Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy, and full of garlicky, buttery flavor with crisp edges that make every bite irresistible. They’re quick to make, packed with savory richness, and perfect as a main dish or an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns a simple cut of steak into something bold, flavorful, and done in under 15 minutes. The air fryer gives the steak perfect caramelized edges without overcooking the inside, and the garlic butter drizzle at the end brings everything together. Whether I’m serving them with veggies, rice, or just toothpicks for snacking, they’re always a hit.

ingredients

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

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

• Olive oil

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Garlic powder

• Paprika

• Unsalted butter

• Fresh garlic, minced

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. I preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

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

3. I place the steak in a single layer in the air fryer basket—working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

4. I air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. I cook to my desired doneness (8 minutes for medium-rare, 10 for well done).

5. While the steak is cooking, I melt the butter in a skillet or microwave and stir in the minced garlic. I let it sizzle for a minute until fragrant.

6. Once the steak bites are done, I drizzle the garlic butter over them and toss to coat.

7. I sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 2–4 servings, depending on portion size, and takes around 10 minutes to prep and 8–10 minutes to cook. It’s ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for a fast and filling dinner or party bite.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the marinade for extra depth. For a spicy kick, I stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the garlic butter. I’ve also served these over mashed potatoes or salad greens for a full meal.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes or in a skillet with a little butter to keep them juicy. I avoid the microwave to prevent drying out.

FAQs

What’s the best steak for this recipe?

I like using sirloin because it’s lean and flavorful, but ribeye and strip steak also work great for a richer texture.

Can I cook the steak bites from frozen?

I don’t recommend it. For the best texture and even cooking, I always thaw and pat the steak dry before air frying.

Do I need to flip or shake them?

Yes, shaking the basket halfway through helps them brown evenly on all sides.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Definitely. I often cube and season the steak a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until ready to cook. Just let it sit out for 10 minutes before air frying.

What sides go best with steak bites?

I love serving them with roasted potatoes, rice, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. They also pair great with sautéed veggies or pasta.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are one of my favorite ways to turn steak night into a fast, no-fuss meal. They’re juicy, rich, and coated in buttery garlic goodness that makes them totally crave-worthy. Whether I serve them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these steak bites always bring big flavor in a short amount of time.