Go Back Email Link
Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
FrankFrank

Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe (Ready in 21 Minutes)

Juicy air fryer steak bites with a quick garlic butter finish, browned edges, and an easy 400°F method for a fast weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Resting 3 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb steak sirloin, ribeye, or NY strip, cut into 1-inch cubes.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder.
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional.
  • 2 tbsp butter.
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic minced, optional.
  • 1 tbsp parsley chopped, optional.

Method
 

  1. Pat the steak dry and cut it into even 1-inch cubes.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Toss the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using.
  4. Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if needed so they do not overlap.
  5. Air fry for 6 to 10 minutes total, shaking the basket around minute 4, until the steak reaches your preferred doneness.
  6. While the steak cooks, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic just until fragrant.
  7. Remove the steak bites and let them rest for 3 minutes.
  8. Toss the hot steak bites with the garlic butter, finish with parsley if using, and serve.

Notes

  • Ribeye gives the richest flavor, NY strip is a good middle ground, and sirloin is the best budget-friendly option.
  • Do not use stew meat if you want tender steak bites, because it tends to turn chewy in this quick-cooking method.
  • Patting the steak dry helps it brown better in the air fryer.
  • Do not overcrowd the basket, or the steak will steam instead of brown.
  • Start checking around the 6-minute mark so the steak does not overcook.
  • Let the steak rest for 3 minutes before tossing with butter.
  • For food safety, USDA guidance for steaks is 145°F with a 3-minute rest, although the body also notes that some people intentionally prefer medium-rare for texture.
QR Code linking back to recipe