Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites – Juicy, Tender & Packed with Flavor
If you love steakhouse-quality bites but don’t want to fire up the grill, these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the perfect solution. Cooked in under 15 minutes, these steak bites come out tender, juicy, and coated in rich garlic butter, making them an easy yet incredibly satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving them with sides or enjoying them as an appetizer, this recipe is a must-try for steak lovers!
My Experience with Air Fryer Steak Bites
I’ve always loved a good steak, but sometimes I don’t want to deal with the mess of pan-searing or the hassle of grilling. That’s when I discovered that the air fryer is a game-changer for steak bites! The quick, high-heat cooking locks in the juices, giving you tender, flavorful steak with a beautiful sear. Tossing the hot steak in homemade garlic butter takes it over the top, making every bite absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep.
✔️ Perfectly Cooked Steak – Juicy inside with a caramelized exterior.
✔️ Garlic Butter Perfection – Rich, buttery, and packed with flavor.
✔️ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a party appetizer.
✔️ Low Carb & Keto-Friendly – A delicious protein-packed meal with zero guilt.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Find the full recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
For the Garlic Butter:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
- Season the Steak: In a bowl, toss the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
- Air Fry: Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Make the Garlic Butter: While the steak is cooking, melt the butter in a small bowl and mix in the minced garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Toss the Steak in Butter: Once the steak bites are done, immediately toss them in the garlic butter mixture to coat evenly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Transfer to a plate and garnish with extra parsley. Serve warm with your favorite sides!
Best Sides for Air Fryer Steak Bites
These garlic butter steak bites are versatile and go great with:
- Mashed Potatoes – Classic comfort food pairing.
- Roasted Vegetables – Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini.
- Rice or Quinoa – A hearty, balanced meal.
- Crispy French Fries – Because steak and fries are a perfect duo.
- Garlic Bread – Use it to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Steak Bites
- Use the Right Cut: Ribeye, sirloin, filet, or NY strip work best for tenderness and flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Doneness:
- Medium-Rare: 6-7 minutes
- Medium: 8-9 minutes
- Well-Done: 10-11 minutes
- Let the Steak Rest: Letting the steak bites sit for 2-3 minutes after cooking helps retain their juices.
- Use Fresh Garlic for the Butter: It enhances the flavor compared to garlic powder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these steak bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can season and prep them in advance, then cook when ready. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
What’s the best steak to use for this recipe?
Ribeye for the most flavor, sirloin for a leaner option, and filet for the most tender bites.
Do I need to marinate the steak?
No marinade is needed, but if you want extra flavor, marinate in Worcestershire sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
Can I add vegetables to the air fryer with the steak?
Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions cook well alongside steak bites. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces.
Can I cook these on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely! Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, and cook steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side before tossing in garlic butter.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are an easy, quick, and mouthwatering way to enjoy a steakhouse-style meal at home. Whether you’re making them for dinner, meal prepping, or serving as an appetizer, they’re guaranteed to be a huge hit!
Try them once, and they’ll become a regular go-to in your recipe rotation!
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites – Juicy, Flavorful & Easy
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: SERVES 4
Description
If you love steakhouse-quality bites but don’t want to fire up the grill, these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the perfect solution. Cooked in under 15 minutes, these steak bites come out tender, juicy, and coated in rich garlic butter, making them an easy yet incredibly satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving them with sides or enjoying them as an appetizer, this recipe is a must-try for steak lovers!
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
For the Garlic Butter:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
- Season the Steak: In a bowl, toss the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
- Air Fry: Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Make the Garlic Butter: While the steak is cooking, melt the butter in a small bowl and mix in the minced garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Toss the Steak in Butter: Once the steak bites are done, immediately toss them in the garlic butter mixture to coat evenly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Transfer to a plate and garnish with extra parsley. Serve warm with your favorite sides!
Notes
- Use the Right Cut: Ribeye, sirloin, filet, or NY strip work best for tenderness and flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Doneness:
- Medium-Rare: 6-7 minutes
- Medium: 8-9 minutes
- Well-Done: 10-11 minutes
- Let the Steak Rest: Letting the steak bites sit for 2-3 minutes after cooking helps retain their juices.
- Use Fresh Garlic for the Butter: It enhances the flavor compared to garlic powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch
Nutrition
- Calories: 268
- Protein: 36gr
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
