Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
Tender, juicy sirloin steak bites with a savory garlic-herb crust and perfectly caramelized exterior, ready in minutes with your air fryer.
Ingredients
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">600g sirloin steak (or ribeye), cut into 2.5cm cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp fresh thyme leaves</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp sea salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp freshly ground black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g unsalted butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)</li></ul>
Equipment
<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowl</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Instant-read meat thermometer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Tongs</li></ul>
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Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a better sear in the air fryer. Pat the steak completely dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of a good crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Cut the steak into even 2.5cm cubes, trimming any excess fat. Try to make the cubes as uniform as possible for consistent cooking. If the steak has a strip of fat along the edge, leave a small amount attached for flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the steak cubes and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated. The oil helps the seasonings adhere to the meat and promotes browning during cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3-5 minutes. Preheating is crucial for achieving that initial sear that locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Place the steak bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Work in batches if necessary—overcrowding leads to steaming rather than searing. Leave small spaces between pieces to allow the hot air to circulate.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Cook for 4 minutes, then open the air fryer and flip each steak bite using tongs. Return to the air fryer for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium-rare (internal temperature of 52-54°C). For medium, cook 1-2 minutes longer (57-60°C). Remember the meat will continue cooking slightly after removal.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Check the doneness using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a few different pieces. The steak bites should be golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside. If you notice uneven browning, give the basket a shake halfway through the second cooking interval.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Transfer the cooked steak bites to a warm serving plate and immediately drizzle with melted butter. The residual heat will melt the butter, creating a subtle sauce that enhances the beef's natural flavors and adds a beautiful sheen.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot. The steak bites are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer when they're at their juiciest. For an extra flavor boost, serve with a small dish of flaky sea salt for dipping.</li></ol>
Chef’s Notes
A few helpful details for making this recipe.
Which cuts of beef work best for air fryer steak bites?
Sirloin and ribeye are ideal choices for air fryer steak bites due to their tenderness and marbling. Other good options include strip steak, tenderloin, or rump steak. The key is choosing a cut with some fat marbling for juiciness and flavour when cooked quickly.
What temperature should steak bites reach for medium-rare doneness?
For perfect medium-rare steak bites, aim for an internal temperature of 52-54°C. Medium doneness requires 57-60°C. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check multiple pieces, and remember that meat continues cooking slightly after removal from the air fryer.
How can I prevent my steak from becoming tough in the air fryer?
To prevent tough air-fried steak, bring meat to room temperature before cooking, pat it dry, cut even-sized cubes, don't overcrowd the basket, cook for the recommended time (about 8 minutes total), and use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking.
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