CrispenAir Fryer Steak Bites
Browned, juicy sirloin bites in sizzling garlic butter, in 6 minutes of cooking.
Air fry 1-inch sirloin cubes at 400°F for 5 minutes, toss them in garlic butter, then air fry 1 more minute until the garlic is golden and the biggest bite reads 145°F. Adding the butter at the end is the trick: the garlic toasts instead of burning.
Steak bites are the fastest way to get steakhouse flavor from an air fryer. Small cubes have lots of surface, so every piece gets a browned crust while the middle stays juicy and pink. Top sirloin is tender enough for high heat and affordable enough for a weeknight. The garlic butter goes on for the final minute, where it sizzles onto the hot beef.
Steak Bites: times for every size
| What | Temp | Time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 lb sirloin, 1-inch cubes | 400°F | 5 min + 1 min | toss in garlic butter before the last minute |
| Smaller ¾-inch cubes | 400°F | 4 min + 1 min | check 145°F early |
| Larger 1½-inch cubes | 400°F | 8-9 min + 1 min | shake halfway |
| 2 lb steak, in 2 batches | 400°F | 5 min + 1 min per batch | one layer each time |
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Air Fryer Steak Bites
1 lb sirloin · garlic butter · Prep 10 min · Cook 9 min · Total 19 min
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes. Toss the steak with the oil, salt, garlic powder, pepper and paprika.
- 2
Mix the melted butter and minced garlic in a large bowl.
- 3
Preheat the air fryer.
3 min
- 4
Spray the basket tray. Spread the steak bites on it in one layer. Cook in batches if needed.
- 5
Air fry the steak bites.
5 min at 400°F
- 6
Toss the steak bites in the garlic butter and put them back in the basket.
- 7
Air fry the steak bites until the garlic is browned.
1 min
- 8
Serve the steak bites right away.
How to tell it's done
Browned with golden garlic. The thickest piece should read 145°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Nutrition per serving
Estimated per serving from USDA FoodData Central values for the ingredients.
Tips for the best results
- Cut even 1-inch cubes. Same-size pieces finish at the same time. Trim off thick fat and gristle as you go.
- Pat the steak dry before seasoning. Dry meat browns. Wet meat steams and turns gray.
- Spread them out in one layer. A little space around each bite gives you a browned crust. Give the basket a quick shake halfway for even color.
- Garlic butter goes on at the end. Minced garlic burns fast at 400°F. One minute is enough to toast it golden.
- Check the biggest bite with a thermometer. Steak bites go from juicy to chewy in a minute or two, so take them out at 145°F.
Variations
Steak bites and potatoes
Air fry 1 lb halved baby potatoes at 400°F for 15-18 minutes first and keep them warm. Cook the steak bites, then toss everything in the garlic butter.
Steak bites with mushrooms
Air fry 8 oz halved cremini mushrooms, tossed with a little oil and salt, at 400°F for 8 minutes. Set them aside, cook the steak, then toss both in the garlic butter.
Ribeye steak bites
Use ribeye or New York strip at the same time and temperature. They're richer than sirloin, so you can cut the butter to 2 tbsp.
Cajun steak bites
Swap the paprika and garlic powder for 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, and skip the salt if your blend is salty.
Storing and reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, just until warm. Any longer and the steak overcooks and turns chewy.
Questions
How long do you cook steak bites in the air fryer?
5 minutes at 400°F for 1-inch cubes, then 1 more minute after tossing them in garlic butter. That brings the center to 145°F. Smaller ¾-inch cubes need about 4 minutes plus 1, and 1½-inch cubes about 8-9 minutes plus 1.
What is the best cut of beef for steak bites?
Top sirloin is the best value. It's tender, beefy and lean enough to stay juicy at high heat. Ribeye and New York strip work too and taste richer. Skip stew meat, which comes from tough cuts that need slow cooking.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for steak bites?
Yes. With only 6 minutes of cooking, a 3-minute preheat is the difference between a browned crust and gray steak. The cubes need to hit hot air straight away.
How do I know when steak bites are done?
Check the biggest cube with an instant-read thermometer. At 145°F they're done, with a juicy, slightly pink middle. Like them more done? Add 1-2 minutes before the garlic butter goes on.
Why are my air fryer steak bites tough?
They're usually overcooked or from a tough cut. Use sirloin, ribeye or strip, keep the cubes at about 1 inch, and take them out as soon as they reach 145°F.
Never guess an air fryer time again
- Save a recipe from any video or website in two taps, converted for your air fryer
- Lots of chef-curated air fryer recipes, from crispy wings to cookies
- Turn a craving into a full recipe with AI
- Remember every cook, so you nail it every time after
Join the waitlist and get the founder price at launch.
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