Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, these Air Fryer Steak Bites are the ultimate quick dinner or snack! Perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection, they’re ideal for busy weeknights, game day appetizers, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and delicious.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick Cooking – Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep.
Full of Flavor – Perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices that enhances the beef without overpowering it.
Minimal Ingredients – Simple pantry staples are all you need.
Versatile – Great as a main dish, salad topping, or appetizer.
Kid-Friendly – Bite-sized and packed with flavor that the whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak Bites:
1 lb beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme (optional for extra flavor)
For the Garlic Butter (optional but recommended):
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Tongs
Air fryer
Small saucepan (for garlic butter)
Serving plate
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
This helps ensure the steak bites cook evenly and develop a nice sear.
Step 2: Season the Steak
In a large mixing bowl, add the steak cubes.
Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Avoid overcrowding to allow even cooking and browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 4: Cook the Steak Bites
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Cook longer for more well-done bites or less if you prefer them medium-rare.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter
While the steak bites are cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in chopped parsley and set aside.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once the steak bites are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate.
Drizzle with the warm garlic butter and toss gently to coat.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Steak Bites
Use High-Quality Beef – Sirloin or ribeye are great choices for tender, juicy bites.
Cut Evenly – Uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd – Cook in batches to allow hot air to circulate around the steak bites.
Monitor Cooking Time – Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on them to achieve your preferred doneness.
Rest Before Serving – Let the steak bites rest for a minute or two after cooking for juicier results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of crispy fries or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
Toss onto a fresh green salad for a hearty protein boost.
Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash.
Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks and a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Freeze cooked steak bites by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals until heated through, being careful not to overcook.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! You can use tenderloin, New York strip, or even a well-marbled chuck for delicious results. - What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can cook the steak bites in a very hot skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until cooked to your liking. - Can I marinate the steak beforehand?
Definitely! Marinating in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours can add even more flavor. - Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning blend for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Steak Bites are everything you want in a quick and satisfying meal: flavorful, juicy, and ready in minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to impress.
Try it today and bring the steakhouse experience right into your own kitchen. Happy cooking!
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 420mg

Air Fryer Steak Bites
- Total Time: 13 minutes
Description
Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, these Air Fryer Steak Bites are the ultimate quick dinner or snack! Perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection, they’re ideal for busy weeknights, game day appetizers, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and delicious.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
1 lb beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme (optional for extra flavor)
For the Garlic Butter (optional but recommended):
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
This helps ensure the steak bites cook evenly and develop a nice sear.
Step 2: Season the Steak
In a large mixing bowl, add the steak cubes.
Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Avoid overcrowding to allow even cooking and browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 4: Cook the Steak Bites
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Cook longer for more well-done bites or less if you prefer them medium-rare.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter
While the steak bites are cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in chopped parsley and set aside.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once the steak bites are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate.
Drizzle with the warm garlic butter and toss gently to coat.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Use High-Quality Beef – Sirloin or ribeye are great choices for tender, juicy bites.
Cut Evenly – Uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd – Cook in batches to allow hot air to circulate around the steak bites.
Monitor Cooking Time – Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on them to achieve your preferred doneness.
Rest Before Serving – Let the steak bites rest for a minute or two after cooking for juicier results.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Cuisine: American