Soy sauce, garlic, and dried herbs give these air fryer oven steak bites a savory flavor, with a little brown sugar to balance the marinade. Serve them over rice, alongside potatoes, or with a green salad. For a richer finish, toss them with garlic butter before serving.
Time, Temperature, and Doneness Guide
Preheat to 400°F / approximately 205°C and begin checking 1-inch steak cubes after 6 minutes. Larger pieces and fuller trays may need longer than the estimated 8 minutes.
| Doneness | Culinary temperature | Safety note |
|---|---|---|
| Medium-rare | 135°F / 57°C | Below the USDA-recommended minimum |
| Medium | 145°F / 63°C | Recommended minimum; rest at least 3 minutes |
| Medium-well | 150°F / 66°C | Above the recommended minimum; rest at least 3 minutes |
| Well-done | 160°F / 71°C | Above the recommended minimum; rest at least 3 minutes |
For this recipe, cook the beef to 145°F / 63°C before removing it from the heat, then rest it for at least 3 minutes. Medium-rare appears in the table as a culinary reference, below the recommended minimum.
For other cuts and portion sizes, see our beef cooking times and temperatures guide.
Ingredients and the Best Steak Cuts
Ribeye has marbling and a rich flavor; top sirloin is a leaner alternative. Trim tough connective tissue, then cut the steak into cubes of similar width and thickness. Save small trimmings for another dish so they do not overcook alongside the larger pieces.
Packaged stewing beef may contain cuts intended for longer cooking methods. Choose a steak suited to quick cooking instead.
Use low-sodium soy sauce for the marinade and olive oil to coat the beef. Refined avocado oil also works. The recipe card lists the full seasoning quantities.
Air Fryer Rack Position and Tray Setup
Use the rack position listed for air frying meat in your appliance manual. Fit the mesh tray or air-fry basket above its drip tray, and check that the drip tray is clean before preheating.
If you are new to the appliance, review our first-time air fryer setup and cleaning guide.
Let excess marinade drain off, then spread the beef in one layer with gaps between the pieces. Split a crowded tray into two batches. During cooking, turn any pieces that brown faster than the rest.
If drippings start to smoke, stop cooking and consult our air fryer smoke troubleshooting guide.
Why Are My Steak Bites Tough?
If some pieces are dry while others are still cooking, compare their sizes. Thin pieces finish sooner than thick chunks. Tough connective tissue is another possible cause: a brief marinade adds flavor but will not soften every cut of beef.
To judge progress, insert a thermometer suitable for small pieces from the side toward the center. Follow its required insertion depth and check cubes from different areas of the tray.
Serving and Dietary Options
For a garlic butter finish, separately melt butter, briefly cook minced garlic until fragrant, and stir in parsley. Toss with the cooked steak.
Broccoli or a green salad keeps the meal low in carbohydrates. Rice and potatoes make more substantial sides; cook potatoes first so the steak can be served after its short rest.
The steak bites provide about 2.5 g net carbs per serving before sides or optional butter, so they may fit a keto meal plan depending on your daily target. For a gluten-free version, use labeled gluten-free tamari and check the seasonings.
For more beef dinner ideas, browse our air fryer beef recipes and cooking guides.
Storage and How to Reheat in an Air Fryer Oven
Refrigerate leftovers in shallow, covered containers within 2 hours, or within 1 hour when the surrounding temperature exceeds 90°F / 32°C. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days.
To reheat, preheat to 350°F / approximately 175°C. Spread the steak in one layer and check after 2–3 minutes, continuing until the center reaches 165°F / 74°C. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat.
Recipe Card
Tender Air Fryer Oven Steak Bites (Garlic Herb Marinade)
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 10 ounces boneless ribeye steak, cut into approximately 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or refined avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, preferably Diamond Crystal
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dark brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare: Pat the steak dry and cut it into evenly sized cubes. Set aside a clean plate for the cooked beef.
- Marinate: Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl. Toss with the steak, cover, and refrigerate for approximately 20 minutes.
- Preheat: Preheat the air fryer oven to 400°F (approximately 205°C). Use the rack position specified for air frying meat in your appliance manual.
- Arrange: Let excess marinade drain off. Place the beef in one layer on the recommended mesh tray or air-fry basket, leaving gaps between pieces.
- Cook: Begin checking the steak after 6 minutes. Turn any pieces that brown unevenly, and continue cooking until the beef reaches 145°F (63°C) internally. Check several pieces, including the largest cubes.
- Rest: Transfer to a clean plate and rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
Calories: 374 kcal · Protein: 30 g · Fat: 27 g · Total carbs: 2.9 g · Fiber: 0.4 g · Net carbs: approximately 2.5 g.
Estimate for the ribeye version, divided into two servings, without sides or garlic butter. Values vary with the beef cut, brands, substitutions, and amount of marinade left behind.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, with a recipe that gives the potatoes a head start. For this version, cook them first and set them aside while the steak cooks.
Choose ribeye or top sirloin, keep the cubes about 1 inch thick, and remove finished pieces promptly. Small scraps can overcook while larger chunks are still cooking.
Thaw the steak in the refrigerator before cutting and marinating. The timing here is for thawed beef; cooking frozen cubes requires a different schedule.
Yes. Use the same marinade and temperature, with the beef in a single layer. Shake or turn the pieces if they brown unevenly.
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