Have you tried air fryer steak bites? You’re in for a real treat because air fried steak bites are a great way to enjoy juicy steak for a quick and easy dinner. These are perfect as small nibbles or appetizers too if you are having a party and need a no-fuss bite.

Air Fryer Steak Bites on a plate

Easy Steak Bites Recipe in the Air Fryer

We had a small steak in the freezer and thought about making a stir fry out of it. That’s kind of our go-to dinner. Something simple with a little protein and some veggies is our reliable quick and easy weeknight diner. Then we thought about the air fryer and wanted to cook something different. Voila! Air fryer steak bites came to mind and OMG, it was the best dinner decision ever. These steak bites are nicely charred on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside. It blew our minds how simple and wonderfully cooked the steak bites were.

Video: Air Fryer Steak Bites with Mushrooms Recipe

Air Fried Steak Bites in a basket
Air Fryer Steak Bites on a plate

Tips on How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites

  • Types of steaks, how big you cut them and the power of different models of air fryer varies so much. Results can vary to where a 1 minute of extra air frying can take these steak bites from rare to medium. So your first batch will be your “test batch”. After your first batch, you’ll know more of the exact timing for your preferred texture.
  • Make sure that you cut your steak pieces as evenly as possible.
  • Mushroom cuts should be cut as evenly as possible too.
  • You must pre-heat your air fryer! This will make sure that the bites will get a quick sear. Starting with a cold air fryer will just cook the bites too long and make them rubbery.
  • Try to flip/turn the steak bites around 3 times to ensure even cooking. This will ensure that all sides of the bites are seared.
  • Let the steak rest and enjoy an amazing air fried steak and mushrooms dinner!
  • Serve with some air fryer vegetables like asparagus, broccoli or green beans and you’re set!
  • All recipe details are in the recipe box below

Best Cut of Steak to Air Fry for Bites?

You can use your favorite cut that you’re used to eating. That way, you’re already familiar with the flavor, texture and toughness of the steak. It also depends on your budget and how much you’re willing to spend.

  • We prefer ribeye, sirloin, tri-tip with a good amount of fat and marbling but these are a little more expensive. The texture and flavor can’t be beat.
  • Some great budget friendly cuts of steak are usually chuck shoulder steaks (aka London Broil steaks). These have a tendency to be a little more firm. But if you’re used to these cuts of steak then go ahead and try a batch.
  • Also, make sure to season your steaks well with salt and pepper. Well seasoned steak is part of what makes great steak bites.

Why were the steak bites tough and chewy?

Beef cuts vary so much and some are more tough than others. This air frying method is a quick method and sometimes not always enough cooking time to break down the meat fiber in tougher cuts. The hot circulating air makes the steak bites sear great on the outside while keeping the center as rare as you like.

  • Did you overcook the steak bites? Overcooking in the air fryer can easily cause the meat to shrink, lose too much moisture and become chewy.
  • It might have not been the best quality of meat. Buy steak grade meat.

Air Fried Steak Bites and Mushrooms Are Perfect Together

Our obsession with mushrooms is pretty obvious with our sautéed mushrooms in wine recipe. So with a small handful of mushrooms thrown in with the steak bites, dinner was served in less than 30 minutes! If you love steak bites, these are perfect for you. Not a fan of mushrooms? Not a problem because you can add some par-boil potatoes or other veggies in with the steak. Obsessed with mushrooms like we are? Then we can definitely be friends because steak and mushrooms are one of our favorite pairings.

Great Steak Seasonings

If you love seasoning beyond the basic salt and pepper, try using some steak seasonings on these bites. The options are endless and a little sprinkle of a good quality steak seasoning will make these air fryer steak bites even more flavorful.

Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe is the best Air Fried Steak bites that's quick and easy! | @whiteonrice

Air Fryer Steak Bites & Mushrooms

Some air fryers may cook faster or slower so adjust your times accordingly. The size you cut the steak bites will also great affect cooking times.
For the types of steak, use your favorite. Depending on the budget, we prefer ribeye, sirloin, tri-tip, and chuck shoulder steaks (aka London Broil steaks).
4.82 from 33 votes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. (454 g) steaks , cut into 1/2” cubes (ribeye, sirloin, tri-tip or what you prefer)
  • 8 oz. (227 g) mushrooms (cleaned, washed and halved)
  • 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) Butter , melted (or olive oil)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder , optional
  • flakey salt , to taste
  • fresh cracked black pepper , to taste
  • Minced parsley , garnish
  • Melted butter , for finishing – optional
  • Chili Flakes , for finishing – optional

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Rinse and thoroughly pat dry the steak cubes. Combine the steak cubes and mushrooms. Coat with the melted butter and then season with Worcestershire sauce, optional garlic powder, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper.
    Raw steak bites seasoned in a mixing bowl
  • Preheat the Air Fryer at 400°F/205°C for 4 minutes.
  • Spread the steak and mushrooms in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd the basket/tray. Cook in batches if needed.
    Raw steak bites and mushrooms in air fryer basket
  • Air fry at 400°F/205°C for 6-8 minutes. Shake and flip the steak and mushrooms. Check to see how well done the steak is.
    Half cooked steak bites in air fryer
  • If you want the steak more done, add an extra 3-5 minutes of cooking time, or until cooked to your preference (time depends on your preferred doneness, thickness of the steak, size of air fryer).
    Fully cooked steak bites in air fryer
  • Garnish with parsley and drizzle with optional melted butter and/or optional chili flakes.  Season with additional salt & pepper if desired. Serve warm.
    Steak bites on a plate with garnishes

Notes

  • Recipes were tested in 3-4 qt air fryers. If using a larger air fryer, the recipe might cook quicker so adjust cooking time.
  • If cooking in multiple batches & not pre-heating before first batch, the first batch will take longer to cook.
  • Remember to set a timer to shake/flip/toss the food as directed in recipe.

Video

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 401kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 29g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Cholesterol: 112mg, Sodium: 168mg, Potassium: 661mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 255IU, Vitamin C: 1.6mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 3.1mg

Our Favorite Air Fryer Tools

Evo Oil Sprayers
Evo Oil Sprayers

We LOVE the Evo Oil Sprayers. Great for grilling, air frying, and everyday cooking. They don’t clog up like many others we’ve bought. There’s different styles, but all seem to have the same great spray head. Works great for grilling!

Perforated Silicone Mat
Perforated Silicone Mat

Square Mats or Round Mats depending on your needs. Perforated non-stick silicone mats minimize food sticking in your air fryer or steamer. Holes allow the hot air to circulate, cooking quick & even.

Perforated Parchment Sheets
Perforated Parchment

Parchment sheets make clean up easy and minimize sticking food in your air fryer or bamboo steamer. Choose from different sizes, shapes, white and brown (unbleached). Holes allow air to cook food evenly.

What is the Best Air Fryer?

We have 15 different air fryers, all different brands and we definitely have our favorites.

Here’s our extensive write up on Air Fryer World’s Best Air Fryer Guide. There’s so many on the market now. You just need to research and find the ones that fits your needs, capacity and style. We group the basket style air fryers into 2 main size groups: 3-4 qt. range & the 5-6 qt. range.  There’s oven style and basket style. With so many to choose from, we highlight the ones that are most popular for small to medium sized families. Here’s our favorites:

Good Mid-Sized Air Fryers

The non-stick basket style (non-wire base) & smoothness of the basket tray is great for clean up. Easily cooks 2-3 servings of fish & meat.

Great ceramic coated basket for easy clean-up. Super powerful fan that often cooks food hotter & faster than other air fryers.

Good Larger Air Fryers

One of our favorite larger basket style air fryers. Great basket size for about 4 servings. Clean up is great. It has become one of our kitchen favorites.

Instant Pot Brand makes air fryers. The Vortex plus 9-in-1 is beyond the conventional air fryer. Broil, Bake, Dehydrate, Rotisserie, Roast and Re-heat.

What else to serve with air fried steak tips?

Adding some grilled cauliflower steaks or roasted cauliflower are always a good low carb option. We also have a super popular garlic butter mushroom with onions recipe for an extra portion of mushrooms to your steak bite meal.

Best and Easy Recipes