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

Description

Juicy, flavorful steak bites cooked to perfection in the air fryer and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for steak lovers and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect as a main-course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Steak Marinade

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

Garlic Butter Sauce

3 tablespoons salted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Marinate the Steak:
In a large bowl, combine the steak pieces, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well, ensuring the steak pieces are well coated with the marinade. Set aside to allow the flavors to blend.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF. This step ensures even cooking results throughout the steak bites.
Air Fry the Steak Bites:
Arrange the marinated steak pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece to allow proper browning. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry the steak bites for 6 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time for even coloring and cooking.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
While the steak is cooking, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Combine Steak with Garlic Butter Sauce:
Remove the cooked steak bites from the air fryer and add them to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Stir gently to coat the steak evenly in the buttery, garlicky goodness.
Add Fresh Parsley and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the finely chopped parsley for a fresh flavor. Serve the steak bites immediately as a main dish or appetizer.

Notes

For best results, use sirloin steak or a similar tender cut for flavorful and juicy bites.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce for a slightly different flavor.
Pair these steak bites with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 5 oz steak bites
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 710
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 27
Cholesterol: 125mg