Dinner

Air Fryer Steak Bites and Gnocchi Recipe

ByClara Bennett November 10, 2025November 10, 2025

Introduction

Air fryer steak bites and gnocchi make for a quick and delicious meal that’s full of flavor and texture. This easy recipe uses a simple marinade for the steak and crispy, garlicky gnocchi cooked right in the air fryer. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

A black pan filled with two main layers: the bottom layer shows small, golden-brown gnocchi with a slightly crispy texture, scattered evenly and lightly browned. Mixed on top and throughout are medium-sized chunks of dark brown cooked beef, with a tender and slightly rough surface. The dish is lightly sprinkled with small green parsley pieces and thin, white shreds of cheese, adding a fresh and slightly textured look. The pan is placed on a white marbled texture with some fresh parsley leaves visible at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 pound beef sirloin steak (ribeye, strip steak, or beef tenderloin)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 ounces gnocchi (dried or refrigerated)
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Trim excess fat or sinew from the steak and cut into bite-sized pieces. Place the steak bites in a gallon-sized resealable bag or a shallow bowl.
Step 2: Add lemon juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the steak. Toss to coat evenly, then seal or cover and refrigerate for 1 to 8 hours to marinate.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the gnocchi with melted butter and minced garlic, tossing gently to coat.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the gnocchi in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Shake the air fryer basket to toss the gnocchi, then add the marinated steak bites, discarding any excess marinade. Cook together for 5 to 6 minutes for medium rare or up to 10 minutes for well done.
Step 6: Serve immediately, sprinkling freshly grated parmesan cheese over the dish if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use steak cuts you prefer; ribeye adds richness, while sirloin is leaner.
For extra crispiness, shake the basket halfway through cooking the gnocchi.
Swap garlic butter with herb butter to add a fresh twist.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover steak bites and gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes to regain crispness or warm in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The dish is served on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. It has two main layers: golden yellow gnocchi with a soft, round texture, and chunks of dark brown seared beef that look tender and juicy. The gnocchi and beef pieces are mixed evenly across the plate, with small green herb bits sprinkled on top, adding a fresh pop of color. Some black pepper and seasoning specks are visible on both the gnocchi and beef. In the foreground, there is a silver fork touching the dish slightly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time in the air fryer to ensure they cook through and get crispy.

How do I know when the steak bites are cooked to my liking?

Cooking time depends on your preferred doneness. For medium rare, cook about 5 to 6 minutes after adding the steak to the air fryer. Well done will take closer to 10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer if unsure—135°F for medium rare and 160°F for well done.