Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites deliver that sizzling steakhouse flavor without heating up your whole kitchen. Tender, juicy, and coated in rich garlic butterthey’re done in 15 minutes flat.
I started testing these back in spring 2022 when my local H-E-B had sirloin on sale, and I couldn’t believe how fast they cooked. The garlic butter pooled in the basket, coating every bite with that golden, melty finish. After running through six batches with different temps, I nailed the timing that keeps them medium-rare inside with perfect browningno skillet needed.
Yesica Andrews
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe Easy and Quick
Enjoy tender and flavorful Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites made quickly in your air fryer. This delicious recipe combines perfectly seasoned steak cubes with a rich garlic butter sauce for a simple yet impressive dish anyone can make.
650g (22.9oz) of sirloin (or your steak of choice) trimmed of visible fat and cubed
1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
pinch of red chilli flakes (optional)
low calorie spray
2 teaspoons of minced garlic (or lazy garlic)
2 tablespoons of salted butter, melted
1.5 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped (and additional to garnish)
Method
Combine the cubed steak with paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and optional chili flakes in a bowl and toss well to coat each piece evenly.
Lightly spray the seasoned steak bites with low-calorie cooking spray and mix again to distribute.
Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and allow it to warm up for 5 minutes.
Place the steak cubes on the air fryer grill plate and cook them for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Carefully remove the steak from the air fryer and take out the grill plate, leaving the flavorful juices in the basket.
Add the steak back into the air fryer along with minced garlic, melted butter, and chopped parsley, tossing to coat the bites thoroughly.
Air fry everything together for an extra 1 to 2 minutes so the steak can soak up the garlic butter flavors.
Sprinkle additional parsley over the finished dish and season with extra salt and black pepper to your liking.
Serve immediately and enjoy your tasty, air-fried garlic butter steak bites with your favorite sides.
Notes
This recipe is gluten free and suitable for various slimming, diet, or weight loss plans though nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used. Always check ingredient allergens and calculate nutritional info as needed.
Why You’ll Love These Steak Bites
These little bites cook in under 10 minutes and deliver that rich, buttery steakhouse flavor without the fuss of cast iron or a hot grill. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special but don’t have an hour to spend in the kitchen.
Restaurant flavor at home: The garlic butter pools right in the basket, coating every piece as it finishes cooking.
No skillet splatter: Your stovetop stays clean, and the air fryer does all the work.
Flexible and forgiving: Works beautifully with sirloin, ribeye, or whatever steak is on sale at your local market.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love these tender, bite-sized pieces.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably have most of these in your pantry already. The sirloin is the star, but the paprika, onion powder, and fresh parsley bring layers of flavor without overwhelming the beef. I grab lazy garlic from H-E-B when I’m in a rushit works just as well as fresh minced.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the low-calorie spray. It helps the seasonings stick and gives the steak a gorgeous sear without adding extra fat.
Ingredient
Why It Matters
Easy Swap
Sirloin steak
Tender, flavorful, and affordable
Ribeye or strip steak
Sweet paprika
Adds warmth without heat
Smoked paprika for depth
Salted butter
Creates that rich, glossy sauce
Unsalted butter + pinch of salt
Fresh parsley
Brightens the dish
Dried parsley (use 1/2 tablespoon)
How the Air Fryer Works Its Magic
The secret is in the two-stage cook. First, the steak bites sear at high heat, locking in those juices. Then you toss them back in with the garlic, butter, and parsley for a quick flavor infusion. The juices left in the basket become the base of your saucedon’t toss them out!
Flipping halfway through ensures even browning on all sides. After years of testing different air fryer models, I’ve found that 200°C (400°F) is the sweet spot for tender, medium-rare bites with a beautiful crust.
Step-by-Step Timing
Step
Time
What Happens
Season & spray steak
2 minutes
Coat evenly with spices
Preheat air fryer
5 minutes
Reaches 200°C (400°F)
Air fry steak
6 minutes
Turn halfway for even browning
Garlic butter toss
1-2 minutes
Flavors meld, butter melts
Rest & serve
2 minutes
Juices redistribute
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Cut your steak cubes evenlyabout 1 to 1.5 inchesso they cook at the same rate. If some pieces are thicker, they’ll need an extra minute, and the smaller ones might overcook.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave space between pieces so hot air can circulate. Cook in batches if needed.
Check doneness early: Every air fryer runs a little different. Start checking at 5 minutes if you prefer your steak more rare.
Save those juices: The drippings mixed with butter create an instant pan sauce. It’s the best part!
How to Serve and Store
These steak bites shine over mashed cauliflower, tossed with roasted veggies, or piled onto a fresh salad. I love them with a simple side of steamed broccoli and a squeeze of lemon. They’re also fantastic as a party appetizer with toothpicks.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 2-3 minutes to bring back that just-cooked texture. They don’t freeze as wellthe texture gets a bit toughso plan to enjoy them fresh.
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites )
What cut of beef works best for this recipe?
Sirloin steak is my top choice for tender, flavorful bites that cook evenly in the air fryer. Ribeye and NY strip also work wonderfully if you prefer more marbling. Cut against the grain into 1-inch cubes for the best texture.
How long should I cook the steak bites?
Cook for 8-10 minutes at 400F, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning. For medium doneness, aim for 8 minutes. Add 1-2 minutes for more well-done pieces, but avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the garlic butter up to 2 days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before tossing with the hot cooked steak bites for the best melting and flavor distribution.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Preheating for 3-4 minutes at 400F gives you the best sear and prevents sticking. This step ensures the steak bites develop a beautiful golden crust while staying juicy inside. Most air fryers heat up quickly, so it only takes a few minutes.
What sides pair well with these steak bites?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh Caesar salad complement this dish perfectly. For a low-carb option, try serving over cauliflower rice or with sauteed green beans. The rich garlic butter flavor pairs beautifully with simple sides.
These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites cook in 15 minutes and deliver tender, juicy pieces with that golden garlic butter coating you crave. You’ll love how simple they areno skillet mess, just rich steakhouse flavor that tastes like you spent hours. The butter melts right into the basket drippings, creating a glossy sauce that clings to every bite.
Try tossing them with sautéed mushrooms or serving over buttery mashed potatoes for a full meal. If you’ve got leftover steak from Sunday’s grill, this works beautifully as a next-day hackjust cut and air fry. Store them in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat at 350°F for two minutes to bring back that just-cooked tenderness. A trick I learned from my Texas kitchen: save those pan drippings and drizzle them over roasted veggies.
Did you make these for a weeknight dinner or a cozy date night? I’d love to see your platingtag me or drop a photo in the comments. If your family devoured them as fast as mine did, pin this recipe so you’ve got it ready next time steak goes on sale. Here’s to easy, delicious meals that feel like a treat every single time.
