Air Fryer Juicy Steak Bites: Succulent & Speedy (Print Version)

This Air Fryer Juicy Steak Bites Recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, easy to make and clean up.

# Recipe Info:

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

# Ingredients:

→ Steak & Marinade Base

01 - 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
04 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - ½ tsp black pepper
08 - ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)
10 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your sirloin steak and pat it super dry with paper towels. Honestly, this is the most crucial step for getting that gorgeous sear on your Air Fryer Juicy Steak Bites, not a sad, steamed mess. Then, slice it into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1-inch pieces. Try to keep them somewhat uniform so they cook evenly – nobody wants a mix of perfectly done and still-mooing steak, right? I usually put them in a medium bowl, ready for their flavor bath. This step always makes me feel like a proper chef, even if my apron has a suspicious stain.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy!). Give it a good whisk until everything is combined. This simple marinade is where all the magic happens for our Air Fryer Juicy Steak Bites. Pour it over your cubed steak, toss to coat every single piece, and make sure they’re all swimming in that flavorful goodness. I always make sure to get my hands in there – it just feels right!
03 - Now, cover the bowl and let those steak bites marinate. I usually aim for at least 30 minutes on the counter, but if you have the time, pop them in the fridge for an hour, or even better, overnight! The longer they marinate, the more tender and flavorful your Air Fryer Juicy Steak Bites will be. I once forgot about them for a whole day, and honestly, they were the best darn steak bites I'd ever made. Accidentally brilliant, oops!
04 - While your steak is soaking up all that goodness, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This is key for getting a good crispy exterior on your Air Fryer Juicy Steak Bites. Don't skip this step! A hot air fryer basket means an immediate sear, locking in all those delicious juices. I used to just throw them in cold, and the results were... limp. Live and learn, right?
05 - Once preheated, arrange your marinated steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Seriously, do not overcrowd it! If you do, they'll steam instead of crisp, and we've already talked about that mishap. You'll likely need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. I like to check them around the 8-minute mark, just to make sure they're cooked to my preferred doneness. The smell at this point is just incredible, making my kitchen smell like a fancy steakhouse!
06 - Once your Air Fryer Juicy Steak Bites are perfectly cooked to your liking – I go for medium-rare to medium – remove them from the air fryer. Toss with a pat of butter for extra richness and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for brightness. Serve immediately! These are best hot, straight from the air fryer. They're so tender and flavorful, you'll wonder why you ever cooked steak any other way. Honestly, they disappear so fast in my house, it's a miracle if I get more than two!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; it's a crispy vs. steamed situation, trust me!
02 - Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but honestly, overnight is a game changer for flavor and tenderness.
03 - Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness; guessing is a recipe for chewy steak, I've been there!
04 - Serve immediately; these Air Fryer Juicy Steak Bites are best hot and juicy!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Air fryer
02 - mixing bowls
03 - tongs

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 280
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 3g
Protein: 26g

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