If you love steak but don’t want to fire up the grill, this recipe is for you. These air fryer garlic butter steak bites are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. They cook fast and taste like something you’d order at a steakhouse. But guess what? You can make them at home in under 20 minutes.
This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 10 minutes to prep and 8–10 minutes to cook.
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made these steak bites, I was shocked at how easy they were. I used to think steak had to be grilled or pan-seared to taste good. Then I tried the air fryer, and it changed everything. The outside gets nicely browned, and the inside stays tender and juicy.
Now this is one of my go-to meals when I want something hearty but quick.
Here’s why I keep coming back to it:
- It cooks in under 10 minutes.
- The garlic butter sauce is rich and full of flavor.
- The steak comes out tender with crispy edges.
- Cleanup is super easy.
- It feels fancy but takes very little effort.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Serves: 4
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
Pro Tips
- Cut the steak into even 1-inch cubes so they cook at the same speed.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Pat the steak dry before seasoning. This helps it brown better.
- Add the garlic butter after cooking so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Let the steak rest for 2–3 minutes before serving so the juices stay inside.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use ribeye instead of sirloin for extra richness.
- Swap fresh garlic for 1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic if needed.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish.
- Add sliced onion or red onion to the air fryer for extra flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can cut and season the steak up to 8 hours ahead of time. Keep it covered in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Steak
In a large bowl, add 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Air Fry the Steak
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Place the seasoned steak cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the steak is browned on the outside and cooked to your liking.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
While the steak cooks, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
Step 4: Toss in Garlic Butter
Place the hot cooked steak bites in a clean bowl. Pour the warm garlic butter over the steak and toss to coat evenly.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
High heat from the air fryer helps create a brown crust on the outside of the steak. This is called the Maillard reaction. It gives the steak that deep, savory flavor. Cooking in a single layer lets hot air move around each piece, so they cook evenly. Adding garlic butter after cooking keeps the garlic from burning and keeps the flavor fresh and bold.
Macros Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: About 420
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
Common Mistakes
- Overcrowding the basket. This causes steaming instead of browning.
- Overcooking the steak. Check at 8 minutes to avoid dryness.
- Burning the garlic. Always cook it on low heat.
- Skipping the rest time. Letting it sit for a couple of minutes keeps it juicy.
What to Serve With
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
FAQ
Can I use frozen steak?
It’s best to thaw it first. Frozen steak won’t brown the same way.
How do I know when it’s done?
Use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130–135°F. For medium, 140–145°F.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Leftovers and Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes so they don’t dry out. Avoid microwaving too long, or the steak can get tough.
Final Thoughts
This air fryer garlic butter steak bites recipe proves that great steak doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s quick, full of flavor, and perfect for busy nights when you still want something special. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out for you. I’d love to hear how you served it and if you added your own twist.