Juicy, flavourful steak bites just got even better with this Air Fryer Steak Bites with Basil Chimichurri recipe. Quick to make and packed with herby goodness, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or game-day snack.
Who doesn’t love a good restaurant-worthy steak? I definitely do! And when I’m feeding a crowd or just want an easy dinner for me and my boyfriend, these air fryer steak bites always hit the spot.
Tender, juicy, and on the table in under 20 minutes, these steak bites hit next-level status when you pair them with my basil chimichurri. Trust me, you’ll wonder where this combo has been all your life.
And if you’re craving something more traditional, don’t miss my classic chimichurri recipe (another must-try with steak).
Cooking beef in the air fryer always surprises me. I mean, it really shouldn’t. If the air fryer can nail the ultimate crispy kale chips or a perfectly cooked spaghetti squash, then of course it can handle juicy, tender steak bites too.
Don’t sleep on this easy steak bite recipe! Juicy beef cubes and fresh basil chimichurri make it feel like a restaurant meal, minus the price tag. One bite and you’ll know it’s a keeper.
If you love steak appetizers, try my steak crostini with horseradish cream for a more “fancy but easy” option.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Air Fryer Beef Bites
These air fryer beef cubes are about to become your new favourite weeknight meal. Tender, juicy, and perfectly caramelized, they come together in minutes and pair perfectly with a herby, garlicky sauce like basil chimichurri. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish, a game-day snack, or a protein-packed addition to bowls and salads, this recipe makes steak bites effortless and full of flavour. Here’s what you’ll need to make them in a little bit more detail:
- Beef Steak: Choose a tender cut like striploin, sirloin, or ribeye. Cubing the steak ensures even cooking and lets each bite get a perfect sear in the air fryer.
- Olive Oil: Coats the beef cubes lightly to help them brown, stay juicy, and crisp slightly on the edges. You can use avocado oil instead, if you prefer.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavour of the beef.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and complements the richness of the steak.
- Garlic Powder: Gives subtle savoury depth without overpowering the steak.
- Smoked Paprika: Optional, but adds a touch of smokiness and enhances the golden colour of the beef cubes.
- Butter: Tossing the hot beef cubes in butter at the end adds richness, gloss, and an extra layer of flavour.
- Basil Chimichurri: This fresh, herby sauce is the perfect topping for your air fryer steak tips. Drizzle generously for bold flavour. Grab the full basil chimichurri recipe here.
How to Make Steak Bites in the Air Fryer (Key Tips)
You can find full instructions for how to make this air fryer beef recipe in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Choose a tender cut. Striploin, sirloin, or ribeye work best. These cuts stay juicy and sear beautifully in the air fryer.
- Trim but keep some fat. If your steak has a fat cap, remove any thick, hard pieces that won’t render, but leave the thinner fat. It crisps up nicely in the air fryer and adds flavour.
- Cut evenly. Make your air fryer steak bites uniform in size (about 1-inch) so they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
- Pat the beef dry. Removing excess moisture ensures a nice sear and prevents steaming in the air fryer.
- Season well. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika enhance flavour. Add a little butter after cooking for extra richness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer tray or basket. Give the cubes space so hot air can circulate. Cook in batches if needed for maximum crispiness.
- Check doneness. Use a meat thermometer for perfect results: 130–135°F for medium-rare, 140–145°F for medium.
- Let them rest. After cooking, let the steak bites rest 2–3 minutes to lock in juices before serving.
- Serve with sauce. Drizzle your basil chimichurri over the steak bites or serve it on the side for dipping. It elevates the flavour instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cook steak bites at 400°F for 5–8 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through. For medium-rare, aim for about 5–6 minutes, and for medium, 6–7 minutes. Adjust time based on your air fryer and cube size.
No need to thaw! Cook frozen steak bites at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through. You may need an extra minute or two depending on your air fryer.
Yes. Give the beef cubes a shake or stir about halfway through cooking. This ensures even browning and crisp edges on all sides. However, if you’re using the air fryer tray with the holes (360°F air circulation) then you can skip the flipping.
Tough steak bites usually come from using a very lean or overcooked cut. Choose a tender cut like striploin, sirloin, or ribeye, cut evenly, and don’t overcook. Letting the bites rest also helps lock in juices.
Absolutely! Medium-rare steak bites will have a pink center, which is perfectly safe and keeps them juicy and flavourful. Use a meat thermometer if you want to check: 130–135°F for medium-rare.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or on the stovetop to keep them tender.
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AIR FRYER STEAK BITES
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454g) Sirloin, Striploin, or Ribeye cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika optional
- 2 tbsp Butter optional, to toss after cooking
- Basil Chimichurri for serving
Instructions
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels (moisture = less browning).
- Add to a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, if using.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Place steak bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry at 400°F for 5–8 minutes* (see notes for exact times), shaking halfway through (if you're using the air fryer tray with the holes (360°F air circulation) then you can skip the flipping).
- Immediately after cooking, toss the hot steak bites with a tablespoon of butter in a bowl for added richness and gloss.
- Either drizzle generously over the bites or serve it on the side for dipping. Top with flaky salt if you’re feeling fancy.
Video
Notes
- Rare: ~4–5 minutes
- Medium: ~6–7 minutes
- Well done: ~8 minutes (not recommended
Nutrition
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