Welcome to the world of incredibly tender, outrageously juicy, and unbelievably quick steak bites, all thanks to the magic of your air fryer! Forget the hassle of firing up the grill or dealing with messy pan-frying. These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making them a perfect weeknight dinner solution or an impressive appetizer for any occasion.
Air Fryer Steak Bites: Your Weeknight Steak Solution
Transforming ordinary steak into an extraordinary meal has never been easier. Air frying steak bites isn’t just a trend; it’s a game-changer for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. This recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites leverages the air fryer’s convection technology to achieve perfectly cooked, succulent steak pieces with a delightful golden crust in a fraction of the time. Imagine biting into tender morsels of steak, each one coated in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce – a luxurious experience that feels gourmet but takes mere minutes to prepare.
Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll appreciate how simple yet impactful this recipe is. With just a few staple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, a delicious steak dinner can be on your table faster than ordering takeout. No more waiting for special occasions to enjoy a flavorful steak; with this recipe, every night can be a steak night!
“Made these for my wife and I and she can’t stop raving about how delicious they were. I agree! I am so surprised how well steak cooks in the air fryer. This is now a go-to recipe for us. Thanks so much!– Ricky”
Why You’ll Love Air Frying Steak Bites
The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier, quicker, and often more delicious alternative to traditional methods. When it comes to steak, the benefits are particularly striking:
- Unmatched Speed: Air fryers cook food significantly faster than conventional ovens or even grilling, thanks to their powerful convection fans. Your steak bites can go from raw to perfectly cooked in under 10 minutes.
- Effortless Cleanup: With less oil required and food contained within a basket, cleanup is a breeze. No more scrubbing greasy pans or grills after dinner.
- Perfect Texture Every Time: The circulating hot air creates a beautiful sear on the outside of each steak bite while locking in the juices, resulting in a wonderfully tender interior. This consistent cooking ensures every bite is as good as the last.
- Healthier Option: By using less oil, air frying reduces the fat content compared to deep-frying or pan-frying, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite cuts of meat.
- Versatility: Once you master this basic recipe, the possibilities for customization are endless. Experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and sauces to create new flavor profiles.
These advantages make air-fried steak bites an ideal choice for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or whenever you crave a satisfying, flavorful meal without the usual culinary commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Steak Bites
Absolutely! While boneless ribeye is fantastic for its marbling and tenderness, many other cuts work beautifully. Great options include top sirloin, flank steak, filet mignon (for a luxurious treat), Tri-tip, New York strip, or flat iron steak. If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly yet flavorful option, I highly recommend flat iron steak; it offers a great balance of tenderness and rich beefy flavor. Remember to cut all steaks into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Beyond salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, you can explore a world of flavors. Consider Montreal Steak seasoning for a classic bold taste, Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick, Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute for an herbaceous blend, blackened seasoning for a smoky crust, or your favorite BBQ rub. Just be mindful that many pre-made blends already contain salt, so adjust any additional salt accordingly to prevent over-seasoning.
Yes, absolutely! If you love a little heat, it’s incredibly easy to add spice. Sprinkle some cayenne pepper onto the steak bites along with the other seasonings before air frying. Alternatively, for an added kick in the butter sauce, stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red chili flakes when you add the garlic. This will infuse the entire dish with a wonderful spicy warmth.
Achieving your desired doneness is crucial, and a meat thermometer is your best friend here. I typically cook these steak bites to a medium doneness, pulling them out when the internal temperature reaches around 135°F. They will continue to cook slightly in the hot garlic butter sauce, reaching a perfect medium at 140-145°F. For more well-done steak, increase the cooking time, but always rely on a meat thermometer, not just time. Air fryers vary greatly in their cooking speeds, so:
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium-rare: 125-135°F
- Medium: 135-140°F
- Medium-well: 145-150°F
- Well-Done: 150°F and higher
Remember, the steak continues to cook after it’s removed from the heat (carryover cooking), so aim to pull it a few degrees below your target temperature.
I develop and test my recipes using a basket-style air fryer, which is the most common type in North America. Given the wide variety of air fryer models on the market – from basket styles to oven-style units – cooking times can vary significantly. Some models cook much faster or hotter than others. Therefore, it’s essential to apply your personal knowledge of your specific air fryer. Always prioritize using a reliable meat thermometer to gauge doneness rather than strictly adhering to exact cooking times. This ensures consistent, delicious results regardless of your air fryer model.
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide range of side dishes. Classic choices include fluffy mashed potatoes or a perfectly baked potato to soak up that delicious garlic butter. For a lighter, healthier option, consider steamed vegetables like tender carrots, crisp broccoli, vibrant green beans, or a fresh side salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Other great pairings include rice pilaf, roasted asparagus, creamed spinach, or even a simple crusty bread to dip into the savory sauce.
Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, your best options are the microwave or a skillet on the stovetop. Gently heat in the microwave until warmed through, or toss in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated. Due to the high butter content and the risk of drying them out, I do not recommend reheating them in the air fryer. If you want to store them longer, these steak bites freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor profile. (For precise measurements, see the recipe card below.)
- Boneless Ribeye Steaks: Cut into uniform bite-sized pieces. Ribeye is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, but as mentioned in the FAQ, feel free to use other cuts like sirloin, flank, or flat iron.
- Olive Oil: I prefer olive oil for air frying as it performs well at high temperatures and doesn’t tend to build up residue in the air fryer basket over time, unlike some other oils.
- Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika: This foundational seasoning blend provides a subtle savory depth. The true star, however, is the garlic butter sauce, so a simple seasoning allows the main flavor to shine. Customize with your preferred spices if desired.
- Salted Butter: This is non-negotiable! Use real, high-quality salted butter for the best flavor and richness in your sauce. Margarine will not yield the same delicious results.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is absolutely essential here. While jarred minced garlic can be convenient, its flavor pales in comparison to fresh. Given that garlic is a cornerstone of this recipe’s flavor, taking an extra couple of minutes to mince fresh cloves will significantly elevate your dish.
- Fresh Chopped Parsley: This adds a touch of freshness, color, and a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the rich garlic butter. It’s optional, but highly recommended. Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always superior for presentation and flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Step-by-Step
Making these succulent steak bites is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for tender, flavor-packed results:
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for a quick, even sear on your steak.
- Season the Steak: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized steak pieces with olive oil, kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Air Fry the Steak: Arrange the seasoned steak bites in a single, even layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can steam the steak instead of air frying it. There’s no need to spray the basket. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, or until your desired level of doneness is reached. Flipping isn’t necessary for these small bites. For medium doneness, I usually cook them for 5 minutes, reaching an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook slightly in the butter sauce.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the steak bites are cooking, melt the salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
- Combine and Serve: Add the hot, air-fried steak bites directly into the skillet with the fragrant garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together for about a minute, ensuring all the steak pieces are thoroughly coated in the rich, savory butter. Serve your Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites immediately and prepare for a burst of flavor!
The combination of perfectly air-fried, tender steak and the rich, aromatic garlic butter creates a dish that is both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The quick cooking time makes this an ideal option for any night of the week.
Toss to combine for about a minute to ensure every bite is coated in that irresistible garlic butter.
Serve immediately for the best experience.
Craving More Easy & Delicious Recipes?
If you loved these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites, you’re in luck! The air fryer is a versatile tool for creating a variety of quick and flavorful meals. Here are some other recipes you might enjoy:
- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Air Fryer Chicken Bites
- Air Fryer Pork Chop Bites
- Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Air Fryer Meatballs
- Air Fryer Steak Fajitas
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Air Fryer Lemon Herb Potatoes
- Garlic Butter Rice
- Steak Tips With Peppers
- Steak Bite Fajita Bowls
- Beef Tips
- Hibachi Steak
- Beef Wellington Bites
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are so tender and juicy! You can make these for dinner so quickly and there’s no need for a grill!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 11 minutes | Total Time: 21 minutes
Servings: 4 servings | Author: Brandie Skibinski
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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 (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Add the steak, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika to a large bowl. Toss to combine.
- Add the steak bites in an even layer into the air fryer basket; no need to spray the basket.
- Air fry for 4-6 minutes or until your desired doneness. No need to flip. (Note: I cooked the bites for 5 minutes, reaching an internal temperature of 135°F / 57°C. The bites will continue to cook slightly in the butter sauce.)
- While the bites are cooking, make the butter sauce. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the parsley.
- Add the steak bites to the skillet. Toss to combine for about a minute.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Please refer to the FAQ section and ingredient list above for other substitutions or answers to common questions.
- I cooked these bites to medium doneness. If you prefer your steak more well-done, you will need to cook them a little longer. The most accurate way to determine doneness is by using a meat thermometer. See the FAQ section above for a detailed temperature guideline.
- Always remember that steak bites will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer due to residual heat. Aim to remove them a few degrees below your target internal temperature.
- Other excellent steak cuts to use include: Top sirloin, flank, filet, Tri-tip, NY strip, or flat iron.
- Great alternative seasoning ideas: Montreal Steak Seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute, or your favorite BBQ seasoning.
- To reheat leftovers, use the microwave or a skillet. Due to the high butter content, reheating in the air fryer is not recommended as it can make them dry.
- These steak bites can be frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 465kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 36g | Sodium: 448mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.1g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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