There’s something about bite-sized steak that just hits differenttender, juicy, and so easy to pop in your mouth you can’t stop at one. Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are exactly that kind of magic, with buttery garlic goodness coating every piece.
I first made these on a chilly October evening when I needed something warm and satisfying without turning on the oven. The air fryer gave them this beautiful caramelized edge while keeping the inside perfectly medium-raresomething I’d tested probably a dozen times before getting it just right. After 10+ years of recipe testing, I’ve learned that high heat and a quick toss in melted garlic butter right after cooking is the secret to keeping them tender instead of tough.
Yesica Andrews
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe Easy Quick
Enjoy these quick and flavorful Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites, packed with tender steak pieces seasoned perfectly and finished in a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe delivers a delicious, restaurant-quality snack or meal in just minutes, making it ideal for busy days or a tasty treat anytime.
650g (22.9oz) of sirloin or your steak of choice trimmed of visible fat and cubed
1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
pinch of red chilli flakes (optional)
low calorie spray
2 teaspoons of minced garlic or lazy garlic
2 tablespoons of salted butter melted
1.5 tablespoons of fresh parsley chopped and additional to garnish
Method
Combine the cubed steak with paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and red chilli flakes in a bowl and mix thoroughly to coat all pieces.
Lightly coat the seasoned steak with low calorie cooking spray and toss again to ensure even coverage.
Heat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for five minutes before cooking.
Arrange the steak evenly on the air fryer grill plate and cook for six minutes, flipping halfway through.
Remove the steak from the air fryer and take out the grill plate, keeping the juices in the basket for the sauce.
Return the steak to the air fryer with garlic, melted butter, and chopped parsley, tossing to combine, then air fry for another 1-2 minutes.
Sprinkle extra parsley over the steak bites, adjust salt and pepper if needed, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
This recipe is gluten free and great for various slimming or weight loss plans but please use your own nutritional calculators for precision. Do not share full recipes or images from Slimming Eats on social media or websites as it is copyright protected. Nutritional values are approximate and should be calculated individually.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These steak bites bring that steakhouse vibe straight to your kitchenno reservations needed. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, giving you tender, juicy pieces with beautifully caramelized edges in less than 10 minutes of actual cooking time.
Quick weeknight win: From seasoning to serving, you’re done in under 20 minutes total
Healthier than pan-frying: Less oil, but all the rich, buttery flavor you’re craving
Party-ready or dinner-worthy: Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks or over mashed potatoes for a cozy meal
Perfectly portioned: Bite-sized means everyone gets the exact doneness they love
What You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with pantry staples and one gorgeous piece of steak. I always pick up sirloin when it’s on saleit’s affordable, flavorful, and cooks up beautifully in the air fryer. You’ll cube it into bite-sized pieces, which helps them cook evenly and soak up all that garlicky butter.
The seasoning blend is straightforward: sweet paprika adds a subtle smokiness, onion powder brings depth, and a pinch of red chilli flakes gives just a whisper of heat (totally optional if your family prefers mild). Fresh parsley and melted butter mixed with minced garlic create that irresistible finishing sauce that clings to every piece.
Ingredient
Easy Swap
Sirloin steak
Ribeye, tenderloin, or even strip steak work beautifully
Salted butter
Use unsalted and add a pinch more salt to taste
Fresh parsley
Dried parsley (use 1/2 tablespoon) or cilantro for a twist
Minced garlic
Garlic powder in a pinch (1/4 teaspoon), but fresh is best here
How the Magic Happens
Start by tossing your cubed steak with paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and those optional chilli flakes. A quick spray with low-calorie cooking spray helps everything brown up beautifully without sticking. After preheating your air fryer, the steak goes in for just 6 minutes, flipped halfway through.
Here’s the genius part: don’t toss those juices left in the basket. They become the base of your sauce. Toss the cooked steak back in with melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley, then air fry for another 1-2 minutes. The steak bites soak up every bit of that garlicky goodness, and you’re left with tender, flavor-packed bites that taste like you fussed way more than you did.
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give each piece space so the air can circulatethis is what creates those crispy edges
Room temperature matters: Let your steak sit out for 10-15 minutes before seasoning so it cooks more evenly
Check doneness early: Air fryers vary, so peek at 5 minutes if you prefer medium-rare
Save those juices: Seriously, don’t dump themthey’re liquid gold for your garlic butter coating
Pro Tip: If you like yours more well-done, add an extra minute or two in the first cooking phase, but watch closely so they don’t toughen up.
How to Serve and Store
Fresh from the air fryer, these steak bites are incredible over creamy mashed potatoes, tossed with roasted vegetables, or even piled onto a simple salad with the garlic butter drizzled on top. For parties, set them out with toothpicks and watch them disappear.
Storage Method
Instructions
Duration
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container, reheat gently in air fryer at 180°C for 2-3 minutes
Up to 3 days
Freezer
Freeze before adding garlic butter; thaw overnight and finish with butter step
Up to 2 months
Meal Prep
Cube and season steak ahead; store raw in fridge and cook fresh when ready
1-2 days
Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) make amazing steak and egg breakfasts or quick steak tacos the next day. Just warm them gently so they don’t overcookyou want to keep that tender, juicy texture that made them so good the first time around.
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FAQs (Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites)
What cut of steak works best for this recipe?
Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip work excellently for bite-sized pieces. These cuts stay tender when cooked quickly at high heat. Cut against the grain into 1-inch cubes for the most tender results. Avoid lean cuts like eye of round which can become tough.
How long should I cook the steak bites?
Cook for 6-8 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through. For medium-rare, aim for 6 minutes; for medium, go 7-8 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 135°F for medium-rare. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Should I marinate the meat beforehand?
Marinating isn’t necessary but can add extra flavor. A simple 30-minute marinade with olive oil, salt, and pepper works well. The garlic butter coating provides plenty of flavor on its own. Pat the meat dry before air frying for better browning.
Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the garlic butter up to 2 days ahead and store it refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature before tossing with the cooked steak bites. Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with garlic powder if needed.
What temperature should the steak be when done?
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium. Remember the temperature will rise 5-10 degrees while resting. For food safety, USDA recommends 145°F minimum for beef.
These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites come together in under 20 minutes and taste like pure comfort. The edges get beautifully caramelized while the centers stay tender and juicy. You’ll love how that garlicky butter clings to every single piece, making each bite feel special without any fuss.
Try swapping sirloin for ribeye when it’s on saleit adds even more richness. For a lighter take, serve these over a big bowl of greens with the pan juices as dressing. A trick I learned from shopping farmers’ markets: always let your steak come to room temperature first so it cooks more evenly and stays incredibly tender.
I’d love to see how yours turn outtag me if you share a photo! Did you grow up with garlic butter anything on the dinner table? There’s something so nostalgic about that aroma filling the kitchen. Save this one for your next weeknight dinner or when friends drop by unexpectedly. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone feel right at home.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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