Juicy Air Fryer Steak Bites: Quick Dinner Magic (Print Version)

Make tender, juicy air fryer steak bites in minutes! This easy recipe is packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying snack.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
05 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Finishing Touches

08 - Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, get that sirloin steak out and pat it *really* dry with paper towels. This step is super important for getting a good crust on your juicy air fryer steak bites, trust me. Then, cube it into roughly 1-inch pieces. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly – I always end up with one or two oddballs, but hey, that's real life in my kitchen! I usually wipe down my cutting board right after, because raw meat, you know?
02 - Toss those steak cubes into a medium bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Get in there with your hands and really massage that seasoning into every single piece. You want every surface coated for maximum flavor. This is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing, and I always sneak a little taste of the raw seasoning mix, don't judge!
03 - Alright, crank up your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Don't skip this, it's crucial for getting that lovely sear! While it's heating up, I sometimes quickly wipe down my counter because, well, seasoning dust gets everywhere, doesn't it? It’s all part of the process for these juicy air fryer steak bites.
04 - Once your air fryer is hot, arrange about half of the seasoned steak bites in a single layer in the basket. Don't overcrowd it! Seriously, overcrowding is the enemy of crispy, juicy air fryer steak bites. You want air to circulate around each piece. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. I always peek at the 3-minute mark, just to make sure things are going well.
05 - Remove the first batch of perfectly cooked steak bites and set them aside. Repeat the process with the remaining steak. Again, single layer, no crowding! This ensures every piece gets that beautiful crust and stays tender on the inside. My kitchen always smells like a fancy steakhouse at this point, which is pretty cool for a Tuesday night, honestly.
06 - Once all your juicy air fryer steak bites are cooked to your liking (I like mine medium-rare, slightly pink inside), transfer them to a serving platter. You can let them rest for a minute or two, which helps keep them extra juicy. Sometimes I sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and freshness. They're ready to devour, and trust me, they disappear fast!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your steak super dry before seasoning; it's the secret to that gorgeous crust.
02 - Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for best texture; microwaving makes them chewy.
03 - If you don't have sirloin, tri-tip works, but cook times might vary a bit.
04 - Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and a vibrant chimichurri for an extra special meal.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Air fryer
02 - mixing bowl
03 - tongs

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 250 kcal
Total Fat: 15 g
Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
Protein: 25 g

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