Air Fryer Steak Bites

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4.72 from 7 votes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings 4 servings

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My easy air fryer steak bites are filled with garlic butter flavor and are perfect for weeknights. They cook in less than 10 minutes using simple ingredients and I can get that flavorful sear without firing up the grill!

Close up of the cooked air fryer steak bites covered in garlic butter.
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Samantha’s Recipe Highlights

They cook in just minutes. Air fryer recipes already cook faster than the oven and cutting the steak into bite-sized pieces allows them to cook even faster!

They get that real sear and not just baked. They not only air fry at 400°F to get an extra hot cook, but also cook in a preheated air fryer so they can get that sear the entire time they cook.

Filled with garlic butter flavor. I do not skimp on flavor when I make steak bites in the air fryer. They may only use 6 ingredients, but they are filled with garlic and butter flavor in every single bite.

How Long to Cook Steak Bites in the Air Fryer + Doneness Chart

The exact cooking time depends on the size of the steak cubes and desired doneness, but I’ve created a cooking chart to use when air frying the steak bites at 400°F.

I always err on the side of underdone and use a meat thermometer to check on the actual temperature. Pulling the steak a few degrees before the target temperature and letting them rest will keep them juicier and avoid overcooking.

DonenessCook TimeInternal Temperature
Rare6-7 minutes120-125°F
Medium-rare7-8 minutes130-135°F
Medium10 minutes140-145°F
Medium-well12 minutes150-155°F

Best Cut of Steak to Use

Sirloin is my first choice for my air fryer steak bites recipe because it balances tenderness, flavor, and value. It’s forgiving in the air fryer and stays super juicy when cooked to medium-rare or medium.

If I want something extra indulgent, ribeye is my go-to! The additional marbling means I get irresistibly rich steak bites, but be aware it can create a little more smoke because of the higher fat content.

New York strip is another excellent option that has a firmer texture and beefier flavor, but it still stays tender when cut into cubes. 

Ingredients needed to make steak bites in the air fryer: sirloin steak, oil, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Key Ingredients and Tips

  • Steak – I usually choose sirloin because it’s affordable, tender, and cooks beautifully in the air fryer. Ribeye or New York strip also work well if I want something richer.
  • Olive oil – This helps the seasonings stick and encourages better browning. Avocado oil is another great option! Any neutral, high-smoke-point oil works well.
  • Butter – The base of the rich garlic butter I use to toss the steak bites before air frying that takes them to the next level.
  • Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds bold flavor that pairs perfectly with steak. I prefer fresh over garlic powder here.
  • Salt and black pepper – Simple seasoning lets the beef shine while enhancing the natural flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

STEP TWO: Cut the sirloin steak into 1½-inch cubes then pat them dry using paper towel.

STEP THREE: In a bowl, whisk together the oil, melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper to form the sauce. Then add the cubed steak to the sauce bowl and toss together until every piece is coated.

Raw steak bites in an air fryer basket.
Cooked to medium rare steak bites in an air fryer basket.

STEP FOUR: Transfer them to the air fryer basket or tray and air fry them for about 7-8 minutes, depending on doneness. Flip them halfway through the cooking time

STEP FIVE: Remove them from the air fryer and let rest for at least 3 minutes, then enjoy!

Expert Tips

  • Cut the steak into even cubes so they will cook at the same rate.
  • Only cook as much steak as fits in one layer in your air fryer. Leave some room between the pieces for even cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
  • Toss the steak thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce for maximum flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to keep track of the internal temperature and avoid overcooking the steak.
  • Let them rest for at least 3 minutes, then enjoy immediately for the best taste.

What to Serve with Steak Bites

When I want some nice veggies on the plate with air fryer steak bites, I’ll whip up my air fryer baby carrots or air fryer asparagus with Parmesan for something quick and easy!

If I’m in the mood for a classic meat-and-potatoes combination, I pair steak bites in the air fryer with baby potatoes in the air fryer or air fryer smashed baby potatoes. Bonus: potatoes give the garlic butter something delicious to soak into!

Variations

  • Switch up the spices by using Cajun or Italian seasoning or add in some garlic powder for extra flavor.
  • Use a store-bought steak seasoning to add flavor and convenience. My favorite is McCormick.
  • For an Asian-inspired twist, marinate the steak in soy sauce or teriyaki.
  • Add thyme or rosemary to the melted butter.
  • Sprinkle Parmesan or blue cheese crumbles over the steak bites after cooking.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat any leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for about 2 to 3 minutes.

