If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal, air fryer steak bites are the perfect solution. These tender, juicy steak bites are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, giving you the satisfying taste of steak with less oil and fat. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, the air fryer makes preparing steak bites incredibly easy. In this article, we’ll dive into the health benefits of air fryer steak bites, share some cooking tips, and show you how to make this delicious dish at home.
Prep Time:5minutes
Cook Time:4minutes
Total Time:9minutes
Servings:4
Tools
- The Cosori Air Fryer
- Thermometer with Instant Readout
- The Butcher’s Block
- Bottle of Spray
Ingredients
For the Bits of Steak
- 16 ounces (450 grams) of thick-cut sirloin or ribeye steak
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- A teaspoon of garlic powder
- One teaspoon of mild Cajun seasoning
- A teaspoon of dried parsley
- A teaspoon of sweet paprika
- ▢ Two teaspoons of brown sugar or Sukrin Gold
- ▢½ teaspoon salt
Regarding the garlic butter
- Three tablespoons of softened unsalted butter
To serve
- Fresh leaves of thyme
- Crushed chilli flakes in a pinch
- To taste, add salt and pepper.
Directions
- Cut the steak into cubes of uniform size. Use a spray bottle or drizzle some olive oil over the meat. Mix up all the seasonings and liberally sprinkle them over the meat pieces.
- Set aside the remaining seasoning mixture and combine it with the melted butter.
- Set an air fryer to 400ºF (200°C) for 5 minutes. We want our steak bits to sizzle as soon as they land in the air fryer basket, so don’t neglect this step!
- Place the meat in a single layer in the air fryer and cook it for just four to six minutes, shaking it once. The steak can be well browned while still being juicy and soft within thanks to the short cooking time!
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Serve the steak bites with the garlicky butter – either brushing some on the beef as soon as it comes out of the air fryer or melting in a saucepan and drizzling over the steak bites when serving.
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Add fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of chilli flakes and dig in!
Notes
- Air fryers are all different so you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your model and how you like your steak cooked.
- Make sure to cook the steak bites in a single layer, without overcrowding them on the air fryer basket. If you overfill the air fryer the steak will not be able to cook properly.
- A meat thermometer is the best way to check if the steak is cooked to your preference – take a look at this cooking guide below. I recommend cooking rare to medium otherwise your steak bites can end up being tough and chewy.
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- Medium Rare 130–135°F 54–57°C
- Medium 135–145°F 57–63°C
- Medium Well 145–155°F 63–68°C
- Well Done 155°F+ 68°C+
Nutritional Profile of Air Fryer Steak Bites (per 4 oz serving of lean steak)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200-250 calories |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Fat | 10-12g |
| Saturated Fat | 3-4g |
| Cholesterol | 60-70mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Iron | 15-20% of daily value |
Health Advantages of Air Fryer Steak Bites:
- Rich in Protein: Steak serves as a fantastic source of protein, crucial for muscle development, recovery, and overall bodily functions. A serving of air fryer steak bites delivers a substantial quantity of protein that aids in building strength and keeping you satisfied.
- Reduced Fat: Air frying harnesses hot air circulation to prepare food, necessitating much less oil than traditional frying. Consequently, air fryer steak bites are lower in fat and calories, making them an excellent choice for those aiming to control their weight or decrease their intake of unhealthy fats.
- High in Iron: Steak is a valuable source of heme iron, which the body absorbs easily. Iron plays a vital role in maintaining healthy blood levels and preventing iron-deficiency anemia, making steak bites a valuable addition to your diet.
- No Carbs or Sugars: Air fryer steak bites are inherently devoid of carbohydrates and sugars, making them a superb option for individuals adhering to low-carb, keto, or paleo diets. They provide an ideal choice for a protein-dense, carb-free meal.
Packed with Essential Nutrients: Beyond protein and iron, steak also offers other vital nutrients such as B-vitamins (notably B12) and zinc, which are imperative for immune health, energy generation, and cellular repair.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Steak Bites
Preparing steak bites in the air fryer is not only quick and straightforward, but also guarantees that they turn out perfectly tender and juicy. Here are some top-notch cooking tips to help you maximize the potential of your air fryer:
1. Select the Right Cut of Steak
The ideal cuts for air fryer steak bites are those that cook swiftly and stay tender. Great choices include ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin. These cuts strike a chord with a blend of flavor and tenderness, making them perfect for bite-sized portions.
Tip: Opt for steaks roughly 1-inch thick to ensure uniform cooking.
2. Season Your Steak Bites Generously
A basic seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder works wonders for steak bites. Nevertheless, feel free to explore with your spices! Consider incorporating paprika, rosemary, thyme, or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for added zest.
Tip: Marinate your steak bites for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to cooking to boost flavor and tenderness.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Similar to an oven, it’s crucial to preheat your air fryer before cooking. Preheating ensures that your steak bites cook uniformly and develop that tantalizing crispy outer layer.
Tip: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes before introducing the steak.
4. Avoid Overcrowding the Basket
For optimal results, make sure the steak bites are evenly spaced within the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking, inhibiting the steak from achieving proper crispiness.
Tip: If necessary, cook the steak bites in batches to allow sufficient space for effective hot air circulation.
5. Cook at the Correct Temperature and Duration
For medium-rare steak bites, cook them at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred doneness.
Tip: Employ a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—125°F (51.5°C) for medium-rare, 135°F (57°C) for medium, and 145°F (63°C) for medium-well.
6. Allow the Steak to Rest Before Serving
After removing the steak bites from the air fryer, let them rest for a few moments. Resting distributes the juices, ensuring the steak bites remain juicy and flavorful.
Tip: Loosely cover the steak bites with foil while they rest to keep them warm.
7. Serve with Nutritious Sides
To enhance your meal’s nutrition, pair your air fryer steak bites with healthy sides like roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed cauliflower. These sides complement the rich flavor of steak while maintaining balance in your meal.
