Published
I love enjoying a good steak at home, but sometimes I don’t want to deal with the hassle of firing up the grill or heating a cast-iron skillet. These Air Fryer Steak Bites are my favorite compromise because they deliver everything I need to curb my steak cravings. They’re juicy, tender, and packed with smoky flavor from a simple homemade seasoning mix. It’s the perfect easy protein for busy weeknights, ready and on the table in just 15 minutes.
Pin this recipe for later!
Pin ItI make these steak bites all the time when I’m craving something hearty but don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen. The air fryer gives them that perfect sear without any mess, and the seasoning adds just the right balance of smoky and savory flavor. I usually stick with my go-to blend of paprika, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar, but sometimes I mix it up with a pinch of cayenne or a sprinkle of dried herbs. It’s one of those recipes I come back to again and again because it’s simple, satisfying, and never fails to hit the spot.
Tips for Beginners
- Cut evenly for best results. Try to keep your steak cubes roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Smaller pieces will cook faster and get more browned edges, while larger cubes will stay extra juicy inside.
- Check doneness with a thermometer. The best way to avoid overcooking is to use an instant-read thermometer. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium. Remember, the temperature will rise slightly as the steak rests.
- Always preheat your air fryer. Starting with a hot air fryer gives the steak bites a beautiful sear and that crave-worthy crust. It only takes a few minutes and makes a big difference in texture and flavor.
- Add extra flavor with a quick marinade. If you have a little extra time, toss the steak cubes with the olive oil and seasonings and let them marinate for 20–30 minutes before cooking. It helps the flavors soak in and makes the steak even more tender and flavorful.
Air Fryer Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ lbs steak cut into bite-sized cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Combine the seasoning in a small dish.1 tsp salt, 1 tsp brown sugar, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp chili powder, ¼ tsp oregano, ¼ tsp pepper
- Toss the steak cubes in the seasoning and olive oil.1 tbsp olive oil, 1½ lbs steak
- Place the steak in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Do this in 2 batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 4-5 minutes for medium. See notes.
- Serve with your favorite steak sauce.
Becky’s Tips
- Optional: Add 1 tbsp melted butter and minced garlic at the end for a garlic butter version.
- Rare to medium rare: 3-4 minutes
- Medium well: 5-6 minutes
- Well: 6+ minutes
- Cooking times may vary.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites Step by Step
Gather the Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients together. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes to ensure a hot, even cook.
Make the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp brown sugar, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp chili powder, ¼ tsp oregano, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
Season the steak: Add 1½ lbs of steak, cut into bite-sized cubes, to a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning mix over the top. Toss until all the steak pieces are well coated.
Air fry the steak bites: Arrange the seasoned steak cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in two batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 4–5 minutes for medium doneness, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
Rest and serve: Let the steak bites rest for a couple of minutes, then serve warm with your favorite steak sauce or a drizzle of garlic butter.
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat great (be careful not to overcook them) in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. I like to make a double batch and keep a few portions in the freezer for quick, high-protein lunches during the week.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these air fryer steak bites with roasted potatoes or on top of risotto. They’re also great over saffron rice, mashed cauliflower, or even tucked into a caesar salad for extra protein. When I’m making them for guests, I’ll toss them in garlic butter and serve them with toothpicks as a fun, bite-sized appetizer. However you serve them, they always feel like a treat without much effort.
