Buzz
Air frying small pieces of steak is one of the simplest ways to enjoy a quick protein-packed snack (thank you, TikTok). It’s effortless, speedy, and you can coat or dip the bites in any number of flavorful sauces. But like many viral ideas, there’s always room for improvement. Sure, popcorn meat sounds great, but here’s how to make the absolute best air fryer steak bites: don’t overcook them.
When I first encountered the concept of air frying steak bites, my reaction went from “wow!” to “uh-oh.” I have no issue with overcooked steak; there are actually ways to make it better. But I’d rather avoid overcooking it altogether. The traditional method for steak bites calls for a lean, boneless cut of steak, like sirloin, which is cut into bite-sized pieces (more on that later). The pieces are seasoned and placed into a preheated 400°F air fryer to cook on the ‘air fry’ setting for about seven minutes. They emerge with browned edges and are often tossed in garlic butter or another sauce. The issue, however, is that they end up overcooked.
After testing this method, as shown above, I ended up with flavorful yet incredibly tough steak bites. In most recipe photos I found, the steak was cooked well done—very well done, actually. No surprise there—the air fryer temperature is high, the convection is powerful, and those steak pieces are small. The first batch didn’t turn out well. But my second attempt was fantastic. The steak was tender, slightly crispy with a brown edge, flavorful, juicy, and still pink in the center. Here’s what I did.
It’s never too late to get an air fryer. Come on, dive in—the water’s great:
Instant Vortex Air Fryer
Cuisinart Compact Air Fryer
Don’t chop them too small
I get it, they’re steak bites, but don’t chop them into tiny single-bite pieces. That’s just too small. It’s simply not right. To get that nice brown crisp on the edges and achieve the rich depth of flavor from the Maillard reaction, the steak needs time. If you were to pull the steak out after just three minutes to keep the center medium-rare, the outside would turn gray and soft. While that’s still edible, you’d miss out on those beautiful browned edges, and we deserve to have it all.
Cut the steak into roughly a two-bite size—about an inch and a half to two-inch cubes. Don’t worry, the experience of eating steak as finger food is still there, and it’s still small enough. If you think about it, it’s pretty much the same size as chicken nuggets. This larger cut will help prevent overcooking the center and keep the steak moist. Step two is just as crucial.
Freeze your steak bites
This step is key for what we’re trying to achieve, and as Claire has pointed out, air frying frozen steak is absolutely worth it. Freezing the center of the steak bites gives you extra time in the air fryer. Since convection heats from the outside in, the bites will begin to sizzle and brown on the outside while the center remains cooler. By the time the timer goes off after seven minutes, the outside will be browned and the interior will be juicy, tender, and pink.
How to create the best air fryer steak bites
After cutting your sirloin into two-bite pieces, use a paper towel to blot them dry and remove any excess moisture. Season them liberally with salt. Maybe even with a little more salt than you might initially think.
Arrange the steak bites on a parchment-lined sheet pan so they’re spaced out and not touching. Then, place the entire tray into the freezer for about 45 minutes to an hour.
The pieces of steak should be fully frozen. Preheat the air fryer, then arrange the steak bites inside, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook at 400°F for seven minutes. Once done, serve them with a sauce like chimichurri, or enjoy them as they are, packed with meaty goodness.
You can even prepare these steak bites in batches and store them in the freezer. After freezing them on the sheet pan for an hour, transfer the steak chunks to a freezer bag or container. When you need a protein boost, just heat up the air fryer and toss in a handful of frozen steak bites.
The Perfect Air Fryer Steak Bites
Ingredients:
8 ounces sirloin steak, cut into two-inch cubes
½ tablespoon salt
Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel. Generously season with salt. Arrange the steak pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze the bites for 45 to 60 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F on the 'air fry' setting. Cook for 7 minutes. Serve with your favorite sauce or enjoy them on their own.
