Air Fryer Steak Bites
Juicy sirloin steak bites cook hot and fast in the air fryer for a caramelized crust and tender, medium-rare center. A quick garlic butter toss at the end adds steakhouse flavor without firing up the grill. Perfect for a weeknight main or shareable appetizer.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 16 oz Top Sirloin Filet cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes, trimmed
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil about 8 g
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for rub
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar about 6 g
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter about 21 g
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for butter
- 1/4 teaspoon parsley flakes dried
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional heat
Instructions
- Cut sirloin into 1-inch cubes and trim excess fat.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, kosher salt, chili powder, black pepper, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar to form a rub.
- Toss beef cubes in the spice mixture until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Arrange the beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket; do not overcrowd.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, shaking the basket at the 4-minute mark.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare (use a meat thermometer).
- While the beef cooks, melt butter and stir in 1/4 tsp garlic powder, parsley flakes, and red pepper flakes.
- Remove beef from the basket and let rest for 3 minutes.
- Toss rested beef with the garlic butter and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best texture, cook in a single layer and shake the basket halfway through.
- Pull at 135°F for medium-rare; going past 145°F can make the bites tough.
- Sirloin or ribeye works best; avoid very lean cuts like round steak.
- A dry rub promotes browning in the air fryer; wet marinades can steam the meat.
- Let the steak bites rest 3 minutes before tossing in butter to retain juices.
- Reheat leftovers at 350°F in the air fryer for about 3 minutes to avoid overcooking.