If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, tender, and ready in a snap, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe. These little bites of juicy top sirloin steak, perfectly seasoned and kissed with a garlicky butter finish, will quickly become a go-to for dinner or even a special appetizer. The air fryer cooks the steak quickly while locking in all that savory goodness, giving you a rich, hearty meal without the wait or mess of traditional cooking. Whether you want a quick weeknight fix or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this recipe is packed with bold, balanced flavors you won’t forget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful part of this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe is how straightforward yet impactful the ingredients are. Each one plays a clear role — from the rich, juicy steak in the spotlight to the spice blend that adds a perfect punch of flavor and the buttery garlic coating that seals the deal with richness and aroma.
- 16 oz top sirloin filet: This cut is tender and flavorful, ideal for bite-sized pieces that cook quickly and stay juicy.
- ½ tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the steak and ensures a nice crust during air frying.
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory spices and helps caramelize the steak slightly.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors of the steak.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a sharp, peppery kick that complements the richness of the meat.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds warmth and subtle smokiness without overwhelming the palate.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a mellow, savory garlic flavor that works beautifully with the steak.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the savory notes and adds complexity to the seasoning mix.
- 1½ tablespoons butter: Used for tossing the cooked steak, it adds luxurious richness and helps the garlic and herbs cling.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (for butter): Intensifies the garlic flavor in the finishing sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Brings a gentle heat that awakens the taste buds.
- ¼ teaspoon parsley flakes: Adds a fresh, green note and a pop of color to the finished dish.
How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Steak Bites
Start by tossing the steak bites with olive oil to create a nice, even coating that will help the seasoning stick and the meat to sear beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning Blend
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. This blend strikes a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors that will elevate each bite.
Step 3: Season the Steak
Coat each steak piece evenly with your seasoning mix. Take a moment to ensure every bite is well-covered because this is where the flavor magic begins.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the steak cooks evenly and develops a nice crust.
Step 5: Air Fry the Steak Bites
Place the seasoned steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get a golden sear. Adjust the cooking time depending on your preferred level of doneness.
Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and parsley flakes until fully combined for a luscious garlic butter coating.
Step 7: Toss and Coat
Once the steak bites are done, immediately toss them in the garlic butter mixture. This finishing step adds a silky richness and loads of flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
How to Serve Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra red pepper flakes not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a fresh herbal aroma or a spicy kick, depending on what you choose.
Side Dishes
These steak bites pair beautifully with a light salad, roasted veggies, or fluffy mashed potatoes. If you want a heartier meal, garlic bread or crispy fries make excellent companions for this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the steak bites on skewers with grilled vegetables in between pieces, or pile them over a bed of creamy risotto or quinoa for a complete, crowd-friendly platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic butter separate if possible to reheat and toss before serving for maximum freshness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze for later, place the cooked steak bites in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing excess air. They will stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the steak bites in the air fryer or a skillet on medium heat to keep them juicy and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain their delicious texture and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While top sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can try flank steak or ribeye as well. Just adjust cooking times since different cuts have varying thicknesses and fat content.
How do I know when the steak bites are cooked to my liking?
The air fryer cooks quickly, so 4 minutes will give you medium-rare, while 6 minutes edges closer to medium-well. Shake the basket halfway to ensure even cooking and check doneness by cutting into a piece.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes, but the butter adds a luxurious richness and helps the garlic and herbs cling to the steak bites. For a dairy-free version, try tossing the cooked steak in a high-quality olive oil infused with garlic and herbs instead.
Is the Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe spicy?
The recipe has a gentle warmth from chili powder and red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice to your preference by reducing or omitting the chili powder and red pepper flakes or adding more for a kick.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook the steak bites in batches if needed to ensure each piece crisps up perfectly rather than steaming.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves juicy, flavorful steak with minimal fuss. The combination of simple, quality ingredients and the magic of the air fryer means you get a delicious, tender meal ready fast that everyone will ask to have again. Give it a try tonight and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your cooking rotation!
Print
Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Steak Bites are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender, juicy pieces of top sirloin seasoned with a blend of spices and finished with a delicious garlic butter coating. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they are cooked quickly in the air fryer for a crispy outside and a tender inside.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 16 oz top sirloin filet, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ tablespoon (8g) olive oil
- ½ tablespoon (6g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons (21g) butter
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon parsley flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the steak: Toss the bite-sized top sirloin pieces with olive oil to coat evenly.
- Mix seasoning: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the seasoning mix.
- Season steak bites: Coat the steak pieces evenly with the seasoning mixture and set aside to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 5 minutes.
- Air fry steak bites: Place the seasoned steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Adjust time for desired doneness.
- Make garlic butter sauce: While the steak cooks, melt butter in a small bowl and stir in garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and parsley flakes until well combined.
- Toss steak in butter: Once the steak bites are cooked, toss them in the prepared garlic butter until fully coated.
- Serve: Serve the steak bites immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired for extra color and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust air frying time depending on your air fryer model and steak thickness.
- For medium-rare, cook closer to 4 minutes; for medium-well, cook up to 6 minutes.
- Use fresh parsley garnish for enhanced presentation and flavor.
- This recipe works well with other cuts of steak like ribeye or filet mignon.
- Allow steak to rest a couple of minutes after air frying before serving for juicier bites.
