FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Steak Bites
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Steak Bites In The Air Fryer
• How Long To Cook Steak Bites In Air Fryer?
• Tips For The Best Air Fryer Steak Bites
• Storage Instructions
• What To Serve With Air Fryer Steak Bites
• More Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes
• My Favorite Tools For This Recipe
• Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

These air fryer steak bites are the perfect cross between juicy air fryer steaks and seared garlic butter steak bites ! They are faster than the whole steak version, more hands-off than the stovetop version, and packed with all the garlicky, buttery flavor. I cooked up these steak bites in the air fryer one day when I was in a dinner rush, because who says appetizers can’t be dinner if you combine them with a side dish? 😉 Try them out for your next party — or your own next dinner rush kind of day.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Steak Bites

• Tender, juicy texture
• Buttery, garlicky flavor
• Just 6 ingredients (plus salt and pepper)
• On the table in 10 minutes
• Quick prep with hands-off cooking
• Perfect for any occasion

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for air fryer garlic steak bites, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Sirloin Steak – I tested this air fryer steak bites recipe with beef pieces of different sizes, and what works best depends on how done you like it. Cut your sirloin steak into 1.5-inch cubes for less done bites and 1-inch cubes for well-done bites. You could use another cut of steak, like ribeye , filet mignon , or New York strip .
• Olive Oil – Locks in moisture and flavor. You could also use avocado oil or any oil of choice.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Although optional, I recommend adding this for depth of flavor and to help tenderize the meat.
• Seasonings – Smoked paprika , garlic powder , sea salt, and black pepper. You could also use a steak marinade or Montreal steak seasoning instead.
• Compound Butter – We add this at the end so that it doesn’t burn during the cooking process. This makes it easy to adjust the amount to your liking, too. You can also just serve with melted compound butter on the side, or make chimichurri sauce with fresh herbs instead.

How To Make Steak Bites In The Air Fryer

This section shows how to make air fryer steak bites, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Prep. In a small bowl, make the compound butter here . Set aside.
2. Cut and season the steak. Cut the steak into 1 or 1.5-inch pieces and pat dry. Toss the steak cubes with the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

1. Air fry. Place the steak bites in a preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry steak bites until they reach your desired doneness (see chart below).

1. Make garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan or in the microwave, melt the compound butter. Pour it over air fryer steak bites and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley.

How Long To Cook Steak Bites In Air Fryer?

After preheating, air fry steak bites for about 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees F for medium rare steak bites.

Prefer a different level of doneness? Follow this time chart, and keep in mind the internal temperature will rise another few degrees after cooking. The great thing about air fryer steak bites is they cook super fast!

Tips For The Best Air Fryer Steak Bites

• Don’t crowd the air fryer. Steak bites should be in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches if they don’t all fit.
• Flipping is not required. Since the cook time is so short, the pieces are small, and the air fryer circulates air, flipping is not necessary. You can flip them if you like, though.
• Cook longer for a brown crust. Air fryer steak bites won’t get a browned crust if you want them done medium or less, but they turn out extra juicy and tender to make up for that. (Worth it!) You can get some browning if you cook them to medium well or well done, though.
• Use a meat thermometer . Cook time varies depending on the size you cut the pieces and your exact air fryer, which is why meat thermometer is very handy.

Storage Instructions

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• Reheat: The best way is to warm up steak bites in the air fryer again! Just heat them at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes.
• Freeze: Let the steak bites cool, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once they are solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or in a zip lock bag submerged in cold water on the counter, before reheating.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Steak Bites

These juicy steak bites are versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or as the main course for a rushed dinner like I did. Here are some simple side dishes to try:

• Classic Steak Sides – If you want to make this a main course, serve these with classics like sauteed mushrooms or an air fryer baked potato . I served mine with some air fryer broccoli that I cooked right before.
• Vegetables – Complement the bites with bacon wrapped asparagus , some sauteed veggies , or for a cozy meal, make creamy spinach .
• Salad – Pair this appetizer with a healthy salad , such as a crisp kale salad , zesty arugula salad , or a fresh garden salad . You can even serve them on top of your salad! My personal fave is a wedge salad with these on the side, which reminds me of a happy hour meal I get at one of my favorite steakhouses.
• More Appetizers – Make a game day spread with more appetizers, like crispy buffalo wings , sweet bacon wrapped shrimp , and creamy spinach dip with veggies or crackers.

More Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes

I love using my air fryer to whip up quick and easy appetizers! If you liked these air fryer steak bites, try these appetizers next:

Crispy Air Fryer Wings

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

My Favorite Tools For This Recipe

• Air Fryer – I’m a big fan of this air fryer mainly for its large capacity, which avoids needing multiple batches for many recipes.
• Meat Thermometer – I love this one. It’s quick, accurate, waterproof, and reasonably priced.
• Small Saucepan – This saucepan’s pour spouts are a lifesaver, making it super easy to pour melted compound butter without any mess!

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1.5 lb Sirloin steak (or other cuts like ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip) ▢
• 1 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional) ▢
• 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika ▢
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 3/4 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1/2 recipe Compound butter (~1/4 cup) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a small bowl, make the compound butter here . Set aside.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 5 minutes .
3. Meanwhile, cut the steak into 1.5-inch pieces if you like your steak medium-rare or less, or 1-inch pieces if you like it more done. Pat dry on all sides. In a large bowl, toss the steak bites with the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce (if using), smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange the steak bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. (Do not crowd the basket; you may need to cook in batches if they don’t all fit.)
5. Air fry steak bites, flipping halfway through, for a total of 2-4 minutes for rare, 3-5 minutes for medium rare, 4-6 minutes for medium, 5-7 minutes for medium well, or 6-8 minutes for well done. The time will vary depending on how you cut the steak pieces, so for best results, check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer : 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) for rare, 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) for medium rare, 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) for medium, 150 degrees F (66 degrees C) for medium well, or 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) for well done.
6. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop, melt the compound butter. Cook for about 1 minute , until the garlic is fragrant, then remove from heat. (Alternatively, you can just melt it in the microwave, but the flavor is better on the stove.)
7. When the steak bites are done, transfer them to a bowl. Add the garlic butter and stir to let it melt. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 4-6 pieces, or 1/6 of entire recipe

Nutrition info does not include the optional W orcestershire sauce.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Air Fryer Steak Bites

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

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1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

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Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Air Fryer Steak Bites

Make air fryer steak bites with sirloin steak, simple seasonings, and a creamy homemade compound butter. Juicy results in just 10 minutes!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/air-fryer-steak-bites/

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Sirloin steak (or other cuts like ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 3/4 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 recipe Compound butter (~1/4 cup)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, make the compound butter here . Set aside.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 5 minutes .
3. Meanwhile, cut the steak into 1.5-inch pieces if you like your steak medium-rare or less, or 1-inch pieces if you like it more done. Pat dry on all sides. In a large bowl, toss the steak bites with the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce (if using), smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange the steak bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. (Do not crowd the basket; you may need to cook in batches if they don’t all fit.)
5. Air fry steak bites, flipping halfway through, for a total of 2-4 minutes for rare, 3-5 minutes for medium rare, 4-6 minutes for medium, 5-7 minutes for medium well, or 6-8 minutes for well done. The time will vary depending on how you cut the steak pieces, so for best results, check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer : 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) for rare, 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) for medium rare, 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) for medium, 150 degrees F (66 degrees C) for medium well, or 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) for well done.
6. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop, melt the compound butter. Cook for about 1 minute , until the garlic is fragrant, then remove from heat. (Alternatively, you can just melt it in the microwave, but the flavor is better on the stove.)
7. When the steak bites are done, transfer them to a bowl. Add the garlic butter and stir to let it melt. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 4-6 pieces, or 1/6 of entire recipe

Nutrition info does not include the optional W orcestershire sauce.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)