Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin offers a great balance of tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye for a more marbled, rich result or tenderloin for super tender bites. Just adjust cooking time slightly - fattier cuts may need less time, while leaner cuts require careful monitoring to avoid drying out.

My air fryer is small. Can I cook the steak bites in multiple batches?

Yes, cooking in batches is actually preferable to overcrowding! Keep your first batch warm by placing it in a low oven (200°F) while the second batch cooks. Then combine all the steak bites in the garlic butter sauce at the end for consistent flavor.

How do I know when my steak bites are done cooking?

For medium-rare, the steak bites should have a nice brown exterior with a slightly pink center, reaching about 130-135°F internally. If you prefer medium to well-done, add 1-2 more minutes to the cooking time. Remember that they'll continue cooking slightly in the hot butter sauce.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Definitely! You can cook these steak bites in a hot cast iron skillet for about 3-4 minutes total, turning occasionally for even browning. You can also broil them on high for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through. The air fryer just makes the process a bit cleaner and more hands-off.

Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce); 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 3 tablespoons salted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

These mouthwatering Air Fryer Steak Bites are a game-changer for dinner time! Perfectly seasoned chunks of sirloin steak are air fried to juicy perfection and then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 23 minutes, this protein-packed dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort – making it the ultimate weeknight dinner solution when you’re craving something special but short on time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From prep to plate in under 25 minutes! These steak bites are the answer to “what’s for dinner?” when you’re hungry and don’t want to wait.
Incredibly Tender: The air fryer works magic on steak, giving you perfectly cooked, juicy pieces with a beautiful sear without the hassle of a grill or cast iron skillet.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory seasonings, caramelized brown sugar, and that finishing garlic butter sauce creates layers of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Minimal Cleanup: No splattered stovetop or multiple pans to clean. The air fryer contains the mess, making this as convenient as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sirloin Steak: The star of the show! This cut offers the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. Cut it into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the meat and promotes browning in the air fryer.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds that umami depth and slight tanginess that brings out the natural flavors of the beef.
Brown Sugar: Creates beautiful caramelization on the exterior of the steak bites and balances the savory elements.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the meat. Use kosher salt for better control over saltiness.
Black Pepper: Provides that classic steak seasoning punch that pairs perfectly with beef.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming the dish.
Butter: Creates the luxurious sauce base that coats each piece of steak. Use salted butter for extra flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic flavor to the butter sauce. Don’t skimp here – fresh is best!
Fresh Parsley: Brings brightness, color, and a fresh finish to balance the rich flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your steak bites? Here are some delicious options:

Steakhouse Style: Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary and thyme to the seasoning mix for a classic steakhouse flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Double the red pepper flakes and add a dash of cayenne for heat lovers.
Asian-Inspired: Substitute the Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce, add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger to the butter sauce, and finish with green onions instead of parsley.
Surf and Turf Bites: Toss in some cooked shrimp during the last minute of cooking the steak in the garlic butter for an elevated meal.

How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites

Step 1: Season the Steak

In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized steak pieces with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated. The marinade will begin working immediately, but you can let it sit while the air fryer preheats.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes and ensures you get that perfect sear on the outside of the steak.

Step 3: Air Fry the Steak

Arrange the seasoned steak pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving some space between pieces to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches. Air fry for 6 minutes total, flipping the pieces halfway through for even cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the steak is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Transfer the cooked steak bites directly from the air fryer into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat each piece in the luscious sauce. Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will steam rather than sear your steak bites.
Temperature Matters: For medium-rare steak bites, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. For medium, shoot for 135-145°F. Remember, they’ll continue cooking slightly in the hot butter.
Cut Size Is Key: Try to cut your steak into similar-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) to ensure even cooking.
Pat Dry First: Before seasoning, pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve better browning.
Butter Sauce Timing: Have your butter sauce ready to go when the steak comes out of the air fryer. The hot steak will help infuse the butter with even more flavor.

How to Serve

These versatile steak bites pair beautifully with so many sides:

Main Meal Serving Ideas:

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered rice to soak up that amazing garlic butter sauce.
Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
Add a side of crispy air fryer potato wedges or sweet potato fries for a steak-and-potato dinner.

Appetizer Options:

Serve with toothpicks and a side of horseradish sauce for an impressive party appetizer.
Create steak bite lettuce cups with a drizzle of the garlic butter sauce.

Presentation Touches:

Sprinkle with extra fresh herbs right before serving for visual appeal.
Serve in a warm skillet at the table for a dramatic presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The garlic butter sauce will solidify when cold but will melt again when reheated.

Freezing

These steak bites can be frozen after cooking, though the texture may change slightly. Place cooled steak bites in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to keep the meat moist. You can also reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, but be careful not to overcook and dry out the meat.

For meal prep, consider marinating the steak pieces and storing them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin offers a great balance of tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye for a more marbled, rich result or tenderloin for super tender bites. Just adjust cooking time slightly – fattier cuts may need less time, while leaner cuts require careful monitoring to avoid drying out.
My air fryer is small. Can I cook the steak bites in multiple batches?

Yes, cooking in batches is actually preferable to overcrowding! Keep your first batch warm by placing it in a low oven (200°F) while the second batch cooks. Then combine all the steak bites in the garlic butter sauce at the end for consistent flavor.
How do I know when my steak bites are done cooking?

For medium-rare, the steak bites should have a nice brown exterior with a slightly pink center, reaching about 130-135°F internally. If you prefer medium to well-done, add 1-2 more minutes to the cooking time. Remember that they’ll continue cooking slightly in the hot butter sauce.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Definitely! You can cook these steak bites in a hot cast iron skillet for about 3-4 minutes total, turning occasionally for even browning. You can also broil them on high for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through. The air fryer just makes the process a bit cleaner and more hands-off.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Steak Bites deliver all the satisfaction of a steakhouse dinner with a fraction of the effort. They’re perfect for those nights when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of the tender, juicy steak with that rich garlic butter sauce creates a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together in minutes. Whether you’re serving them as a protein-packed main dish or an impressive appetizer, these steak bites are sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation!