Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for air fryer garlic steak bites, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Sirloin Steak – I tested this air fryer steak bites recipe with beef pieces of different sizes, and what works best depends on how done you like it. Cut your sirloin steak into 1.5-inch cubes for less done bites and 1-inch cubes for well-done bites. You could use another cut of steak, like ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip. Olive Oil – Locks in moisture and flavor. You could also use avocado oil or any oil of choice. Worcestershire Sauce – Although optional, I recommend adding this for depth of flavor and to help tenderize the meat. Seasonings – Smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. You could also use a steak marinade or Montreal steak seasoning instead. Compound Butter – We add this at the end so that it doesn’t burn during the cooking process. This makes it easy to adjust the amount to your liking, too. You can also just serve with melted compound butter on the side, or make chimichurri sauce with fresh herbs instead.
How To Make Steak Bites In The Air Fryer
This section shows how to make air fryer steak bites, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
How Long To Cook Steak Bites In Air Fryer?
After preheating, air fry steak bites for about 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees F for medium rare steak bites. Prefer a different level of doneness? Follow this time chart, and keep in mind the internal temperature will rise another few degrees after cooking. The great thing about air fryer steak bites is they cook super fast!
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat: The best way is to warm up steak bites in the air fryer again! Just heat them at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes. Freeze: Let the steak bites cool, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once they are solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or in a zip lock bag submerged in cold water on the counter, before reheating.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Steak Bites
These juicy steak bites are versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or as the main course for a rushed dinner like I did. Here are some simple side dishes to try:
Don’t crowd the air fryer. Steak bites should be in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches if they don’t all fit. Flipping is not required. Since the cook time is so short, the pieces are small, and the air fryer circulates air, flipping is not necessary. You can flip them if you like, though. Cook longer for a brown crust. Air fryer steak bites won’t get a browned crust if you want them done medium or less, but they turn out extra juicy and tender to make up for that. (Worth it!) You can get some browning if you cook them to medium well or well done, though. Use a meat thermometer. Cook time varies depending on the size you cut the pieces and your exact air fryer, which is why meat thermometer is very handy.
Classic Steak Sides – If you want to make this a main course, serve these with classics like sauteed mushrooms or an air fryer baked potato. I served mine with some air fryer broccoli that I cooked right before. Vegetables – Complement the bites with bacon wrapped asparagus, some sauteed veggies, or for a cozy meal, make creamy spinach. Salad – Pair this appetizer with a healthy salad, such as a crisp kale salad, zesty arugula salad, or a fresh garden salad. You can even serve them on top of your salad! My personal fave is a wedge salad with these on the side, which reminds me of a happy hour meal I get at one of my favorite steakhouses. More Appetizers – Make a game day spread with more appetizers, like crispy buffalo wings, sweet bacon wrapped shrimp, and creamy spinach dip with veggies or crackers.
More Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes
I love using my air fryer to whip up quick and easy appetizers! If you liked these air fryer steak bites, try these appetizers next: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info does not include the optional Worcestershire sauce.
