Craving a tender and juicy steak without the hassle? These Keto Steak Bites cooked in an air fryer are the perfect solution. Ready in under 15 minutes, they make an excellent appetizer or a satisfying low-carb meal. This recipe combines simplicity with flavor, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or a quick snack.
Why Air Fry Steak Bites?
Air frying offers a fast and convenient way to cook steak. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, ensuring even cooking and a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This method is also healthier, as it requires less oil than traditional pan-frying.
Benefits of Air Fryer Steak Bites:
- Speed: Ready in under 15 minutes.
- Ease: Simple recipe with minimal prep time.
- Flavor: Delicious and customizable with various seasonings.
- Healthy: Requires less oil than pan-frying.
- Versatile: Suitable for keto, low-carb, and carnivore diets.
Ingredients and Equipment
Here's what you'll need to create these delectable steak bites:
Ingredients:
- Steak: Tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, or tenderloin work best. Flank steak or Tri-tip can also be used. For this recipe, striploin steak cut into 1-inch cubes is a great choice.
- Olive Oil: Helps to coat the steak and prevent sticking.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder form a simple yet flavorful base. Smoked paprika, Montreal Steak seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute, blackened seasoning, or BBQ blends can also be used.
- Optional: Brown Erythritol, Worcestershire sauce, melted butter, fresh parsley, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes.
- Vegetables (Optional): Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms.
- Garlic (Optional): Fresh garlic cloves, minced.
Equipment:
- Air Fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl (if using dry seasonings)
- Cooking spray (if needed)
- Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfect air fryer steak bites:
Prep the Steak: Slice the steak into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch to 1 1/2-inch cubes. Ensure the pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
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Season the Steak: In a large bowl, combine the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. For a sweeter flavor, add brown erythritol. For a richer flavor, drizzle with Worcestershire sauce. Toss to ensure the steak is well coated. If using additional dry seasonings, mix them in a separate small bowl before adding to the steak.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Some recipes recommend this step, while others don't find it necessary, so consider your air fryer model.
Air Fry: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray if needed. Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. Flip or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches your desired internal temperature:
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
- Medium-Rare: 125-135°F (52-57°C)
- Medium: 135-140°F (57-60°C)
- Medium-Well: 145-150°F (60-66°C)
- Well-Done: 150°F (66°C) and higher
Garlic Butter Sauce (Optional): While the steak is cooking, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in fresh parsley, if desired.
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Combine: Remove the steak bites from the air fryer and toss them in the garlic butter sauce.
Serve: Serve the steak bites immediately.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
These air fryer steak bites are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to customize and serve them:
Flavor Variations:
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the steak or garlic butter sauce. Old Bay Seasoning also adds a kick.
- Herby: Use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano in addition to or instead of parsley.
- Asian-Inspired: Marinate the steak in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before air frying.
- Chili Lime: Combine chili powder, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, and minced jalapeño for a zesty flavor.
- Montreal Steak Seasoning: Use Montreal Steak seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute, blackened seasoning, or BBQ blends.
Serving Suggestions:
- Appetizer: Serve as a pass-around food at parties with toothpicks. Pair with a creamy horseradish sauce.
- Main Course: Serve with your favorite sides, such as baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, broccoli, or a side salad.
- Low-Carb Options: Serve over cauliflower rice, cheesy keto broccoli rice, asiago cauliflower rice, or with cauliflower tater tots.
- Steak and Mushrooms: Add mushrooms to the air fryer basket along with the steak for a classic flavor combination. Include bell peppers and onions for added flavor.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Steak Bites
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for tender cuts of steak for the best results.
- Cut Evenly: Ensure the steak is cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd: Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Rely on a meat thermometer to achieve your desired doneness.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryers vary, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Rest the Steak: Let the steak bites rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or a skillet. Avoid reheating in the air fryer due to the high butter content.
Nutritional Information
A serving of these air fried steak bites is a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 3 grams of carbs per serving (check the label of specific ingredients for accurate counts).
- Keto-Friendly: Yes, due to the high protein and low carb content.
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