If you’re craving something crispy on the outside, tender in the center, and packed with flavor, these air fryer steak bites deliver every time. They cook fast at 400°F, take less than 10 minutes, and turn simple steak cubes into a high-protein dinner that easily fits into your weekly one pot meals rotation.
Jump to RecipeWhether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep bowls, or a low-carb option, this air fryer steak bites recipe gives you juicy results without standing over a skillet.
Why You’ll Love These Steak Bites
- Ready in about 8 minutes
- Crispy edges with a juicy center
- Keto friendly and low carb
- Perfect for meal prep
- Easy air fryer dinner recipe
- Minimal cleanup
This is one of those quick steak recipes that feels restaurant-quality but cooks faster than most air fryer recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional: soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Sirloin steak bites are ideal because they’re lean yet tender. Ribeye steak bites also work well if you prefer extra marbling.
Best Steak Cuts for Air Fryer Cooking
Choosing the best steak for air fryer steak bites makes a big difference.
Sirloin
- Leaner cut
- Budget friendly
- Great for air fryer sirloin steak bites
Ribeye
- More marbling
- Extra juicy and flavorful
- Perfect for garlic butter steak bites
Avoid tougher cuts like round steak unless marinated well. Evenly sized steak cubes ensure consistent cooking time and prevent overcooking.
Time & Temperature Guide
For perfect air fryer steak bites:
- Temperature: 400°F
- Cooking Time: 6 to 8 minutes
- Shake halfway through
Internal Temperature Guide
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium rare: 135°F
- Medium: 145°F
- Well done: 160°F+
Always rest the steak bites for 3 to 5 minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside instead of running out.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Steak
Pat steak cubes dry. This helps create caramelized edges instead of steaming.
2. Season
Toss with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and optional soy sauce.
3. Arrange in a Single Layer
Place steak bites in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
4. Air Fry
Cook at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes. Shake halfway.
5. Add Garlic Butter
Melt butter with garlic. Toss the steak bites immediately after cooking.
You now have perfectly cooked air fryer steak tips that are crisp outside and tender inside.
Garlic Butter Upgrade
Garlic herb butter steak bites elevate the flavor instantly.
Mix:
- Melted butter
- Fresh minced garlic
- Parsley
- Pinch of salt
You can also try lemon herb or Cajun seasoning variations for a bold twist.
How to Keep Steak Bites Juicy
Many people ask how to keep steak bites juicy in the air fryer. Here’s what matters:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket
- Cut evenly sized cubes
- Use a neutral oil with high smoke point
- Check doneness early
- Rest before serving
Overcooking is the main reason steak bites turn tough.
Make It a Complete Meal
These air fryer steak bites pair beautifully with:
- Roasted vegetables
- Air fryer steak bites and potatoes
- Cauliflower mash (low carb option)
- Rice bowls for meal prep
They’re versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, protein-packed dinner, or even in lettuce wraps.
Storage, Reheating & Meal Prep
Storage
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes to prevent drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked steak bites, but texture may slightly change.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping preheat
- Overcrowding
- Cooking straight from frozen without adjusting time
- Not checking internal temperature
- Using too much marinade
If your steak bites are tough, they were likely cooked past medium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook frozen steak bites in the air fryer?
Yes, but increase cooking time and ensure internal temperature reaches safe levels.
Do I need to marinate steak bites?
Not required. Simple seasoning works great, but marinated steak bites add extra flavor.
What oil works best?
Olive oil or avocado oil for high heat cooking.
Can I cook steak and potatoes together?
Yes, but cut potatoes small so both cook evenly.
Nutrition Overview
- High protein
- Low carb
- Keto friendly
- Gluten free (if avoiding soy sauce)
This makes it ideal for balanced meal prep and quick family dinners.
Final Thoughts
These air fryer steak bites are simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making garlic butter steak bites for dinner or prepping protein bowls for the week, this recipe delivers consistent, juicy results in under 10 minutes.
Air Fryer Steak Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the steak cubes dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps create caramelized edges instead of steaming.
- Place steak cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil, salt, black pepper, and optional soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Place steak bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
- Cook at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking.Rare: 125°F internal temperatureMedium Rare: 135°FMedium: 145°FWell Done: 160°F+
- While the steak cooks, melt butter in a small pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).Once steak bites are done, immediately toss with garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Let the steak bites rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving to keep them juicy.
Nutrition
Notes
- Cut steak into evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Use a thermometer to prevent overcooking.
- Avocado oil can replace olive oil for higher heat tolerance.
- For extra flavor, add steak seasoning or a pinch of smoked paprika.