Air Fryer Steak Bites
Discover why Air Fryer Steak Bites are the next must-have in your meal rotation, combining simplicity with a burst of flavor in every bite.
These steak bites are a blend of tender steak marinated in a rich mixture of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and spices, then air-fried to perfection.
Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe Highlights
- Quick and Easy Preparation
- Perfectly Tender and Juicy Steak Bites Every Time
- Works as an Appetizer or with a side like mashed potatoes as dinner
- Easy Cleanup
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
SIRLOIN STEAK – Please remember these tips to cook a delicious sirloin steak. Cook the steak properly to make it flavorful and tender. Sirloin steak is also perfect for marinating and it holds up well in the air fryer. You can use different cuts of meat, such as flank steak, skirt steak, ribeye steak, New York strip steak, or your favorite cut of steak. Just make sure that you choose a well-marbled steak.
SOY SAUCE – Soy sauce adds depth and saltiness to the marinade, enhancing the steak’s flavor. For a gluten-free alternative, you can also use tamari or coconut aminos.
OLIVE OIL – Helps to tenderize and brown the steak. It also adds richness to the marinade. Avocado, sesame, or vegetable oil can be used as alternatives.
GARLIC – Adds an aromatic flavor to the marinade and complements the flavor of the soy sauce. If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used instead.
WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE – Gives the pieces of steak a tangy and savory flavor. If it’s unavailable, you can omit it.
BALSAMIC VINEGAR – Adds a bit of tanginess to the marinade. Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, mixed with a small amount of sugar, can be used instead.
BROWN SUGAR – Balances out the saltiness and acidity of the marinade, giving it a subtle sweetness. It also aids in caramelization during cooking. Honey or maple syrup can be used as alternatives.
How To Make The Best Air Fryer Steak Bites
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Coat the steak bites in the marinade and let sit for at least an hour.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit.
- Air fry the steak bites for 8-10 minutes, turning once.
- Rest the steak briefly before serving.
Leftovers
REFRIGERATION – Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container and place them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FREEZING – To freeze, place the cooled steak bites in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
REHEATING – Reheat the steak bites in the air fryer at 350° Fahrenheit for a few minutes until they are warmed through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
STACH – Serve atop a fluffy bed of rice, cheesy mashed potatoes, or quinoa. The grains soak up the marinade’s flavors, turning a simple side into a delectable dish.
WITH VEGGIES – Pair with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a balanced meal. The freshness of the veggies complements the savory richness of the steak bites beautifully.
AS AN APPETIZER – Skewer them with toothpicks and serve alongside dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Recipe Success Tips
To ensure your Air Fryer Steak Bites turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips from our kitchen to yours:
MARINATE FOR FLAVOR – The longer the steak marinates, the more flavorful the bites. If time allows, let them marinate overnight. This adds to the taste and the tenderness of the steak bites.
AVOID OVERCROWDING – For evenly cooked and crispy steak bites, arrange them in a single layer with some space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, ensuring each bite is perfectly cooked.
CHECK FOR DONENESS – Use a meat thermometer to check for your preferred level of doneness. Remember, the steak will continue to cook slightly after it’s removed from the air fryer, so it’s best to err on caution and check a minute or two before the suggested cooking time is up.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of oil?
The flavor of olive oil pairs well with zucchini, but you can use another oil if you prefer. Just be sure to choose oil with a high smoking point, like peanut or vegetable oil.
Why is my air fryer zucchini soggy?
Overcooking can lead to soggy zucchini, so remove it from the air fryer as soon as it’s golden brown. If the zucchini aren’t overcooked, it’s possible that too much oil was added.
More Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 2 pounds top sirloin steak cut into 1-inch or bite-sized pieces
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar white
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Combine and whisk soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl.
- Put the bite-size sirloin steak pieces into a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak and mix well.
- Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour, though leaving it overnight will enhance the flavor even more.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit.
- Remove the marinated steak from the bag. Shake off any excess marinade to prevent smoking and ensure proper cooking.
- Arrange the steak bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer to allow for even cooking.
- Cook the steak bites at 400° Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes.
- Halfway through the cooking time, flip the steak bites to ensure they brown evenly and cook thoroughly.
- Once cooking is complete, remove the steak bites from the air fryer and let them rest for 1-2 minutes.
Equipment
Notes
Air Fryer Times
- The exact cooking time may vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the size of the steak bites.
- Aim for an internal temperature of 135° Fahrenheit for a medium-rare finish, and for medium, aim for 145° Fahrenheit.
Resting The Meat
- This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Serve the steak bites hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions to add a fresh, colorful touch to the dish.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.
I don’t have an air fryer, so how can I best cook the steak bites?
Hi Jill, if you don’t have an air fryer, check out my recipe for my Slow Cooker Steak Bites. It’s a bit different but very delicious.