Air Fryer Steak Bites and Gnocchi

Our steak bites and gnocchi are a viral sensation! We’ve adapted our favorite easy dinner recipe to the air fryer, making it even more convenient than ever. If you’re looking for an easy, restaurant-quality meal, this one delivers with juicy, flavorful marinated steak and crispy, golden gnocchi.

For the original, check out our pan-fried stovetop version of steak bites and gnocchi.

We love our steak bites and gnocchi because of the savory, tender beef and the convenient but delicious gnocchi, and we know you will too. Our air fryer version is just another way to make it, and you’ll absolutely love how easy it is to put together. It’s also a smaller portion, so you can make this for a smaller group, but don’t worry—you’ll still get all that perfect flavor that you love in our classic recipe!

Ingredient Notes

• Steak: This is the star of the dish. We suggest using sirloin steak, but you can also use tenderloin, ribeye, or strip steak.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for flavor, but bottled lemon juice also works.
• Olive Oil: You can also use avocado oil.
• Worcestershire Sauce: If you don’t have it, soy sauce can be used.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Helps tenderize the steak. White vinegar or red wine vinegar are the closest substitutes.
• Packaged Gnocchi: You can use shelf-stable dried gnocchi usually found in the pasta aisle or use refrigerated gnocchi often found in the deli section. Frozen gnocchi can also work, but can end up mushy. If using frozen, don’t thaw it first.
• Garlic: Freshly minced has the best flavor, but the jarred variety can also work.
• Parmesan Cheese: We like to sprinkle some on top for serving. Freshly grated melts best.

Beef Options

The most important rule: buy what you can afford and enjoy! Sirloin steak is our top pick for the balance between flavor and price. If you’re feeling fancy, go for beef tenderloin for an ultra-luxurious soft and tender steak bite. Ribeye and strip steak are also excellent options with great marbling which means flavor.

Keep an eye on your cooking time to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat. For best results, trim away excess fat or sinew before marinating to ensure nobody gets a chewy piece.

Adding a Veggie

Adding veggies like asparagus or broccoli is a great way to round out the meal. When tossing the gnocchi with butter and garlic, add in 1 cup of bite-size broccoli florets or asparagus tips. Add an additional tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil and toss to coat. For tender-crisp asparagus, toss them separately with olive oil and add during the last 4–5 minutes of cooking.

Marinating Time

While the recipe suggests marinating for 1 to 8 hours, even 30 minutes will make a difference when you are really short on time. For busy weeknights, you can dice and marinate your steak ahead of time, then freeze the marinated steak for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and your steak will be ready to cook when you are.

Air Fryer Tips

Use a Parchment Liner: To make cleanup easier and prevent sticking, consider using an air fryer-safe parchment liner.

Avoid Overcrowding and Remember to Toss: Air fryers vary in size and capacity. Avoid overcrowding the basket so you can allow for airflow. Cook in two separate batches if necessary based on the size of your air fryer. For best results, toss or shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Monitor Cook Time Closely: Air fryers cook quickly, and steak bites are easy to overcook. Keep an eye on your food, especially during the final minutes of cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium).