Air fryer steak bites are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that can be made in just minutes. The high heat of the air fryer ensures perfectly seared, juicy steak bites, while the rich garlic butter adds a decadent, savory finish. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or as a delicious appetizer for gatherings.
1. Easy Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites
- 1 pound steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
Instructions
Prepare the Steak
Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized cubes. I recommend using ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon for the best flavor and tenderness. These cuts will give you juicy and flavorful steak bites that melt in your mouth.
Season the Steak
In a bowl, toss the steak cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each piece of steak is evenly coated with the seasoning. This will give the steak a nice crust when air-fried.
Air Fry the Steak Bites
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the steak cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The steak should be tender on the inside with a deliciously crispy outer layer.
Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the steak bites are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic and cook it over low heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. This garlic butter will add a rich and aromatic flavor to your steak bites.
Toss the Steak Bites in Garlic Butter
Once your steak bites are done, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a bowl. Drizzle the garlic butter over the steak and toss to coat evenly. This adds the perfect finishing touch to your steak bites.
Serve & Enjoy
Serve the steak bites immediately, and watch how quickly they disappear!
2. Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Steak Bites
Making the perfect air fryer steak bites requires a little attention to detail. Here are my top tips to ensure your steak bites come out perfectly every time:
Choose the Right Cut of Steak: Ribeye is my personal favorite for steak bites because of its marbling, which keeps the steak tender and juicy. However, sirloin or filet mignon will also work if you prefer a leaner option.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: It’s crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This ensures the steak bites cook evenly and get that crispy texture on all sides. Cook them in batches if needed.
Let the Steak Rest After Cooking: After the steak bites are cooked, let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak juicy.
Adjust Cooking Time for Desired Doneness: If you prefer your steak bites rare, reduce the cooking time to about 6-7 minutes. For medium to well-done, increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to get the perfect doneness.
3. Serving Suggestions
These air fryer steak bites are versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
As an Appetizer: Serve them as a tasty appetizer with a side of dipping sauces like blue cheese dressing, spicy ranch, or even a tangy chimichurri sauce.
On a Salad: Toss the steak bites on top of a fresh green salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and your favorite dressing. The steak bites add a burst of flavor to the salad and make it a more filling meal.
With Veggies: Pair the steak bites with roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. It’s a simple, healthy, and satisfying meal.
As a Snack: Enjoy them as a snack on their own, maybe with a side of crispy potato wedges or fries.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
If you happen to have any steak bites left over (though, let’s be real, that’s unlikely), you’ll want to store them properly to keep them as fresh and delicious as possible.
Storing Leftovers: Place the leftover steak bites in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They should last for about 2-3 days in the fridge.
Reheating Leftovers: Reheat the steak bites in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, just be sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.
Air fryer steak bites are an irresistible combination of tender meat and bold flavors. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving a restaurant-quality dish at home. Serve them with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare!
