Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender steak with minimal effort. Bite-sized pieces of steak are cooked at high heat in the air fryer, creating a beautifully seared exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Finished with melted garlic butter, these steak bites deliver rich flavor in every bite without the need for a stovetop or grill.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without a long cooking process. With just a few simple ingredients and a short cook time, these steak bites can be served as a main dish, paired with vegetables, or enjoyed as a protein-packed appetizer. The air fryer makes the process fast, clean, and consistently delicious.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Small skillet or microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
- Sirloin steak (or ribeye) – 1 lb, cut into bite-size cubes
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – ¾ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves – 3, minced
- Fresh parsley – 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until steak is browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a small skillet or microwave-safe bowl. Add minced garlic and warm gently until fragrant.
- Transfer the cooked steak bites to a bowl and pour the garlic butter over them.
- Toss gently to coat and finish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Main
How to Store
Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to avoid overcooking.
What Not to Do
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket — this prevents proper searing.
- Avoid overcooking, as steak bites can dry out quickly.
- Do not add garlic butter before air frying, or the garlic may burn.
Tips & Variations
- Use ribeye for extra richness or sirloin for leaner bites.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or with roasted vegetables.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~380
- Protein: ~32 g
- Fat: ~26 g
- Carbohydrates: ~2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until steak is browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a small skillet or microwave-safe bowl. Add minced garlic and warm gently until fragrant.
- Transfer the cooked steak bites to a bowl and pour the garlic butter over them.
- Toss gently to coat and finish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Protein: ~32 g
- Fat: ~26 g
- Carbohydrates: ~2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
Conclusion
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are an easy, flavorful way to enjoy perfectly cooked steak in minutes. Juicy on the inside and coated in rich garlic butter, they’re versatile enough for dinner, meal prep, or entertaining. Once you try them, this recipe will quickly become a regular favorite.
FAQs
What steak cut works best?
Sirloin and ribeye are both excellent options.
Can I cook these medium-rare?
Yes — reduce cook time slightly and check early.
Do I need to flip the steak bites?
Shaking the basket halfway through is sufficient.
Can I use frozen steak?
Fresh steak is best for proper searing and texture.
Is an air fryer necessary?
This recipe is designed specifically for the air fryer.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes — mushrooms or zucchini work well when cooked separately.
