- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Steak:
- In a large bowl, toss the steak cubes with olive oil until evenly coated.
- Seasoning:
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Season the Steak:
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the steak cubes and toss until the steak is well coated with the seasoning.
Chapter 3: Air Frying
- Air Fry the Steak Bites:
- Arrange the seasoned steak cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow even cooking.
- Cooking Time:
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides are evenly cooked. Adjust cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness and the thickness of the steak cubes.
- Check for Doneness:
- Steak bites are done when they reach your desired level of doneness (medium-rare, medium, etc.). Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare or 140-145°F (60-63°C) for medium.
Chapter 4: Serving
- Resting Time:
- Remove the air fryer steak bites from the basket and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for added freshness and flavor.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the air fryer steak bites as a delicious appetizer, main dish, or alongside your favorite sides.
Chapter 5: Tips for Success
- Steak Selection: Choose tender cuts of steak such as sirloin or flank steak for best results.
- Even Cooking: Ensure the steak cubes are evenly sized to promote even cooking in the air fryer.
- Air Fryer Capacity: Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can affect the cooking process.
- Variations: Customize the seasoning with your favorite herbs and spices, or serve with dipping sauces like garlic butter or barbecue sauce for added flavor.
Conclusion
Air fryer steak bites are a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a quick meal or snack. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can enjoy tender and juicy steak bites seasoned to perfection using your air fryer. Experiment with different seasonings and enjoy these delicious steak bites any time!