Hey, who doesn’t love juicy steak bites full of flavor? I’m always craving something quick and tasty, and these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites hit the spot.
They’re super easy to make — just toss in the air fryer, then coat with buttery garlic goodness. The best part? They’re crispy on the outside and tender inside.
If you want a fancy-feeling snack or dinner without the wait, this recipe is perfect. Let me show you how I make these every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy: Steak bites cook in under 10 minutes in the air fryer, perfect for quick meals.
- Tender and Juicy: Using a hot air fryer sear keeps the steak tender inside while getting a nice crust outside.
- Garlic Butter Flavor: The simple garlic butter sauce brings rich, comforting taste with minimal ingredients.
- Versatile: Great on its own, over rice, or with roasted veggies for a complete meal.
- Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer means no greasy pans or extra mess in the kitchen.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: About 20 minutes
Servings:
Makes about 3 servings as a main dish or 4 servings as an appetizer.
Difficulty:
Easy — perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a fast, tasty steak fix.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for garlic butter)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful and juicy dish (exact measurements in the recipe card below):
- Steak: I recommend sirloin or ribeye cut into 1-inch cubes. These cuts stay tender and cook evenly.
- Olive oil: Helps the steak sear and prevents sticking.
- Butter: For that rich, silky garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a sharp, aromatic flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds a deep garlic punch and complements fresh garlic.
- Paprika: Provides a gentle smoky warmth and color.
- Salt and black pepper: To season perfectly and enhance the steak’s natural flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, bright finish.
Variations for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to bring a mild heat kick to the garlic butter sauce.
- Use Different Herbs: Swap parsley for thyme or rosemary to add a fresh herbal note.
- Make it Lemon Garlic: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the butter sauce for a bright, tangy twist.
- Butter Alternatives: Use ghee or clarified butter for a nuttier, richer flavor and higher smoke point.
- Different Steaks: Try using tenderloin or New York strip steaks for variations in texture and flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak
Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps get a nice crust. Place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Season the Steak
Drizzle olive oil over the steak bites. Then sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly. Toss the steak so every piece is well coated with the seasoning.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (205°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the steak bites start searing immediately for a flavorful crust.
4. Air Fry the Steak Bites
Place the seasoned steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the steak bites halfway through. Adjust time based on your preferred doneness—8 minutes usually gets medium-rare to medium.
5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the steak cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced fresh garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes to soften the garlic and infuse the butter with flavor. Don’t let the garlic brown or burn.
6. Toss Steak Bites in Garlic Butter
Once the steak bites are cooked, transfer them to a mixing bowl. Pour the warm garlic butter sauce over the hot steak pieces. Gently toss everything together so the steak bites soak up the buttery garlic goodness evenly.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
This dish is wonderfully versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
- As a Main: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed rice for a filling meal.
- Over Salad: Toss steak bites on top of a green salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a light option.
- With Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up extra garlic butter sauce.
- Appetizer Style: Serve with toothpicks for a tasty party appetizer.
Storing Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Leftovers: Keep any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Avoid overheating to keep the steak tender.
- Garlic Butter Sauce: If you have extra sauce, store it separately in the fridge and warm before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Course: Dinners3
servings10
minutes8
minutesIngredients
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Pat steak cubes dry and place in a bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over steak; sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
- Place steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7-9 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Melt butter and gently cook minced garlic in it for 1-2 minutes without browning.
- Toss cooked steak bites in garlic butter sauce until coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen steak bites?
A: It’s best to use fresh steak for even cooking and best texture. Frozen bites may cook unevenly in the air fryer.
Q: How do I know when the steak bites are done?
A: Use a meat thermometer if possible. Medium-rare is about 135°F (57°C). Adjust cooking time for your preferred doneness.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Conclusion
This air fryer garlic butter steak bites recipe combines simple ingredients and quick cooking for a deliciously tender and flavorful steak experience. Whether you’re cooking a fast weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a tasty appetizer, this recipe delivers on both convenience and taste. The garlic butter sauce brings the perfect finishing touch that makes these steak bites unforgettable.