Air Fryer Steak Bites with Chimichurri
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These air fryer steak bites are juicy and perfectly tender! Topped with a bright and herby chimichurri, they are the perfect easy weeknight dinner.
Grilling season is coming to an end but that doesn’t mean you have to keep tender, juice steak goodbye for the season. Swap the grill for the air fryer and makes these delectable steak bites tonight.
These air fryer steak bites start with a bold marinade of chimichurri—parsley, garlic, oregano, vinegar, and a hint of chili—infusing the sirloin with fresh, zesty flavor. Cooked quickly in the air fryer, the meat develops a beautifully crisp edge while staying tender inside. Finished with an extra drizzle of chimichurri, each bite is bright, garlicky, and deeply savory.
What is chimichurri?
Chimichurri originated in Argentina but is also known to be used a lot in Uruguay. It is a uncooked sauce that features fresh herbs, aromatics, oil, and an acid. It is used as a marinade, baste, and finishing sauce.
Ingredients for Chimichurri Marinated Steak Bites
- Steak – I used sirloin for this recipe but any lean cut will work well.
- Salt
- Ground Black Pepper
- Fresh Parsley – The fresh parsley serves as the base for the chimichurri so it can’t be substituted with dried herbs.
- Garlic cloves
- Dried oregano – You could use fresh here.
- Red Pepper Flakes – You can customize this to suit your heat preference.
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Olive Oil
Essential Items for this Recipe
How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites with Chimichurri
The full list of ingredients, including measurements, and step-by-step instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below. Here is a quick overview on how to make this easy weeknight dinner recipe.
- Combine the herbs, garlic, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Stir in vinegar and oil.
- Toss steak pieces in some of the sauce. Let marinate.
- Cook steak bites in air fryer. Serve with additional sauce on the side.
Tips for Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe Success
- After adding the oil, let the chimichurri sit for a little bit, if you have time, so the flavors can meld. You can even make it a day ahead of time and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.
- Try to marinate the steak for a few hours but even a short 20–30 minute marinade in chimichurri helps tenderize the meat and boosts flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer before adding the steak. It will yield the best results if you start with a hot air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Give the steak bites space in the air fryer to ensure they get a good sear and don’t steam. Cook in batches if needed.
More Great Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Broccoli Tots
- Gyro Inspired Air Fryer Meatballs
- Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas
- Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Air Fryer Steak Bites with Chimichurri
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sirloin steak cubed into bite-size pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Chimichurri
- ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 Tablespoons dry oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- ¾ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients for chimichurri, except for oil and vinegar, in a mason jar or bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes.½ cup fresh parsley, 4 garlic cloves, 2 Tablespoons dry oregano, 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, Black pepper to taste
- Add oil and vinegar. Mix well. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s best to leave the chimichurri flavors infusing for a couple of hours or overnight.½ cup red wine vinegar, ¾ cup olive oil
- Once ready to cook the steak, season with remaining salt and pepper.2 pounds sirloin steak, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Coat the meat bites in a couple of tablespoons of the chimichurri sauce. Leave it on the counter while you preheat the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Then, add steak pieces to the basket, without overcrowding it. Cook them for 8-10 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness.
- Serve immediately with the remaining chimichurri sauce.
Notes
1. You can marinate the meat for as little as 2o minutes but 30 minutes or more is recommended.
2. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or the the steak bites won’t sear. Work in batches to prevent steaming the meat.
3. You can make the chimichurri the day before. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Nutrition
