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Craving a quick dinner that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t require standing over a hot stove? I’ve got you covered with these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites. They’re juicy, tender bites of steak infused with that irresistible garlic butter goodness, all made in your air fryer for minimal cleanup. Last week, when I was rushing after a long day, I whipped up a batch, and it was a game-changer—my family couldn’t get enough. What I love most is how these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites come together in under 20 minutes, turning simple ingredients into something restaurant-worthy. If you’re tired of the same old meals, this recipe will become your new go-to, and I’m excited to share every step with you.
Let’s be honest, steak can sometimes feel intimidating, but the air fryer makes it foolproof. These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are perfect for busy weeknights or even impressing guests without much fuss. In my experience, the key is using high-quality steak and that fresh garlic butter to elevate everything. Ready to dive in? You’ll be amazed at how easy it is.
Key Takeaways:
- Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are ready in under 20 minutes for a fast, flavorful meal.
- No oil splatter or stovetop mess thanks to the air fryer convenience.
- Rich garlic butter sauce creates juicy, restaurant-style steak bites every time.
- Simple ingredients but big on taste—perfect for beginners or pros.
- Store leftovers easily and reheat without losing tenderness.
Why You’ll Adore This Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Quick and Effortless Prep: Imagine tender steak bites without the hassle of pan-frying. These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites cook up in minutes, freeing you up for other things. I always appreciate how little time they take on a hectic evening.
Explosive Flavor in Every Bite: The garlic butter melts right over the hot steak, creating that perfect savory glaze. It’s like a steakhouse meal at home, and honestly, it’s addictive. You’ll find yourself making excuses to cook this more often.
Healthier Twist on Comfort Food: Using the air fryer means less oil, but all the rich taste remains. These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are satisfying without feeling heavy. What I find interesting is how versatile they are for different diets.
Family-Friendly and Customizable: Kids and adults alike love the bite-sized pieces. Toss them into salads or serve as appetizers—endless possibilities. Here’s the thing: once you try them, they’ll be a staple in your rotation.
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Sirloin Steak: Go for a good cut like sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. It’s affordable yet tender when air-fried quickly. In these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites, the steak absorbs the flavors beautifully, staying juicy inside. I’ve tried ribeye too, but sirloin keeps it budget-friendly without sacrificing taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal to control the saltiness. It melts into a luxurious sauce with the garlic. This ingredient ties everything together in the Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites, adding that creamy richness we all crave. Freshness matters—use it straight from the fridge for the best melt.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic cloves bring the bold, aromatic punch. Don’t skimp here; it’s the star alongside the butter. For Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites, three to four cloves give the perfect intensity without overpowering. I always smash them first to release more oils for deeper flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Prepare the Steak Cubes
Start by patting your steak dry and cutting it into even 1-inch pieces—this ensures they cook uniformly without steaming. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil to help with crisping. In my experience, letting them sit for 10 minutes draws out moisture for better searing. These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites rely on this step for that perfect texture. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F while you prep. Toss the cubes in the basket without overcrowding for even air flow.
Air Fry to Perfection
Air fry the steak bites for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to flip them. You’ll hear that satisfying sizzle, and the aroma will fill your kitchen—pure heaven. Keep an eye on doneness; aim for medium-rare if you like it pink inside. The outside gets a nice char while staying tender. This method locks in juices better than stovetop, in my opinion. Once done, remove and set aside; they should reach about 135°F internally.
Toss in Garlic Butter Sauce
While the steak rests, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic, stirring until fragrant—about 1 minute. Pour the hot mixture over your Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and toss gently to coat. The warmth from the steak will make the butter even silkier. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Let it sit for a minute to meld flavors. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites Instructions
- Pat steak cubes dry, season with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Let sit 10 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Add steak to basket in a single layer.
- Air fry 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway, until internal temp reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
- Melt butter in skillet, add garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss hot steak bites in garlic butter. Garnish with parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This allows hot air to circulate, preventing steaming and ensuring crispy edges.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For precise doneness—overcooking dries out the steak fast.
