Dinner didn’t go as planned last week. I had thirty minutes, one ribeye, and zero energy to scrub pans. So I grabbed the air fryer, cubed that steak, and hoped for magic. Ten minutes later, the garlic butter coated everything in rich, golden flavor—and dinner turned from survival mode into a mini victory.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak Bites
These garlic butter air fryer steak bites check all the boxes:
- Quick and easy, done in about 10 minutes
- Crispy edges with a juicy, tender center
- No stovetop mess, no fuss
- Perfect for weeknights, low-carb meals, or a protein-packed snack
You can even double the batch and stash some in the fridge for salads or wraps later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak Bites
You only need a handful of pantry staples for maximum flavor:
- 1 lb ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the Garlic Butter
This garlic butter melts into the steak beautifully:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Use fresh garlic for the best taste. It makes a difference.
Best Cuts of Steak for Air Fryer Bites
Some cuts work better than others when you’re working with high heat and quick cook times.
- Ribeye: Marbled and flavorful, melts in your mouth
- Sirloin: Leaner, slightly firmer texture
- Filet mignon: Super tender but pricier
- Flank steak: Works well if sliced thin and against the grain
- Stew meat: Budget-friendly but needs marinating
If you’re watching costs, sirloin or stew meat is your best bet.
How to Make Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak Bites (step-by-step)
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Trim off any excess fat and cut your steak into even, 1-inch cubes.
This helps everything cook at the same rate.
Step 2: Season & Toss
In a mixing bowl, combine steak pieces with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Toss to coat every piece evenly. This gives you that crisp edge later.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
Add steak bites in a single layer. Don’t crowd them.
Cook for 7–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Look for caramelized edges and a soft, pink middle.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
While the steak cooks, melt butter in a small pan over low heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Be careful not to brown it—just soften it.
Step 5: Toss, Garnish & Serve
Let the steak rest for 2–3 minutes first.
Then pour the warm garlic butter over the bites and toss to coat.
Finish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
You’ll want to eat them straight from the bowl.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Steak Bites
- Always preheat the air fryer—it’s key for a good sear.
- Cut the steak into uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly.
- Don’t overload the basket or the steak will steam, not sizzle.
- Let the steak rest before adding butter to keep the juices inside.
- Try an optional marinade: soy sauce, Worcestershire, and honey.
- Use a meat thermometer if you want to be precise:
- 125°F for rare
- 135°F for medium-rare
- 145°F for medium
If using frozen steak, expect to add 2–4 extra minutes.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These bites are versatile. You can keep it simple or dress them up:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Easy air fryer baked potatoes side dish
- Roasted broccoli or carrots
- Fresh cucumber tomato avocado salad
- Try dipping them in chipotle mayo or blue cheese dressing
- Or serve with this garlic butter steak and potatoes dinner idea
Leftovers are great over rice, pasta, or tucked into a pita.
Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe Card
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Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak Bites | Juicy & Irresistible
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy steak bites tossed in garlic butter and cooked in the air fryer. Crispy edges, tender centers, and packed with rich flavor in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb Ribeye Steak (or Sirloin/NY Strip), cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp Olive oil or Avocado oil
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black pepper
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
3 tbsp Unsalted butter (melted)
3 Garlic cloves (minced)
1 tbsp Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Trim excess fat and cut steak into 1-inch cubes.
3. In a bowl, toss steak with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Place steak cubes in air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Air fry for 7–8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. While steak cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
7. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
8. Let steak rest for 2–3 minutes, then toss in garlic butter.
9. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Cut steak evenly for best cooking results.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Let the steak rest before tossing in butter to keep it juicy.
Optional: Marinate in soy sauce, Worcestershire, and honey for extra flavor.
Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 86
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 23mg
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Both are fast, hearty, and made for real-life weeknights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I make crispy steak bites in the air fryer?
Use high heat, don’t crowd the basket, and shake halfway through. Preheating helps sear the edges.
What’s the secret to juicy steak bites?
Let the steak rest for a couple minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices locked in.
Should I put butter on my steak in the air fryer?
No. Add butter after cooking. If added before, it can burn or smoke.
What kind of steak works best for garlic steak bites?
Ribeye is amazing, but sirloin and NY strip also work well. For budget options, try stew meat or flank.
Final Thoughts
Garlic butter air fryer steak bites are fast, flavorful, and seriously satisfying.
You get all the sear and juiciness of a grilled steak without the cleanup.
Try different cuts or seasonings next time. Toss leftovers into a wrap or salad.
And if you enjoyed it, leave a comment or rating—I’d love to hear how yours turned out.
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