Are you craving a restaurant-quality steak dinner but don’t want to fire up the grill or dirty multiple pans? I’ve discovered that making steak bites in the air fryer is absolutely game-changing! These Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak Bites have become my family’s most requested weeknight dinner – they’re incredibly tender, packed with flavor, and ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish.
As someone who’s tested countless air fryer recipes, I can confidently say that these steak bites rank among the absolute best uses for this incredible kitchen appliance. The circulating hot air creates a beautiful sear on each bite while keeping the interior perfectly juicy and tender – something that’s hard to achieve with traditional cooking methods.
Today, I’m sharing my perfected recipe that combines premium steak cuts with a garlicky, herb-infused butter that melts into every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking to impress weekend guests, these steak bites deliver restaurant-worthy results with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Before diving into the cooking process, let me share why these Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak Bites have earned permanent residency in my recipe collection:
- Speed & Simplicity: Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep work
- Perfect Texture: Consistently delivers tender, juicy bites with a beautiful sear
- Customizable: Easily adjust seasonings to match your flavor preferences
- Clean-Up Dream: No splattered stovetop or multiple pans to wash
- Budget-Friendly: Transform more affordable steak cuts into something spectacular
- Versatile: Works beautifully as an appetizer, main dish, or protein addition to salads and bowls
I’ve tested this recipe with dozens of variations over the years, and this version consistently delivers that perfect balance of tender texture and rich flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the best results, quality ingredients matter. Here’s everything you’ll need to make these incredible steak bites:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak (ribeye or New York strip also work beautifully)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Essential Equipment:
- Air fryer (3.5 quart or larger recommended)
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Small saucepan (for the garlic butter)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
Best Cuts of Steak for Air Fryer Steak Bites
In my extensive testing, I’ve found that the following cuts work exceptionally well for this recipe:
| Steak Cut | Cooking Time | Texture | Flavor Profile | Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sirloin | 7-8 minutes | Moderately tender | Rich, beefy | $$ |
| Ribeye | 6-7 minutes | Very tender | Rich, buttery | $$$ |
| New York Strip | 7-8 minutes | Firm but tender | Bold, beefy | $$$ |
| Tenderloin/Filet | 5-6 minutes | Extremely tender | Mild, subtle | $$$$ |
| Top Round | 8-9 minutes | Slightly chewy | Moderately beefy | $ |
I personally prefer sirloin for this recipe as it offers the perfect balance of flavor, tenderness, and value. However, if you’re looking for maximum tenderness, ribeye or tenderloin are exceptional choices.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Steak
- Trim and cut the steak: Remove any excess fat from the edges of your steak (leave some for flavor!). Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes, trying to keep the size consistent for even cooking.
- Pat dry: Using paper towels, gently pat the steak cubes dry. This is crucial for achieving a nice sear in the air fryer.
- Season the meat: In a medium bowl, combine the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss until each piece is evenly coated. Let the seasoned steak rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the garlic butter sauce.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Melt the butter: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter until just liquified.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to brown the garlic as it can become bitter).
- Finish the sauce: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped herbs, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Set aside.
Air Frying the Steak Bites
- Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes. A properly preheated air fryer is essential for a good sear.
- Arrange the steak bites: Place the seasoned steak cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer with a little space between pieces. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding (overcrowding leads to steaming rather than searing).
- Cook to perfection: Air fry at 400°F for:
- 5-6 minutes for medium-rare
- 6-7 minutes for medium
- 8-9 minutes for medium-well
- Shake halfway: Shake the basket or turn the steak bites with tongs halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Check temperature: For perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches:
- 130-135°F for medium-rare
- 135-145°F for medium
- 145-155°F for medium-well
Finishing Touch
- Toss with garlic butter: Immediately transfer the hot steak bites to a bowl and pour the prepared garlic butter sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Rest briefly: Allow the steak bites to rest for 2-3 minutes, giving the juices time to redistribute and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately while hot.
