These air fryer juicy steak bites are tender, flavorful, and ready in minutes. I love how the soy sauce and salt help tenderize the meat while the air fryer creates a beautiful caramelized exterior. Whether I serve them as a main dish or an appetizer, they always disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s incredibly quick—perfect for busy nights when I still want a satisfying, protein-rich meal. The air fryer does all the work, delivering juicy steak bites with minimal effort and no messy stovetop. I can pair them with almost anything—mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or even toss them into salads. It’s also a great way to cook steak consistently without overthinking timing or flipping.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sirloin steak (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Soy sauce
- Salt
- Olive oil (or another cooking oil I like)
Directions
- I start by preheating my air fryer to 400°F.
- While it’s heating, I cut the sirloin into bite-sized cubes.
- I toss the steak pieces in a bowl with soy sauce, salt, and olive oil until well coated.
- I place the seasoned steak bites into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- I cook for about 8–10 minutes, depending on my preferred doneness.
- I remove and serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 2–3 people as a main dish or 4–5 as an appetizer. Prep time is around 5 minutes, and cook time is 8–10 minutes, so dinner is ready in under 20 minutes.
Variations
- I sometimes add garlic powder, black pepper, or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- For a spicy kick, I toss the steak in a bit of chili oil or sprinkle with red pepper flakes before cooking.
- I occasionally add chopped mushrooms or onions to the basket to cook alongside the steak.
- Marinating the steak for 30 minutes before air frying gives it an even richer taste.
- For a buttery finish, I toss the cooked steak bites with melted garlic butter before serving.
storage/reheating
I store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. This keeps them from becoming chewy, which can happen if I microwave them.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, I often use ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin for a more luxurious version.
Do I need to flip the steak bites halfway?
No, the air fryer circulates heat evenly, so there’s no need to flip them.
Can I make them without soy sauce?
Absolutely, I replace soy sauce with Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when they’re done?
I check with a meat thermometer—135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done.
Can I cook them from frozen?
Yes, but I add 3–4 extra minutes to the cooking time and make sure they’re cut into even-sized pieces.
Conclusion
I love making these air fryer juicy steak bites because they’re a fuss-free way to enjoy perfectly cooked steak anytime. The air fryer locks in the juices while giving the outside that irresistible golden-brown sear. Whether I serve them for dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they’re always a hit.
PrintAir Fryer Juicy Steak Bites
These Air Fryer Juicy Steak Bites are tender, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized in just minutes. Marinated with soy sauce and a touch of salt, they cook to juicy perfection without the mess of stovetop cooking—making them ideal for a quick dinner, party appetizer, or protein-packed snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2–3 as a main, 4–5 as an appetizer
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or preferred cooking oil)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut sirloin steak into bite-sized cubes.
- Toss steak pieces with soy sauce, salt, and olive oil until evenly coated.
- Arrange steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until desired doneness is reached.
- Serve hot and juicy immediately.
Notes
- Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or black pepper for extra flavor.
- For a spicy version, use chili oil or red pepper flakes.
- Marinate for 30 minutes before cooking for richer taste.
- Toss in garlic butter after cooking for a decadent finish.
- Works with ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin as well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg