A carnivore diet is all about simplicity, and the air fryer makes it even easier to enjoy high-protein, nutrient-dense meals with minimal effort. These crispy beef bites are the perfect snack, side dish, or even a full meal for those who love bold, meaty flavors.
Using just a few ingredients and an air fryer, you can create a dish with a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender center.
Whether you’re following a strict carnivore diet or a more flexible approach, this recipe is an easy and delicious way to enjoy beef in a new way.
Best Cuts of Beef for Air Fryer Crispy Bites
- Sirloin: Lean yet flavorful, with a tender texture when cooked in the air fryer.
- Ribeye: Higher fat content for a richer, juicier bite.
- Chuck Steak: Budget-friendly and well-marbled for added tenderness.
- New York Strip: Balanced fat and meat ratio, offering a delicious, chewy texture.
- Top Round: Lean and budget-friendly, but benefits from additional tallow for moisture.
How to Get the Perfect Crisp in the Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer ensures an even cook and a crispy outer layer from the start. Cutting the beef into uniform 1-inch cubes helps it cook evenly. Using enough fat, such as tallow or butter, prevents sticking and enhances flavor.
Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process promotes even crisping on all sides. Lastly, letting the beef bites rest for a couple of minutes before serving helps lock in the juices for a perfect bite every time.
Variations to Enhance Flavor
- Garlic Butter Beef Bites: Toss in melted garlic butter after cooking for a richer taste.
- Peppered Beef Bites: Add cracked black pepper before cooking for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Beef Bites: Sprinkle with Parmesan or blue cheese in the last minute of cooking.
- Spicy Beef Bites: Coat with a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes before air frying.
- Herb Butter Bites: Mix butter with dried rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
Meal Ideas & Serving Suggestions
For a nutrient boost, serve the beef bites with a side of bone marrow or beef liver to create a carnivore bowl.
If you’re following a keto-friendly diet, pair the bites with a small serving of creamy avocado or drizzle them with egg yolk. You can also enjoy them alone as a high-protein snack between meals.
To add variety to your meal, consider creating a carnivore platter by adding air-fried bacon or pork belly strips.
Air Fryer Size & Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Small Air Fryers (2-4 quarts): Best for single servings or small batches. Cook in multiple batches for crispiness.
- Medium Air Fryers (5-6 quarts): Ideal for cooking two servings at once without overcrowding.
- Large Air Fryers (7+ quarts): Great for family-sized portions and meal prep.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Spread beef cubes in a single layer for even crisping.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Depending on air fryer power, check for doneness at the 12-minute mark.
Air fryer crispy beef bites are the perfect addition to your carnivore diet. Quick, delicious, and customizable, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy high-protein, zero-carb meals with minimal effort.
Crispy Beef Bites Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- 4-quart air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp tallow or clarified butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Season the beef: Toss the beef cubes with salt, ensuring even coverage.
- Grease the air fryer basket: Lightly coat with tallow or clarified butter.
- Cook the beef bites: Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy on the outside and cooked to desired doneness (130°F for medium-rare).
- Serve: Let the beef rest for a couple of minutes before serving hot.
Notes
- Garlic Butter Bites: Toss cooked beef bites in melted garlic butter.
- Peppered Beef Bites: Add freshly cracked black pepper before cooking for a spicy twist.
- Cheesy Beef Bites: Top with grated Parmesan or blue cheese during the last minute of air frying.
Nutrition
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.