Air Fryer Temperature and Timing Chart
I’ve experimented extensively to create this precise cooking chart based on steak thickness and desired doneness:
| Doneness | Internal Temp | 1″ Cubes | ¾” Cubes | 1½” Cubes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rare | 125-130°F | 4-5 min | 3-4 min | 6-7 min |
| Medium-Rare | 130-135°F | 5-6 min | 4-5 min | 7-8 min |
| Medium | 135-145°F | 6-7 min | 5-6 min | 8-9 min |
| Medium-Well | 145-155°F | 7-8 min | 6-7 min | 9-10 min |
| Well Done | 155°F+ | 8-9 min | 7-8 min | 10-12 min |
Note: All times based on cooking at 400°F with a preheated air fryer. Times may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model.
Pro Tips for Perfect Steak Bites
After making this recipe countless times, I’ve developed these key tips that make all the difference:
- Room temperature meat: Allow your steak to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cutting and seasoning for more even cooking.
- Consistent sizing: Cut your steak into similarly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. I find 1-inch cubes to be perfect.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer basket prevents proper air circulation and results in steamed rather than seared meat.
- Use a thermometer: An instant-read meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking steak to your preferred doneness.
- Hot preheated air fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for at least 3-5 minutes before adding the steak bites.
- Let it rest: Allow the finished steak bites to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
- Butter temperature: Have your garlic butter sauce ready but not too hot when the steak comes out of the air fryer – you want it warm enough to coat the meat but not so hot that it continues cooking the steak.
Flavor Variations
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Here are some of my favorite flavor variations that I’ve developed over time:
Asian-Inspired
- Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger to the butter sauce
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds
Steakhouse Style
- Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon of cracked black pepper to the butter sauce
- Garnish with crumbled blue cheese
Tex-Mex
- Season steak with 1 teaspoon of chili powder and ½ teaspoon of cumin
- Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne to the butter sauce
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime
Herb Garden
- Double all fresh herbs in the recipe
- Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil and chives to the butter sauce
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
While these steak bites are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer, there are some ways to prep ahead and store leftovers:
Make-Ahead Options:
- Prep the steak: Cut and season the steak up to 24 hours ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the butter sauce: Make the garlic butter sauce up to 3 days ahead. Store refrigerated and gently reheat before using.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until just heated through. Be careful not to overcook as this will toughen the meat.
- Freezing: While possible, I don’t recommend freezing the cooked steak bites as they tend to lose their tender texture upon thawing.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile steak bites can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are my favorite serving ideas:
As a Main Course:
- Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf
- Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli
- Serve alongside a crisp garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing
As an Appetizer:
- Provide toothpicks and a small bowl of extra garlic butter for dipping
- Serve on a platter with various dipping sauces (horseradish cream, chimichurri, etc.)
- Arrange on crostini with a small dollop of herb cream cheese
In Other Dishes:
- Add to pasta with olive oil and parmesan for a quick dinner
- Top a salad with cooled steak bites for a protein-packed lunch
- Use in a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of tahini sauce
- Wrap in warm tortillas with sautéed peppers and onions for quick fajitas
Nutrition Information
For those tracking their macros or following specific dietary plans, here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving (recipe makes 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Fat | 27g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Sodium | 640mg |
| Cholesterol | 135mg |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and exact portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gathered the most common questions I receive about this recipe to help you achieve perfect results:
Can I use frozen steak for this recipe? For best results, I strongly recommend using fresh or fully thawed steak. Frozen steak won’t sear properly and tends to release excess moisture, resulting in steamed rather than seared meat.
Why are my steak bites tough? Tough steak bites usually result from either overcooking or cutting against the grain. Make sure to cut your steak into uniform pieces, cook to the recommended internal temperature, and always cut against the grain.
Do I need to flip the steak bites in the air fryer? While not absolutely necessary, I recommend shaking the basket or turning the bites halfway through cooking for the most even browning on all sides.
