If you’re intimidated by the grill, these air fryer steak bites are the way to go. So easy and they come out perfect every time!
*Originally posted Oct 2022. Updated Feb 2024*
Hi friends!
I’ve been meaning to share these super easy air fryer steak bites for a while now. My daughter is a huge steak fan and she loves these. If you prefer to cut your steak while eating, you can definitely cook full steaks in the air fryer, I just find it easier to do the cutting beforehand and then the bites are ready to serve to my kids right away after cooking.
If you’d prefer a slow cooker recipe, be sure to try my Slow Cooker Ginger Garlic Flank Steak.
How long to cook steak in the air fryer?
Since we’re making steak bites, they cook super quickly – think 4-5 minutes tops. I use top sirloin and typically cut the pieces in half lengthwise and then cut into 8 cubes. My top sirloin is typically about an inch thick and cooks to 135 degrees F in 4 minutes. If you’re looking to cook other types of steaks in the air fryer you definitely can, they just might take a few more minutes. Here’s a little summary of cooking times for you when you cook in an air fryer at 400 degrees F:
Air fryer steak cooking chart:
- Rare: 125 degrees F: 5-7 minutes
- Medium-rare: 135 degrees F: 7-10 minutes
- Medium: 145 degrees F: 9-12 minutes
- Well done: 160 degrees F: 12-15 minutes
*Cooking time will vary depending on your steak thickness. If steaks are about 1 inch thick, time will be on the lower end of the range. If they’re closer to 1.5 inches it’ll be towards the longer end. The great thing about the air fryer is it’s super easy to pull out the basket, take a quick temperature check and add time if needed. Also, remember that the steak will continue to cook a few degrees after you pull it out!
How to cook garlic sirloin steak bites in the air fryer?
Now that we’ve covered cooking temps, let’s talk about how exactly to cook these. It’s super important to preheat your air fryer. You want the basket to be hot when you drop them in to give the outside a little sear. Other than that, all you have to do is cut your steak into bite-size pieces, sprinkle on some seasonings and cook!
When they’re done, I like to toss them in a little melted butter. You can mix in some garlic powder or parsley for flavor, or even some cayenne pepper to give them a little bite!
Want a few more air fryer sirloin steak recipes? Check out:
How to reheat steak in an air fryer?
When it comes to reheating steak, you can also use an air fryer. I like to set the temperature to about 350 degrees F and toss the steak in for 3 minutes or so. If you’re reheating steak bites, they might only take a minute or two since they’re smaller!
*Make sure you cut your steak across the grain! Not like I did in this photo 🙂 This is called being in a rush, trying to get work done while your kids are home!*
Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
PrintAir Fryer Steak Bites
If you’re intimidated by the grill, these air fryer steak bites are the way to go. So easy and they come out perfect every time!
Ingredients
- 1 – 1.5 pounds top sirloin steak
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt & pepper
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1–2 Tbsp butter
- dried parsley
Instructions
- Cut top sirloin into bite-sized pieces. I usually cut them in half lengthwise and then 4 times across to make 8 cubes per steak and place into bowl.
- In a small bowl mix garlic powder, salt and pepper and brown sugar.
- Pour over steak and stir until well coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Add steak and cook 4 minutes. Check temperature and remove or cook an additional minute.
- Remove from air fryer and place in a bowl. Add 1-2 Tbsp butter and stir to coat steak bites as it melts. Sprinkle with desired seasonings like dried parsley, more salt and garlic powder etc!
Notes
Feel free to customize the seasonings. You can add cayenne pepper for spice, try a steak seasoning blend or increase the garlic powder.
When adding butter at the end you can sprinkle with salt, parsley or other seasonings.
If you’re worried about overcooking, check at 3 minutes!
So easy and so delicious! These steak bites would also be great on my Steak Cobb Salad! If you prefer to grill, try these Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs. Want to try different types of steak?
Air Fryer Steak Bites FAQs
How to cook air fryer steak bites with garlic butter?
I just add plain butter to mine, but these would be great with garlic butter. It’s so easy to whip up some easy garlic butter at home and add it before serving!
Can I make spicy air fryer steak bites?
While steak isn’t usually a type of protein that I make super spicy, here’s a spicy steak marinade that you could swap for the one in the recipe before following the air fryer directions.
Can I make these steak bites without an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you could use the marinade in this recipe and cook whole steaks on the grill. Or if you like the idea of bites, cut the meat as directed, thread them onto skewers and cook them like kabobs on the grill!
Can I use a different cut of steak?
I would recommend sirloin or strip steak for this recipe. Or you could try a boneless ribeye.
Do I need to flip steak in the air fryer?
No need to flip, but I do like to give my cubes a shake about halfway through cooking!
What do I serve with steak bites? What’s the best side dish to serve with steak bites?
These steak bites pair well with just about any vegetable and your favorite carb! Keep it simple and pair with some roasted green beans and potatoes. A few other side dish ideas: Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta, Maple Bacon Carrots or Pesto Corn Salad!
What temperature do you air fry steak?
400 degrees Fahrenheit works great!
How long can you marinate the steak before cooking in the air fryer?
You can marinate for just an hour or two, or up to 24 hours!
Are there any gluten-free marinade options for air fryer steak bites?
Homemade marinades can easily be made gluten-free. Oil and red wine vinegar is a great combination for liquids or just add a little oil and your favorite spices for more of a wet rub marinade.
Are air fryer steak bites good for meal prep? How long do they last in the fridge?
Yes! These are great for meal prep. They’re good for 3-4 days in the fridge after cooking.
Enjoy!
–Lindsay–
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Just made this and it was so easy! The steak came out super tender as well. Thanks for the quick recipe!
These were great! Even my 5 year old ate them and he’s never liked steak before!
I don’t typically like steak, but man! This was DELICIOUS!!!!!
These were incredible! I’m very picky about steak and this is my new go-to recipe! Absolutely loved it.