Crispy Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter: A Quick and Flavorful Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious meal, these Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter are a must-try! Perfectly seared on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and coated in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, these steak bites are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, using an air fryer makes this recipe incredibly simple and mess-free. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
  • Versatile: Use your favorite cut of steak—sirloin, strip loin, tenderloin, or rib eye all work beautifully.
  • Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh parsley takes these steak bites to the next level.
  • Healthier Option: Air frying requires minimal oil, making this a lighter alternative to pan-frying.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible steak bites:

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 ½ lb sirloin steak (or strip loin, tenderloin, strip steak, or rib eye), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ tsp pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 Tbsp salted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Steak

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the steak bites with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply set it to 400°F and let it run for 4 minutes to heat up.

Step 3: Cook the Steak Bites

  1. Once the air fryer is preheated, add the steak bites to the basket in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding).
  2. Air fry for 4 minutes. If you prefer your steak more well-done, check for doneness and cook in 1-minute intervals until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, 4 minutes should be perfect.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. While the steak is cooking, heat a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
  2. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to brown. Be careful not to burn it!
  3. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

  1. When the steak bites are done, transfer them to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the steak evenly in the flavorful sauce.
  2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking in batches ensures the steak bites cook evenly and get that perfect crispy exterior.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with 1 tsp of garlic powder if needed.
  • Let the Steak Rest: If you have time, let the steak rest for a couple of minutes after air frying to lock in the juices.
  • Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite spices, like smoked paprika, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.

Serving Suggestions

These steak bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways:

  • As an Appetizer: Serve them with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing party snack.
  • Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Pair them with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
  • In a Salad: Slice the steak bites and add them to a fresh green salad for a protein-packed lunch.
  • With Dipping Sauces: Offer a side of chimichurri, horseradish sauce, or a creamy blue cheese dip for extra flavor.

Why Air Fryer Steak Bites?

The air fryer is a game-changer for cooking steak bites. It delivers a perfectly seared exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy—all without the splatter and mess of traditional pan-frying. Plus, it’s faster than firing up the grill!

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your air fryer, a good cut of steak, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.