Can I double this recipe? Absolutely! Just be sure to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Keep the first batch warm in a 200°F oven while cooking the second batch.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs? While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can substitute dried herbs at a ratio of 1:3 (1 teaspoon dried for 3 teaspoons fresh).
Is this recipe keto-friendly? Yes! With only 2g of carbohydrates per serving, these steak bites are perfect for keto and low-carb diets.
Can I use this same method for chicken or pork? Absolutely! The cooking times will vary (chicken typically needs 8-10 minutes to reach 165°F), but the same technique works beautifully for chicken breast cubes and pork tenderloin cubes.
My air fryer smokes when cooking steak. How can I prevent this? This can happen with higher-fat cuts. Try adding 1-2 tablespoons of water to the bottom of your air fryer drawer (beneath the basket) to prevent smoking. Also, make sure your air fryer is clean from previous use.
Why This Recipe Works
As someone who’s experimented with countless cooking methods for steak, I’ve found that the air fryer offers unique advantages that make it perfect for steak bites:
- 360° Heat Circulation: Unlike pan-searing where only one side touches the heat at a time, the air fryer’s circulating hot air cooks and browns the steak bites from all angles simultaneously.
- Moisture Retention: The rapid cooking in an enclosed space helps seal in juices before they can evaporate, resulting in exceptionally tender meat.
- Perfect Searing: The intense heat creates a beautiful caramelized exterior while maintaining a juicy interior – the hallmark of perfectly cooked steak.
- Consistent Results: Once you dial in your preferred cooking time, you can achieve the same perfect results every time without the variability that comes with stovetop cooking.
- Fat Rendering: The air fryer’s design allows excess fat to drip away while still retaining enough to flavor the meat, resulting in rich taste without greasiness.
I hope you enjoy these Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak Bites as much as my family does! They’ve revolutionized how I prepare quick, delicious meals that feel special even on busy weeknights. The combination of perfectly seared steak with the rich garlic herb butter creates an absolutely irresistible dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Let me know in the comments if you try any of the variations or have questions about perfecting your technique. Happy cooking!
Q&A Section
What’s the best cut of steak to use for air fryer steak bites?
While you can use almost any quality steak cut, I find sirloin offers the best balance of tenderness, flavor, and value. Ribeye and New York strip are excellent premium options, while tenderloin creates the most melt-in-your-mouth bites but with a milder flavor profile.
How do I know when my steak bites are done?
The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, look for 130-135°F, medium at 135-145°F, and medium-well at 145-155°F. Visually, medium-rare will have a warm pink center, while medium will be more light pink.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! While an air fryer produces the best results, you can also make these steak bites in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Finish with the garlic butter sauce as directed.
Why is my steak dry even though I followed the cooking time?
Air fryer models can vary in power and heating efficiency. If your steak turned out dry, your particular air fryer might run hotter than average. Next time, try reducing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes or lowering the temperature to 380°F instead.
How important is letting the meat rest before cutting it into cubes?
For this recipe, since we’re cutting the steak before cooking, the traditional pre-cutting rest is less important. However, allowing the cooked steak bites to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when served.
Can I marinate the steak bites before air frying?
Yes! While the recipe doesn’t require marination, you can enhance flavor by marinating the cubed steak for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking. Just pat the pieces dry before air frying to ensure good browning.
Is it necessary to use both garlic powder in the seasoning AND fresh garlic in the butter?
I’ve found this dual approach provides the best flavor profile. The garlic powder in the seasoning provides an even baseline garlic flavor that penetrates the meat, while the fresh garlic in the butter sauce offers a more vibrant, aromatic finish.
How can I make these steak bites more budget-friendly?
Look for sirloin or top round steaks when they’re on sale and freeze them for future use. You can also reduce the portion size and stretch the meat by serving the steak bites over a larger portion of vegetables or grains.
