Juicy Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter in 20 Minutes

Oh my gosh, you have to try these air fryer steak bites with garlic butter – they’re my go-to when I need something quick but ridiculously delicious. I swear, nothing beats that crispy outside and juicy inside, all drizzled with that rich, garlicky butter. I stumbled onto this method when I was desperate for steak one night but didn’t want to fire up the grill or deal with a smoky kitchen. The air fryer gives you that perfect sear in minutes, and that garlic butter? Absolute magic. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them weekly like I do!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

Listen, this recipe is a game-changer, and here’s why:

• Lightning-fast: From fridge to plate in under 20 minutes—perfect for those “I need steak NOW” moments.
• Juicy inside, crispy outside: The air fryer works magic, giving you that perfect crust without drying out the tender bits.
• Easy cleanup: No splattered stovetop or greasy pans—just one quick basket rinse and you’re done.
• That garlic butter: Ohhh, that golden drizzle takes these from good to “can I lick the plate?” levels of delicious.

Seriously, it’s steakhouse flavor without the hassle or the bill!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

Grab these simple ingredients—the kind you probably already have in your kitchen. Exact measurements matter here, so don’t eyeball it (trust me, I’ve learned the hard way!):

• 1 lb sirloin steak – cut into 1-inch cubes (go slightly smaller if you want more crispy edges)
• 1 tbsp olive oil – helps the seasoning stick and prevents sticking
• 1 tsp salt – kosher salt works best for even seasoning
• 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked if you have it
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder – doubles down on that garlic goodness
• 1/2 tsp onion powder – the stealth flavor booster
• 2 tbsp butter – melted (salted or unsalted both work)
• 2 cloves garlic – minced super fine so it melts into the butter
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley – chopped (dried works in a pinch, but fresh makes all the difference)

See? Nothing fancy—just good stuff that makes magic together. Now let’s make those steak bites!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much—just a few trusty tools:

• Air fryer: The star of the show—makes those steak bites crispy without babysitting.
• Mixing bowl: For tossing the steak with oil and spices (I use whatever’s clean, honestly).
• Tongs: Essential for flipping and grabbing those hot, sizzling bites.
• Sharp knife: Makes cubing the steak a breeze—safety first!

How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

Okay, let’s get cooking! This method is foolproof if you follow these simple steps. I’ve burned enough steak bites to know exactly what works—and what doesn’t.

Step 1: Preparing the Steak

First, pat your steak cubes dry with paper towels—this helps them crisp up beautifully. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil until they’re lightly coated. Now sprinkle all those glorious spices evenly over them. Don’t dump them in one spot! I use my hands to massage the seasoning in—it’s messy but worth it. Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket; overcrowding leads to steamed steak (and nobody wants that).

Step 2: Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat that air fryer to 400°F—it makes all the difference for that perfect sear. Cook for 8 minutes for medium-rare (my favorite) or 10 minutes for well-done. Shake the basket at the halfway mark—this ensures every bite gets equally crispy. You’ll hear them sizzling away! The smell at this point is absolutely intoxicating.

Step 3: Making the Garlic Butter

While the steak cooks, melt your butter—I zap it in the microwave for 20 seconds. Stir in the minced garlic and parsley immediately so the residual heat blooms their flavors. The garlic should soften but not brown. This simple sauce transforms good steak bites into “oh-my-god” steak bites. Drizzle it over the hot steak right before serving—watch how it pools into all those crispy crevices!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

Want steak bites that’ll make you look like a pro? Here are my hard-won secrets:

• Dry that steak! Pat cubes thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning – moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
• Tongs are your BFF: Use them to flip halfway through – fingers near that hot basket? No thank you!
• Let them rest: Give those bites 2 minutes post-cook before diving in. The juices redistribute, making every bite juicier.
• Hot butter matters: Drizzle the garlic butter while the steak’s piping hot – it’ll soak in all that flavor like a sponge.

Follow these, and you’ll nail it every single time. Promise!

Serving Suggestions

These steak bites are crazy versatile! I love piling them over creamy mashed cauliflower when I’m keeping it low-carb, or tossing them with roasted Brussels sprouts for extra veggie power. For a real treat? Serve them with crusty bread to soak up all that garlic butter goodness. Leftovers? Just pop ’em back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes—they crisp right back up!

Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter FAQs

I get asked these questions all the time, so let’s tackle the big ones:

• “Can I use frozen steak?” Nope—trust me, I tried once and it was a sad, soggy mess. Thaw completely and pat dry for perfect results.
• “How long do leftovers last?” Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They reheat like a dream in the air fryer—just 2-3 minutes at 375°F.
• “Dried parsley okay?” Yes in a pinch (use 1 tsp), but fresh makes that garlic butter sing. I keep a potted parsley plant by my window just for this recipe!

There you go—all my steak bite wisdom in one spot. Now go cook!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads up—these numbers are estimates since ingredients vary by brand. But here’s the scoop per serving (about half the recipe):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 25g (10g saturated)
• Protein: 30g

Not bad for something this delicious, right? The garlic butter adds richness, but hey—you’re getting serious protein bang for your buck here!

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