Quick & Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Air fryer garlic butter steak bites bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table in just 21 minutes! This quick, effortless recipe creates tender, juicy steak bites coated in a rich, garlic butter sauce—all with minimal cleanup, thanks to the genius of air frying.

When I first discovered this recipe, I was searching for something simple yet impressive to whip up on a busy weeknight. Let me tell you, it’s a dream come true for steak lovers who want to skip the mess and stress of stovetop cooking. Since then, these buttery bites have become my go-to for date nights, family dinners, and even special occasions.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses just a handful of fresh ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless ribeye steaks, cut into bite-sized pieces. (You can also use sirloin, NY strip, or filet mignon.)
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil, to coat the steak bites and help with browning.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, for perfect seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, for a balanced hint of heat.
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, adding a subtle smoky depth to the flavor.
• 3 Tablespoons salted butter, the base for that indulgent garlic butter sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is key here for maximum fragrance and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, for a pop of color and fresh, herby brightness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready in no time, these steak bites are straightforward to prep and cook. Here’s how to nail it:

1. Preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F and let it preheat for 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking right from the start.
2. Season the steak bites. Toss the steak pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a large bowl until evenly coated.
3. Air fry to perfection. Spread the steak bites in an even layer in your air fryer basket. No need to spray the basket! Cook for 4-6 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness (see tips below). I find 5 minutes gets mine just right at 135°F for medium-rare.
4. Make the garlic butter sauce. While the steak bites cook, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then stir in parsley.
5. Toss and serve. Add the cooked steak bites to your skillet, tossing them gently in the garlic butter sauce for a minute. Serve immediately for best results.

Jake’s Expert Tips for Perfect Steak Bites

Here are my pro tips to make these air fryer garlic butter steak bites absolutely foolproof:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Place the steak bites in a single layer to ensure even air circulation and perfect browning.
• Use a meat thermometer: For precision, check the internal temperature. Medium-rare is 135°F, medium is 145°F, and well-done is 160°F.
• Pull them early: The steak continues cooking in the skillet with the butter sauce, so aim for slightly underdone when you take them out of the air fryer.
• Switch up the flavors: Try Cajun or BBQ seasoning for a fun twist, or sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes if you love a little heat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things readers ask me:

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While ribeye is my favorite, you can use sirloin, NY strip, filet mignon, or even flank steak. Just make sure to cut it into evenly sized bites for consistent cooking.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat steak bites in a skillet over medium heat with a little extra butter. Avoid the air fryer for reheating, as the butter sauce can burn. Pro tip: These steak bites are also delicious cold in a salad!

Can I freeze steak bites?

Yes, you can! Cool them completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What should I serve with these steak bites?

Pair them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp side salad. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Of course! Use a plant-based butter alternative and skip the butter sauce step. You can also coat the steak bites with olive oil and fresh herbs for a flavorful twist.

Try This Recipe Today!

These air fryer garlic butter steak bites are bursting with flavor and come together in no time. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an easy dish for entertaining, this recipe won’t disappoint. I’d love to hear how yours turned out—leave a comment below or share a photo on social media and tag KitchenShortcuts.net!

Looking for more easy air fryer recipes? Check out my air fryer chicken wings or crispy air fryer pork chops. Happy cooking!