Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

These air fryer garlic butter steak bites are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. I love how quickly they cook and how flavorful they turn out—perfect for a fast dinner, party platter, or protein-packed snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I always go back to this recipe when I want something satisfying with minimal effort. The air fryer gives the steak a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The garlic butter adds a restaurant-quality finish without needing any fancy ingredients. It’s great with veggies, potatoes, rice, or even skewered for a fun appetizer.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip), cut into bite-sized cubes

• Olive oil

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Garlic powder

• Paprika

For the garlic butter:

• Butter

• Fresh garlic, minced

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. I cut the steak into bite-sized cubes and pat them dry with paper towels.

2. In a bowl, I toss the steak pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well coated.

3. I preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

4. I place the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if needed.

5. I air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

6. While the steak cooks, I melt butter in a small pan and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes).

7. When the steak bites are done, I toss them in the warm garlic butter and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2–3 servings, depending on portion size. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 8–10 minutes to cook, so everything comes together in under 20 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the garlic butter for an extra punch of umami. If I want heat, I sprinkle red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne. I’ve also tossed the finished bites with a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.

storage/reheating

Leftover steak bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3–4 minutes, or quickly sear them in a hot skillet. I avoid microwaving them because it tends to overcook the meat and dry it out.

FAQs

What type of steak works best?

I like using sirloin for a lean option or ribeye for more richness. Any tender, well-marbled cut works well.

Do I need to marinate the steak?

Not for this recipe. The seasoning and garlic butter bring plenty of flavor without extra time.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I prep and season the steak in advance, then air fry just before serving. I reheat leftovers, but fresh is always best.

Can I cook these to medium-rare?

Yes, I reduce the cook time to around 6–7 minutes and check with a meat thermometer. I stop at 130–135°F for medium-rare.

What can I serve with steak bites?

I usually serve them with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, a side salad, or even over rice or noodles.

Conclusion

These air fryer garlic butter steak bites are quick, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. I love how easy they are to make and how they always turn out juicy and satisfying. Whether I serve them as a main course or party snack, they’re a guaranteed hit every time.

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