Name: Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin), cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; 3 tbsp butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp chopped parsley; 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

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Introduction

Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak Bites are a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful steak cubes with minimal effort. Perfectly seasoned and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, these steak bites come together in just minutes using your air fryer.

A close-up view of many small cubes of cooked beef piled on a white plate, each cube showing a browned, crispy outside with a glossy texture. The beef pieces have a golden-brown color with visible green herbs and small bits of minced garlic on top, adding texture and color contrast. The cubes are thick and unevenly shaped, stacked closely together, filling the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
3 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a bowl, toss the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the steak reaches your desired doneness.
Step 4: While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a small skillet over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice, if using.
Step 6: Toss the hot steak bites in the garlic butter sauce until well coated.
Step 7: Serve immediately with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the steak cubes in the seasoning and olive oil mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in place of parsley for a different twist.
Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your steak cubes and preferred doneness.
Omit the lemon juice for a richer, buttery flavor without the tang.

Storage

Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or on the stovetop to preserve the texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the steak tough.

How to Serve

A white bowl is filled with many small cubes of grilled beef, each piece showing a dark brown crispy outer layer with visible char marks and a juicy, slightly pink interior. The beef cubes are coated with a green herb mix that looks like chopped parsley or cilantro, along with small bits of garlic or seasoning, adding texture and color contrast. The beef pieces are piled high, covering the bowl almost fully, and the close-up shot highlights their moist and tender look on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen steak cubes for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh steak cubes, as frozen steak may release extra moisture during cooking, resulting in less crispy bites. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.

How do I know when the steak bites are done?

Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 135°F (57°C). Adjust cooking time based on cube size and your preferred doneness.