Fresh Garlic Only: It makes a huge difference in flavor compared to jarred; mince it finely for even distribution.
You Must Know
- Air fryer models vary, so check doneness early to avoid overcooking.
- Room temperature steak cooks more evenly than straight from the fridge.
- The garlic butter can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days.
- These bites are naturally gluten-free and low-carb friendly.
How to Store Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Let your Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites cool completely before transferring to an airtight container; they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a sheet, then bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave gently to avoid toughness. I’ve found the air fryer method brings back that fresh flavor best.
Customizing Your Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Swap sirloin for tenderloin if you want extra luxury, or use flank steak for a budget option in your Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the butter for a twist, or make it spicy with red pepper flakes. Vegetarians can sub in portobello mushrooms. For inspiration, check out this garlic butter steak bites variation to mix things up.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Pair these with roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad for balance. Mashed cauliflower works great for low-carb nights, adding creaminess. Don’t forget crusty bread to sop up that garlic butter. A crisp white wine or iced tea rounds it out nicely.
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Imagine the tantalizing aroma of tender seasoned steak bites in a luscious garlic butter sauce, all prepared to perfection. Now, picture this mouthwatering delight ready in just minutes in your air fryer.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 650 g sirloin (or your steak of choice) ((22.9oz) trimmed of visible fat and cubed)
- 02 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 03 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 04 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 05 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 06 red chilli flakes ((optional) pinch)
- 07 low calorie spray
- 08 2 teaspoon minced garlic (or lazy garlic)
- 09 2 tablespoon salted butter, melted
- 10 1.5 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped ((and additional to garnish))
Instructions
Season the Steak: Place the steak pieces in a bowl and add the paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and a pinch of red chili flakes. Toss the steak until it's evenly coated with the seasonings.
Apply Low-Calorie Spray: Spray the seasoned steak pieces with a low-calorie cooking spray and toss them again to ensure an even coating.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 5 minutes.
Air Fry the Steak: Arrange the seasoned steak pieces on the grill plate in the air fryer. Air fry them for 6 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through the cooking time.
Remove and Save Juices: Take the cooked steak pieces out of the air fryer and remove the grill plate, but leave the juices in the bottom of the basket as they will become the sauce.
Flavour Infusion: Put the cooked steak bites back into the air fryer along with the minced garlic, butter, and parsley. Toss to coat the steak bites in the flavor mixture and air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the steak bites to absorb the flavors.
Final Touch: Sprinkle a little more fresh parsley over the dish and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve and Enjoy! Your delicious steak bites are now ready to be served with your favourite sides and enjoyed.
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Can I make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the steak cubes and garlic butter up to a day ahead, but cook fresh for best texture. Reheating works, but they shine when served hot. It’s a great meal prep option for lunches.
How long does Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites last in the fridge?
They stay good for 3 days in an airtight container. Beyond that, quality dips, so freeze instead. Always reheat to at least 165°F for safety.
Can I use a different cut of steak for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Absolutely, ribeye adds richness or try filet mignon for tenderness. Adjust cooking time slightly for thicker cuts. In my experience, sirloin is the sweet spot for value.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Pan-sear on high heat for 4-5 minutes total, stirring often. The air fryer version is crispier, but stovetop works in a pinch for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites. See our garlic butter techniques for tips.
Are Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites keto-friendly?
Yes, with no carbs from the basic recipe, they’re perfect for low-carb diets. Add veggies like broccoli to bulk it up. I’ve served them over zucchini noodles successfully.
How do I make the garlic butter saucier?
Double the butter and garlic, or add a splash of beef broth while melting. Toss more vigorously with the steak bites for even coating. This amps up the indulgence in Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites.
Can I add vegetables to Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Sure, toss in bell peppers or onions with the steak for a one-basket meal. Cook times match well. It turns into a complete dinner effortlessly.
What’s the calorie count for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Per serving, about 300 calories, depending on steak cut. It’s hearty yet not overly heavy. Track with your app for precision.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites have transformed my weeknight dinners into something special, blending ease with mouthwatering results. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try tonight—I promise you’ll be hooked. Share your tweaks in the comments!