Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are one of those recipes that makes you feel like a chef without any of the fuss. I’ll never forget the first time I made these on a hectic Wednesday evening. The air fryer gave me that perfect sear I usually only get from my cast iron skillet, but without heating up my whole kitchen or dealing with splatter all over the stove.
There’s something magical about how the air fryer crisps up the outside of these steak bites while keeping them tender and juicy inside. Then you toss them in that garlicky butter sauce, and suddenly you’ve got something that tastes like it came from a steakhouse. My family couldn’t believe how quick and easy it was, and I’ve been making these at least twice a month ever since. Your kitchen’s about to smell incredible.
What Makes This Recipe So Special
This air fryer method has become my go-to for steak bites because it delivers consistent results every single time. I’ve cooked these dozens of times now, and they always turn out perfectly seasoned and tender.
- Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish
- Quick and easy with minimal cleanup
- Perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time
- Tender and flavorful steak bites with a beautiful sear
- Luscious garlic butter sauce that coats every piece
- Low calorie at just 293 per serving
- Incredibly simple technique that works every time
Key Players in This Recipe
Sirloin steak is my first choice for quick-cooking steak bites because it stays tender and doesn’t require slow cooking. I always trim any visible fat before cutting to keep the texture just right.
Paprika adds a subtle sweetness and helps create that beautiful color on the outside of the steak. In my kitchen, I prefer smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
Onion powder brings savory depth without overpowering the beef flavor. This is one of those ingredients that works quietly in the background but makes a big difference.
Garlic forms the heart of that incredible butter sauce. I’ve found that jarred minced garlic works perfectly here and saves time on busy nights.
Salted butter creates the rich, glossy sauce that makes these steak bites irresistible. Real butter is essential here, not margarine or spreads that won’t give you the same results.
Low-calorie cooking spray helps achieve that perfect sear without adding unnecessary calories. Make sure to use a non-emulsifier based spray to avoid any sticky residue in your air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Step 1. I’ve found that preheating your air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes is crucial for getting that perfect sear. Just like you’d never add steak to a cold pan, you don’t want to start with a cold air fryer.
Step 2. While the air fryer heats up, season your steak bites generously with paprika, onion powder, red chili flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece gets coated evenly.
Step 3. Spray your grill pan insert lightly with the cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps create those beautiful grill marks.
Step 4. Place the seasoned steak bites on the grill pan in a single layer without overcrowding. Betty’s tip: Cook in batches if needed rather than cramming everything in at once, which would steam the meat instead of searing it.
Step 5. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until you see a nice golden-brown color developing on the outside. The exact time depends on how thick your pieces are and how done you like your steak.
Step 6. Remove the grill pan carefully, making sure to keep any juices that have collected in the basket. Those juices add so much flavor to the final dish.
Step 7. In a small bowl, mix your minced garlic with melted butter. Add the steak bites directly to the air fryer basket and pour the garlic butter mixture over them. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let all those flavors meld together. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while they’re hot and juicy.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These steak bites are definitely best served fresh from the air fryer when they’re hot and the butter sauce is still glossy. That said, if you do have leftovers, they’ll keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For reheating, I recommend using your air fryer again at 350°F for about 3 to 4 minutes. This helps restore some of that crispy exterior. You can also reheat them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small pat of butter. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the steak tough and rubbery.
Sides That Shine
These rich, garlicky steak bites pair beautifully with sides that balance out their bold flavor. I love serving them with lighter, fresh options that complement rather than compete.
- Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes for a comforting, creamy side
- Roasted Vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a healthy option
- Crushed Potatoes with herbs for a rustic presentation
- Spring Onion Cauliflower Mash for a lower-carb alternative
- Sweet Potato Mash for a touch of sweetness
- Grilled Zucchini for a light, fresh side
- Steamed Broccoli with lemon butter
FAQs
I recommend sticking with sirloin for the best results with this quick-cooking method. Avoid stewing cuts like chuck, as they need long, slow cooking to become tender.
No marinating needed. The seasoning and quick cooking method give you plenty of flavor without the extra time.
You can cook the steak bites directly in the air fryer basket. Just make sure not to overcrowd them, and you might need to shake the basket halfway through cooking.
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes to achieve the perfect sear.
- Season the steak bites generously with paprika, onion powder, red chili flakes if using, salt, and pepper.
- Spray the grill pan insert with low-calorie cooking spray.
- Place seasoned steak bites on the grill pan in a single layer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Remove the grill pan, making sure to reserve any juices in the basket.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
