Juicy Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
If you're looking for a quick and juicy steak bite recipe, you're in the right place. These air fryer garlic butter steak bites are packed with flavor, crispy on the outside, and so tender on the inside—it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to eat the whole batch! They come together in just 15 minutes with super simple ingredients, making them the perfect option for busy nights when you want something delicious without fussing over a full steak. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked.
Want another steak recipe? Try my Gordon Ramsey’s Pan Seared Steak
Why You’re Going to Love These Steak Bites
Beginner Cooks – Easy steps, no fancy techniques, and minimal prep. You got this!
Busy People – Air frying steak takes just 5-7 minutes. Hello, quick weeknight dinner!
Protein Lovers – Packed with protein and super satisfying without needing all the extra stuff.
Air Fryer Fans – The perfect air fryer steak—crispy edges without the mess of splattering grease!
Low-Carb/Keto Dieters – Naturally low in carbs, so it pairs perfectly with your favorite keto sides.
Families – Kid-friendly, and they go great with mashed potatoes, veggies, or even a simple rice side.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Steak Bites:
1.5 lbs top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
2 tbsp butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
My Recommended Kitchen Tools for this Recipe:
How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Steak Bites
1. Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat while you prepare the steak.
2. Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces.
3. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika
4. Toss the steak bites with olive oil, then coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
5. Place the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 minutes.
6. While the steak is cooking, melt butter in a small pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in parsley and remove from heat.
7. Drizzle the warm garlic butter over the steak bites and enjoy!
Can I Make These Steak Bites on the Stove Instead?
Yes! Here’s how:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
Add the steak bites in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until your desired doneness is reached.
Remove from heat and toss with the garlic butter sauce before serving.
Can I Use a Cheaper Cut of Meat?
Yes! If using a tougher cut like flank steak or chuck roast, marinate it in olive oil, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce for 30 minutes to tenderize.
How to Choose the Best Cut of Steak
Here are some great options for this air fryer steak bites recipe:
Top Sirloin – Great flavor without breaking the bank.
Ribeye Steak – Extra juicy and flavorful.
New York Strip Steak – Firmer texture but still tender.
Filet Mignon – Super tender, but pricier.
Jazz’s Tips for the Best Steak Bites
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Get that air fryer nice and hot! Set it to 400°F while you prep your steak to ensure a perfect sear and juicy steak bites.
2. Cut Even Steak Pieces
For the most even cooking, cut your top sirloin into 1-inch cubes. This way, you won’t have some pieces overcooked while others are underdone—no one wants that!
3. Use a Meat Thermometer
Wanna make sure your steak bites are perfectly juicy? Check the internal temperature:
Rare: 120-125°F
Medium-Rare: 125-135°F
Medium: 135-140°F
Medium-Well: 145-150°F
Well-Done: 150°F+
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
You want those crispy edges, so make sure your steak bites are spread out in a single layer. If you’re making a bigger batch, just cook them in batches—trust me, it’s worth it!
5. Let the Steak Rest
Once those steak bites are done, let them chill for 2-3 minutes before diving in. It helps keep all those juicy flavors locked in.
6. Adjust for Your Air Fryer
Every air fryer is a little different, so here’s what to keep in mind:
Size of steak pieces: Smaller cubes cook up quicker.
How full the basket is: If it’s too crowded, they’ll need extra time.
Your air fryer brand: Some cook faster than others, so you might need to tweak the time a bit.
7. Add Extra Flavor
Boost taste with:
Fresh lemon juice
Red pepper flakes
Worcestershire sauce
Italian seasoning
What to Serve with Air Fryer Steak Bites
Looking for a complete meal? Here are some great side dishes:
FAQs
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For best results, use fresh or thawed steak. If cooking from frozen, add 3-5 extra minutes and shake the air fryer basket frequently.
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Your steak might be overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
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Not necessary, but marinating in soy sauce, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce adds extra flavor.
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Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
These air fryer garlic steak bites are the perfect way to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re making this for a quick dinner, a delicious appetizer, or meal prep, this recipe is a game changer. Try it today and let me know what you think
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below! Happy cooking! 😊
Juicy Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (16 oz) top sirloin steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat while you prepare the steak.
- Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Toss the steak bites with olive oil, then coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
- Place the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 minutes.
- While the steak is cooking, melt butter in a small pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in parsley and remove from heat.
- Drizzle the warm garlic butter over the steak bites and enjoy!
