This recipe for air fryer steak bites is exactly what you need if you’re looking for a meat dinner dish idea that’s bold, juicy, and unbelievably easy.
I’m talking tender, flavor-packed little bites of sirloin that cook in minutes—and honestly taste like something you’d order at a steakhouse.
But here’s the kicker: you don’t need a grill, cast iron pan, deep fryer or hours in the kitchen. Just your trusty air fryer, a little Jacmel Seasoning Blend (my secret weapon), and a buttery, garlicky drizzle that takes everything over the top.
I’ve made these steak bites on busy weeknights, for weekend game-day snacks, and even when I just want a high-protein lunch that feels fancy but takes less than 20 minutes.
If you love bold flavors and want to impress yourself—or anyone lucky enough to be at your table—you’re in the right place.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Steak Bites
Quick & easy: Dinner on the table in under 20 minutes.
Bold flavors: Thanks to Jacmel Seasoning Blend (but don’t worry, I’ll share substitutions below).
Versatile: Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or even a crisp salad.
Restaurant-style finish: That buttery red pepper flake sauce seals the deal.
Here Are The Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the lineup for these juicy bites of perfection and why these ingredients work, as well as substitutions you can use.
16 oz Top Sirloin Filet – This cut is lean but still tender with big beefy flavor. Perfect for quick cooking in the air fryer.
Top Sirloin Filet are affordable, tender, and lean. But you can also use ribeye (richer flavor), New York strip (a little more marbling), or even beef tenderloin (extra tender).
2 ½ tbsp Jacmel Seasoning Blend – My signature seasoning blend that packs bold flavor with a balance of savory herbs and spices. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
This seasoning provides a balanced flavor with just the right amount seasoning. If you don’t have it, go with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper to taste.
2 tbsp oil (olive, peanut, avocado, etc.) – Oil helps carry the flavor and gives you that seared edge in the air fryer. I love avocado oil because of its high smoke point, but olive oil works beautifully too.
½ tsp baking soda – The secret ingredient! It tenderizes the meat slightly and helps give a gorgeous crust.
This tiny addition helps break down proteins slightly, making the steak more tender. You can skip it, but it does give you that restaurant-style texture.
For the Butter Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil – A rich base for the sauce.
2 tbsp unsalted butter – Because butter makes everything better.
2 tsp red pepper flakes – For a little kick. (You can reduce or omit if you prefer it mild.)
Red pepper flakes add heat. Sub with smoked paprika if you prefer smoky without spice.
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley – Adds freshness and color, or you can use parsley flakes.
If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use cilantro or chives for a twist.
2 tsp Jacmel Seasoning Blend – Ties the flavors together and gives depth.
Bonus: To give it a kick, feel free to add ½ tsp of your favorite hot sauce or red pepper flakes as needed.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites
These Air Fryer Steak Bites are proof that you don’t need a grill to enjoy bold, juicy steakhouse flavor at home.
With the right cut of beef, a seasoning blend that delivers, and a buttery finish, you’ll have a meal that’s weeknight easy but feels weekend special.
Steak Bites In Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
For The Air Fryer Steak Bites
- 16 oz Top Sirloin Filet cut into bite size
- 2 ½ tbsp. Jacmel Seasoning Blend
- 2 tbsp. oil; olive oil peanut oil, avocado oil, etc.
- ½ tsp. baking soda
For The Butter Sauce:
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. Unsalted butter
- 2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tsp. Jacmel Seasoning Blend
Instructions
- Prep the steak – Cut the sirloin into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. Toss them in oil, Jacmel Seasoning, and baking soda. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes so the flavors absorb.Air fry – Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through. I like mine medium-rare, so I pull them around the 8-minute mark. If your steaks are not quiet done the way you like them, simply toss them back into the air fryer basket, then cook for an additional 5 minutes or longer if needed.
- Make the butter sauce – While the steak cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a small saucepan. Add red pepper flakes, Jacmel Seasoning, and parsley. Stir until fragrant.Toss & serve – Once the steak is done, drizzle that buttery goodness over the top and serve immediately with your favorite creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Steak Bites
Don’t overcrowd the basket – Give the steak pieces space so the air can circulate and sear each one. Rest before serving – Letting the steak sit for 2–3 minutes after cooking keeps it juicy. Adjust cook time for preference – 7–8 minutes for medium-rare, 9–10 minutes for medium, 11–12 minutes for well done.How to Store and Reheat
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. They’ll stay juicy and warm without overcooking. Avoid microwaving if you can—it can make the steak chewy.What to Serve with Air Fryer Steak Bites
These little bites are versatile and pair with so many sides: Mashed potatoes or smashed potatoes – Classic comfort food pairing. Garlic butter rice – Soaks up the sauce perfectly. Roasted veggies – air fryer roasted Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add balance. Fresh salad – Keep it light with a crisp Caesar or Greek salad. Crusty bread – For mopping up every drop of butter sauce. **** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred). ****Nutrition
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Recipe Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes! Just thaw it completely before cutting and seasoning.
Nope. The seasoning blend and butter sauce do all the work. But if you want extra flavor, marinate in soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil for an hour before cooking.
Definitely. Add more red pepper flakes or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the butter sauce.
Chicken breast or shrimp can be cooked the same way—just adjust cook time.