds subtle pungency and aroma that complements the meat.
- Butter, 1 ½ tablespoons (21g): Provides luscious richness and helps coat the steak bites in irresistible flavor.
- Red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon: Delivers a gentle kick of heat in the finishing butter toss.
- Parsley flakes, ¼ teaspoon: Adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color for visual appeal.
How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steak Bites
Start by tossing those tender pieces of top sirloin with olive oil. This simple coating ensures the seasoning sticks perfectly, and the oil helps keep the meat moist during air frying.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. This blend strikes the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors that will coat the steak bites beautifully.
Step 3: Season the Steak
Coat the steak pieces evenly with the seasoning mix, making sure each bite is bursting with flavor. Once seasoned, set them aside briefly to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes. This step is essential to getting that crisp exterior on your steak bites while locking in juiciness.
Step 5: Air Fry the Steak Bites
Lay the seasoned steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow even cooking. Air fry them for 4 to 6 minutes at 400°F, shaking or tossing the basket halfway through to brown all sides. Adjust the cooking time slightly if you prefer your steak bites more or less cooked.
Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the additional garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and parsley flakes until well combined. This flavorful butter sauce will take your bites to the next level.
Step 7: Toss and Serve
As soon as the steak bites come out of the air fryer, toss them in the garlic butter sauce until every piece gleams with that savory coating. Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley for a final vibrant touch.
How to Serve Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra black pepper perfectly complement the steak bites without overpowering them. Even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a nice brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These steak bites pair wonderfully with crisp salads, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. For a casual snack vibe, serve them alongside a zesty dipping sauce like chimichurri or horseradish cream that enhances their flavor profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, thread the steak bites onto skewers with colorful bell pepper chunks or grilled onions. Alternatively, pile them high over a bed of buttery garlic noodles or fluffy rice, drizzling any extra garlic butter over the top to tie it all together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool them to room temperature before refrigerating to keep their texture and flavor intact.
Freezing
If you want to keep steak bites on hand longer, flash freeze them spread out on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Properly frozen, they maintain quality for up to 2 months and offer a quick protein fix whenever you need.
Reheating
The best way to reheat steak bites is in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes, which refreshes the crispiness without drying them out. For a softer option, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tiny splash of butter to revive that rich coating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for the Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! While top sirloin is a favorite for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye, filet mignon, or even flank steak. Just adjust cooking times slightly since the thickness and fat content vary.
How do I know when the steak bites are done?
The air fryer cooks the steak bites quickly. For medium-rare, aim for about 4 minutes; for medium or more well-done, 5–6 minutes works well. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be precise—135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
You can cook steak bites on the stovetop using a hot skillet with a bit of oil, searing quickly until browned and cooked to your liking. However, the air fryer gives that perfect crisp edge while keeping the inside juicy with minimal fuss.
What dipping sauces go well with Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe?
Steak bites pair beautifully with sauces like chimichurri, creamy horseradish, garlic aioli, or even a simple squeeze of fresh lime mixed with salt and pepper. These add extra layers of flavor to an already delicious bite.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe has a mild to moderate kick thanks to the chili powder and red pepper flakes. If you prefer less spice, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy juicy, flavorful steak with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Whether it’s a quick dinner or sharing with friends, these steak bites are sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and savor every mouthwatering piece!
Print
Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Steak Bites are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a hearty snack or meal. Tender top sirloin pieces are tossed in a savory spice rub, air fried to perfection, and coated in a zesty garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe delivers juicy, caramelized steak bites with a spicy kick and buttery finish that’s sure to satisfy any steak lover.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 16 oz top sirloin filet, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ tablespoon (8g) olive oil
- ½ tablespoon (6g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Garlic Butter Coating
- 1 ½ tablespoons (21g) butter
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon parsley flakes
Instructions
- Toss the steak bites with olive oil. Begin by placing the steak pieces in a bowl and drizzling them with olive oil to ensure the seasoning adheres well and to enhance flavor during cooking.
- Mix the seasoning. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a flavorful spice rub.
- Coat the steak bites. Evenly coat all the steak pieces with the spice mixture, making sure each bite is well-seasoned. Then set them aside to let the flavors meld.
- Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a nice sear on the steak bites.
- Arrange steak bites in the air fryer. Place the seasoned steak pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to promote even cooking.
- Air fry the steak bites. Cook the steak bites at 400°F for 4 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure all sides cook evenly. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred doneness.
- Melt the butter and prepare garlic butter. While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a small bowl and stir in garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and parsley flakes to make a flavorful butter sauce.
- Toss cooked steak bites in garlic butter. Once cooked, transfer the steak bites to a bowl and toss them thoroughly in the prepared garlic butter so each piece is coated with the rich, spicy butter.
- Serve. Serve your air fryer steak bites hot, optionally garnishing with additional parsley flakes for a fresh touch and extra color.
Notes
- For best results, cut steak into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Use top sirloin or another tender cut for optimal tenderness and flavor.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices if not serving immediately.
