What's the best cut of steak to use for air fryer steak bites?

Top sirloin offers the best balance of flavor, tenderness, and value. Ribeye provides more marbling and richness but costs more. NY strip strikes a good balance between tenderness and texture. For special occasions, filet mignon creates incredibly tender bites but at a premium price point. Choose based on your budget and preference for fat content.

Why are my steak bites tough?

Toughness typically results from overcooking or using a lean cut with too little marbling. Keep cooking times on the shorter side (especially with leaner cuts like sirloin), ensure your steak is at room temperature before cooking, and let the air fryer fully preheat. Remember that steak continues cooking slightly after removal from heat.

Can I marinate the steak before air frying?

Absolutely! A 30-minute to 2-hour marination can add tremendous flavor. Just pat the pieces dry before air frying to ensure proper searing. Acidic marinades (with vinegar, citrus, or yogurt) work particularly well with tougher cuts, while shorter oil-based herb marinades complement tender cuts beautifully.

What's the difference in cooking times between different air fryer models?

Larger convection-style air fryers typically cook faster because food is spread out in a single layer, allowing better air circulation. Basket-style air fryers might require batch cooking and slightly longer times. Always check for doneness at the minimum suggested time, then add minutes as needed. After using your specific model a few times, you'll get a better feel for its cooking patterns.

Easy Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe

Description

Quick, juicy, and flavorful, these Easy Air Fryer Steak Bites are the perfect protein-packed main course or snack. With minimal prep time and a short cooking process, you’ll enjoy tender, perfectly seasoned steak bites in no time. Whether you prefer them medium-rare or well-done, these bites are versatile enough to fit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak Bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds top sirloin steak, ribeye, NY strip, or fillets cut into 1-inch cubes
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil spray)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Steak:
Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes. While doing so, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Proper steak preparation ensures even cooking in the air fryer.
Season the Steak:
Add the steak cubes to a medium-sized bowl. Toss them with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated. If using an oil spray, spray the steak cubes while stirring to ensure an even coat of seasoning.
Cook in Air Fryer:
Spread the seasoned steak bites evenly in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 4 to 8 minutes, checking the doneness along the way. Cook to your preferred level:
- 4 minutes for pink centers (medium-rare).
- 5 to 6 minutes for medium.
- Up to 8 minutes for well-done.
  Adjust cooking time based on the steak cuts, preference, and air fryer model.
Rest and Serve:
Remove the steak bites from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender bites.

Notes

Air fryer cooking time depends on the size and model. A large convection-style air fryer cooks faster than compact basket air fryers. If using a smaller basket model, you may need to cook in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.
For best results, use a meat thermometer to check steak doneness:
- Medium rare: 135°F
- Medium: 145°F
- Well done: 160°F
Sirloin steak is recommended for this recipe, but ribeye or NY strip work perfectly too.
Avoid overcooking, as the steak can become tough.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 4 ounces steak)
Calories: 235
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 70mg