These Air Fryer Steak Bites are juicy on the inside, nicely browned on the outside and ready in under 15 minutes. An easy steak dinner with simple ingredients.
And for another super easy air fryer dinner, try my juicy bone-in pork chops next!
I never thought I'd say this, but cooking steak in the air fryer has officially become my favorite way to do it. And these are the best air fryer steak bites you'll ever taste!
I love my air fryer anyway, but the fact that I get juicy, properly browned steak bites with zero splatter and hardly any cleanup has completely won me over.
If you're already a fan of easy air fryer dinners like these thin pork chops or my air fryer marinated chicken thighs, this one's going to fit right into your regular rotation.
Why you'll love these air fryer steak bites
- You can have them ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish
- The air fryer gives you great browning without drying the steak out
- Perfect for quick dinners, protein bowls or meal prep
What you'll need
Steak: This recipe works best with tender cuts that cook quickly. My go-tos are sirloin, thick ribeye or strip steak.
I avoid tougher cuts like round or flank here, as they tend to turn chewy in the air fryer.
Seasoning: I use a not-so-hot Cajun seasoning plus garlic powder and dried parsley. For other ideas, check out the Substitutions and Variations section below.
Oil: You only need a bit of olive oil to make the seasoning stick to the steak bites. Any other neutral oil works.
Maple syrup: This is optional, but it adds a lovely sweetness and slight stickiness to the steak bites!
Pro tip
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket! Work in batches if needed to prevent the steak bites from steaming.
How to make steak bites in the air fryer
This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F / 200°C for about 5 minutes so it's nice and hot.
Add the steak cubes to a bowl with the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, dried parsley, maple syrup, salt and black pepper.
Toss everything really well until the steak is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-7 minutes, shaking once halfway, until browned on the outside but still juicy inside.
How do I know if the steak bites are done?
Because air fryers vary slightly, use this as a guide rather than an exact rule.
- Rare to medium-rare: 4-5 minutes
- Medium: 6-7 minutes
- Medium-well to well done: 8 minutes or slightly longer
If you're unsure, a quick-read thermometer is your best friend. I use it all the time.
Substitutions and variations
- Swap the Cajun seasoning for smoked paprika and a pinch of chili flakes for a slightly smoky, gently spicy version.
- Transform these into garlic butter steak bites. Toss the cooked steak with melted butter and freshly minced garlic, then return to the air fryer for 30 seconds.
- Or simply serve them steakhouse-style, finished with butter, cracked black pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
Helpful tips
- You don't need to marinate steak bites for this recipe. Tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye cook best with simple seasoning.
- This recipe works with frozen steak, but it's best to thaw it first. Frozen steak releases moisture as it cooks, which makes it harder to get a good sear.
- Don't forget to flip or shake the steak halfway. This helps them brown evenly on all sides and prevents one side from overcooking.
What to serve with air fryer steak bites
- Air fryer potatoes or sweet potato fries
- Over rice or cauliflower rice for an easy bowl
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Stuffed into wraps or served with flatbread and sauce
- They're also great as a protein add-on for salads or grain bowls.
Leftovers and storage
- Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 180°C for 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to toughen the steak.
- I wouldn't recommend freezing these, as reheated steak bites can lose their tenderness.
More cozy air fryer recipes
If you've tried this air fryer steak bites recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below! I'd love to hear how it turned out.
And if you're looking for more delicious inspiration, follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest!
Air Fryer Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pound sirloin steak cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 400ºF / 200°C for 5 minutes.
- Place the steak cubes in a bowl and add the olive oil, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, dried parsley, maple syrup, salt and ground black pepper.1 pound sirloin steak1 tablespoon olive oil1 tablespoon cajun seasoning1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon dried parsley1 tablespoon maple syrup½ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Toss everything well to coat the steak cubes evenly into the mixture.
- Transfer the steak bites to the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer and air fry for 6-7 minutes, shaking once halfway. They should be browned and have a bit of a crust yet still juicy and tender inside.
- Allow the steak bites to rest for a couple of minutes, then serve warm.
Video
Notes
- Cut the steak into even cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Do NOT skip the preheating step! This is essential for the meat to get a quick sear.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; always work in a single layer.
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