If you’re like me, you know the magic of a good steak — that perfectly seared exterior, the juicy, tender inside, and, of course, the rich flavor that leaves you planning your next steak night before you’ve even finished your plate. But let’s be honest: sometimes, firing up the grill or stove can feel like a lot, especially after a busy day. That’s where these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites come in — your new favorite way to enjoy restaurant-quality steak right at home, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly quick and simple it is without sacrificing taste or texture. The air fryer works its magic in just minutes, giving you perfectly cooked steak bites, while the rich garlic butter sauce takes them over the top. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, looking for a protein-packed snack, or even serving up a party appetizer, these steak bites are a winner every time.
I’ve made this recipe countless times when I needed something delicious on the table fast. And every single time, I’m reminded that great meals don’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have tender, juicy steak bites ready in no time.
So, let’s get started!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
1 ½ pounds boneless ribeye steaks, 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
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: PREHEAT YOUR AIR FRYER
Before anything else, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Give it about 5 minutes to heat up properly. This ensures that your steak bites start cooking immediately when you place them inside, helping to lock in those juices and achieve that perfect sear on the outside.
STEP 2: SEASON THE STEAK
While the air fryer is heating, take a large bowl and add your bite-sized steak pieces. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle over the kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and smoked paprika. The smoked paprika adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the richness of the steak beautifully.
Toss everything together until the steak pieces are evenly coated. This quick marinade not only seasons the steak but also helps it caramelize slightly in the air fryer, creating that irresistible crust.
STEP 3: ARRANGE IN THE AIR FRYER
Now it’s time to cook. Arrange the seasoned steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. One of the great things about this recipe is that there’s no need to spray the basket — the olive oil coating is enough to keep the steak from sticking.
STEP 4: AIR FRY THE STEAK BITES
Air fry the steak bites for 4-6 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. For medium-rare, aim for around 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook slightly once it’s tossed in the warm garlic butter sauce.
FINISHING YOUR GARLIC BUTTER STEAK BITES TO PERFECTION
Now that your steak bites are perfectly cooked in the air fryer, it’s time to elevate them to the next level. The secret? A rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce that coats every bite with a silky, savory finish. This sauce comes together quickly and adds an incredible depth of flavor that makes these steak bites completely irresistible.
Whether you’re serving them as a main course or offering them up as an appetizer, this finishing touch is what transforms simple steak into something truly special. Let’s dive into the final steps.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS CONTINUED
STEP 5: PREPARE THE GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE
While your steak bites are cooking, get started on the sauce. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. You’ll want the butter fully melted but not browned — we’re looking for smooth, rich flavor, not a nutty or burnt taste.
STEP 6: ADD THE GARLIC AND PARSLEY
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Stir it constantly and cook for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to overcook it — garlic can turn bitter if left too long on the heat. After the garlic has released its aroma, stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also a touch of freshness that balances the richness of the butter.
STEP 7: TOSS THE STEAK BITES IN THE SAUCE
As soon as your steak bites are done cooking in the air fryer, transfer them directly into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Gently toss them for about one minute, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated in that buttery, garlicky goodness. The heat from the steak will help the sauce cling beautifully, creating a glossy, mouthwatering finish.
STEP 8: SERVE IMMEDIATELY
Once coated, serve your steak bites immediately for the best texture and flavor. These are best enjoyed hot, while the butter sauce is still warm and glossy.
TIPS FOR THE BEST AIR FRYER GARLIC BUTTER STEAK BITES
Even though this recipe is wonderfully simple, there are a few tips and tricks that can make it even better:
Use high-quality steak: Ribeye is my go-to for this recipe because of its marbling, which keeps the bites juicy and tender. You can also use sirloin or New York strip if you prefer.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Give your steak bites space to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid steaming the meat.
Monitor doneness carefully: Because the steak bites are small, they cook quickly. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure you get the perfect level of doneness every time.
Customize your seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your taste. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice heat, while a sprinkle of onion powder gives a deeper savory flavor.
Pair with your favorite sides: These steak bites go wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
VARIATIONS TO TRY
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s fun to experiment with different flavors:
Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil to the garlic butter sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions.
Herb Butter: Replace the parsley with fresh thyme or rosemary for a slightly different herbaceous note.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a subtle heat that builds with every bite.
With these simple tweaks, you can customize your garlic butter steak bites to suit any occasion or craving.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AIR FRYER GARLIC BUTTER STEAK BITES
As simple as this recipe is, I know there are always a few questions that come up when making steak in the air fryer. Let’s tackle some of the most common ones to make sure your steak bites turn out perfectly every single time.
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT CUT OF STEAK?
Absolutely! While ribeye is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, sirloin, New York strip, or tenderloin also work well. Just make sure to cut them into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
DO I NEED TO LET THE STEAK REST BEFORE SERVING?
Since these bites are small and finish cooking quickly, they don’t require a long resting period like a full steak. However, giving them a minute or two after tossing in the butter sauce helps the juices settle slightly before serving.
HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVERS?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat to gently warm the steak bites without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the steak rubbery.
CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE WITHOUT AN AIR FRYER?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook the steak bites in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on how done you like them. Then, follow the same steps to coat them in the garlic butter sauce.
HOW CAN I TELL WHEN THE STEAK BITES ARE DONE?
The easiest way is to use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F; for medium, 140°F. Because the bites are small, they’ll cook quickly, so keeping a close eye is key.
CAN I PREPARE THE GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE IN ADVANCE?
You can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat it gently before tossing it with the freshly cooked steak bites.
WHAT SIDES GO BEST WITH THESE STEAK BITES?
They pair wonderfully with so many sides! Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple green salad all make great companions. You can also serve them over rice or even pasta for a heartier meal.
CONCLUSION: SIMPLE, SATISFYING, AND BURSTING WITH FLAVOR
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that’s both easy to make and absolutely packed with flavor. These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites deliver on both fronts. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you get restaurant-quality steak bites that are tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, hosting friends for a casual get-together, or just craving a quick protein-packed snack, this recipe fits the bill every time. Plus, with the simple variations and tips we’ve covered, you can easily make this recipe your own.
I hope you give these steak bites a try and fall in love with them just like I have. If you do, be sure to share your experience and let me know if you tried any fun variations. I always love hearing how others make recipes their own!
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AIR FRYER GARLIC BUTTER STEAK BITES
Description
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a protein-packed snack, these steak bites are cooked to perfection in the air fryer and finished in a rich garlic butter sauce for an irresistible dish.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless ribeye steaks, 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
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the steak pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss everything together until the steak is evenly coated.
Place the seasoned steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. There is no need to spray the basket.
Air fry the steak bites for 4-6 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook for approximately 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F. Keep in mind that the steak bites will continue cooking slightly in the butter sauce.
While the steak bites are cooking, prepare the garlic butter sauce. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Transfer the cooked steak bites from the air fryer to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the steak bites in the sauce for about one minute until they are evenly coated.
Serve immediately.
Notes
Use a high-quality cut of steak for the most tender and flavorful bites. You can adjust the seasoning to taste, adding a bit of cayenne for extra heat if desired. Serve these steak bites with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
