There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a perfectly seared, juicy steak. But who wants to deal with the hassle of firing up a grill or making a mess on the stovetop? That’s where Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites come in. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can achieve steakhouse-quality results right in your air fryer. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or a protein-packed snack, these buttery, flavorful bites are guaranteed to impress.
The first time I made air fryer garlic butter steak bites, I was skeptical. Could an air fryer really deliver the rich, caramelized crust and melt-in-your-mouth texture I love in a steak? The answer was a resounding yes. One bite, and I was hooked. The combination of crispy edges, tender meat, and garlicky butter sauce felt like something out of my favorite steakhouse—but in my own kitchen, with hardly any effort. Now, it’s my go-to for an easy, indulgent dinner that never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, including prep time.
Juicy & Tender: Perfectly cooked steak with a rich garlic butter sauce.
Versatile: Works with various cuts of beef like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon.
Healthier Option: Less oil than pan-frying and no need for deep-frying.
Keto & Low-Carb Friendly: High in protein, making it a great option for keto dieters.
Choosing the Best Steak for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
The key to mouthwatering steak bites lies in the cut of beef. Here are some excellent options:
- Ribeye Steak: Well-marbled, super juicy, and full of flavor.
- Sirloin Steak: A leaner option that remains tender when cooked properly.
- Flat Iron Steak: Budget-friendly yet tender and flavorful.
- Filet Mignon: Exceptionally tender but more expensive.
- New York Strip: Slightly firmer texture but great for steak bites.
For best results, choose a cut with some marbling to keep your bites tender and juicy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
First: Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless ribeye steak (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Tools You’ll Need:
- Air fryer (basket-style recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer
- Skillet (for garlic butter sauce)
Second: Seasoning the Steak Bites
- Place the steak bites in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Toss everything together until the steak bites are evenly coated.
Third: Air Frying the Steak Bites
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket (avoid overcrowding).
- Cook for 4–6 minutes depending on your desired doneness:
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium-Rare: 125-135°F
- Medium: 135-140°F
- Medium-Well: 145-150°F
- Well-Done: 150°F and above
- Remove the steak bites from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
Fourth: Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Add the cooked steak bites and toss them in the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures perfectly cooked steak without guesswork.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking in batches helps achieve an even sear.
Let the Steak Rest: Resting the steak for 2-3 minutes prevents it from drying out.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor compared to jarred garlic.
Experiment with Seasonings: Montreal steak seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or BBQ rubs add variety.
For a great complementary dish, consider trying this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe for a comforting meal on busy days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Air Fryer Steak Bites
Skipping the Preheat Step: Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking.
Using Too Much Oil: A little olive oil is enough; too much can cause smoking.
Not Using a Meat Thermometer: This leads to overcooked or undercooked steak.
Reheating in the Air Fryer: Due to the high butter content, use a microwave or stovetop instead.
If you’re a fan of cheesy and meaty flavors, you might also enjoy this Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe for an irresistible twist on a classic dish.
FAQs About Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Q: How do I make these steak bites healthier?
A: Use a leaner cut like sirloin and reduce the butter quantity. Pair with steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
Q: Can I use frozen steak?
A: Yes, but thaw it first for even cooking. If cooking from frozen, increase the air fryer time by 2-3 minutes.
Q: What side dishes go well with steak bites?
A: Try mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, garlic butter rice, or a simple side salad.
For those who love comfort food, this Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe is a must-try to complete your meal.
Conclusion
Making Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites at home is easier than ever! This dish delivers juicy, flavorful steak without the need for a grill. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting guests, this simple yet indulgent recipe is a winner.
Try it today, and let us know how it turns out in the comments! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow steak lovers. Happy cooking!
PrintAir Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly tender! With crispy edges and a rich garlic butter sauce, they bring steakhouse quality to your kitchen in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a protein-packed snack, these steak bites are a must-try!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 11 mins
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: air fryer recipe
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
First: Prepare the Steak Bites
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the steak bites with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Second: Air Fry the Steak Bites
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket (avoid overcrowding).
- Cook for 4-6 minutes, depending on your desired doneness:
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium-Rare: 125-135°F
- Medium: 135-140°F
- Medium-Well: 145-150°F
- Well-Done: 150°F and above
- Remove the steak bites from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes.
Third: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Add the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce for about 1 minute.
Fourth: Serve & Enjoy
- Transfer to a plate and serve immediately. Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a side salad!
Notes
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak bites reach your preferred doneness!
Best Cuts: Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon work best for this recipe.
Serving Ideas: Pair with Crockpot Beef and Noodles or Philly Cheesesteak Pizza for a delicious meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~465 kcal
- Sugar: ~0.1g
- Sodium: ~448mg
- Fat: ~36g
- Saturated Fat: ~14g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~20g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~1g
- Fiber: ~0.2g
- Protein: ~35g
- Cholesterol: ~95mg
Keywords: Air fryer steak bites, garlic butter steak, easy steak recipe, keto steak, quick dinner, low-carb steak, air fryer beef