Ways to Use Leftovers

  • Steak bowls – I love using leftovers in my steak bowls along with rice, corn, tomatoes, and beans. The garlic butter flavor matches it perfectly.
  • Steak quesadillas – These fit great inside quesadillas and I’m obsessed with the flavor boost it brings them!
  • Air fryer nachos – Switch out the ground beef for steak bites and these are a match made in heaven, and super easy!
  • Shrimp fried rice – But make it steak fried rice. Swap out the shrimp for leftover steak bites and it’s a new flavorful kind of fried rice.
  • Steak and egg breakfast hash – Toss the leftovers in with some potatoes and fry up an egg to go on top.
  • Loaded baked potato – Split a potato, add the steak, cheese, and a little sour cream on top.
Steak bites with garlic butter sauce on them on a white plate.

Common Questions People Ask

Do I need to marinate steak bites?

The garlic butter mixture in my recipe brings enough flavor to the steak that marinating is not needed. But, feel free to marinate the steak bites for a different flavor variation!

Do I need to flip steak bites in the air fryer?

I like to flip the steak bites about halfway through cooking. It isn’t absolutely required, but it helps all sides brown more evenly and prevents one side from getting more color than the others.

Why are my air fryer steak bites tough?

The most common culprit of tough steak is overcooking. Because steak bites are small, they cook fast, and even an extra minute can push them from tender to chewy.

I’ve also found that using a lean or lower-quality cut and cutting uneven pieces can affect the final texture. Starting with a well-marbled steak, cooking at high heat while keeping an eye on the time, and finishing with garlic butter helps keep every bite tender.

How do you get a good sear on steak in an air fryer?

I always preheat my air fryer to 400°F before adding the steak. Starting with a hot air fryer helps the outside of each steak bite get that nice sear before the inside overcooks.

I also pat the steak dry really well before seasoning. Excess moisture creates steam and prevents the garlic butter coating from sticking well, which can ruin the sear on the outside.

Close up of the steak bites with one with a bite taken out of it to see the inside.

More Air Fryer Steak Recipes

4.72 from 7 votes

Easy Air Fryer Steak Bites (Garlic Butter Flavor!)

I love how easy these garlic butter steak bites are. The air fryer gives them a nice sear without me hauling out the grill, and they only take 6 simple ingredients.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions 

  • Preheat the air fryer 400°F.
  • Cut steak into 1½-inch cubes then pat them dry using a paper towel.
  • Whisk together oil, melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper then add steak to bowl and toss together with sauce until coated.
  • Place the steak cubes in the air fryer and air fry for 7-8 minutes for medium-rare and up to 12 minutes for medium-well (use the chart below for exact timing for each doneness level). Flip them halfway through the cooking time.
  • Remove them from the air fryer and let rest for at least 3 minutes, then enjoy!

Notes

How to reheat steak bites:

Cook leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for about 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through.

Doneness Chart:

    • Rare: 6 to 7 minutes (120 to 125°F)
    • Medium rare: 7 to 8 minutes (130 to 135°F)
    • Medium: 10 minutes (140 to 145°F)
    • Medium-well: 12 minutes (150 to 155°F)

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 1014mg | Potassium: 593mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.02g | Vitamin A: 176IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 3mg

This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.

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Hi, I'm Samantha!

Welcome to Everyday Family Cooking. I’m Samantha, a stay-at-home-mom of 2. I’m here to make cooking easier for your whole family and help you find new recipes to put in your regular rotation!

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4.72 from 7 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




7 Comments

  1. Claudia says:

    5 stars
    I reduced the amount steak bites since I am cooking for just one. I enjoyed this recipe very much

    1. Sam says:

      So happy to hear that you loved the recipe, Claudia!

  2. Linda says:

    5 stars
    EXCELLENT

  3. Jan Dodd says:

    5 stars
    WOW! Easy and delicious! The seasonings are stop on, juicy, tender!
    This recipe is a keeper!

    1. Sam says:

      I’m thrilled to hear you loved the steak bites, Jan!

  4. Daryn says:

    4 stars
    This one is going into the regular rotation!

    1. Sam says:

      Love it! Thank you for sharing, Daryn.