Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Small skillet or microwave-safe bowl
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoons chopped parsley
Optional
- red pepper flakes
- grated parmesan
- fresh lemon juice
- extra chopped herbs
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryerPreheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Season the steakToss the steak bites with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Air fry the steak bitesPlace the steak in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking halfway through, until browned outside and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Make the garlic butterWhile the steak cooks, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic and chopped parsley.
- Toss with garlic butterTransfer the cooked steak bites to a bowl and toss with the garlic butter.
- ServeServe immediately while warm, with your favorite sides or meal prep bowls.
Notes
- Use sirloin for a leaner, high-protein option.
- Cut the steak into even pieces for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Add the garlic butter after cooking for the best flavor.
- Check early if you prefer medium-rare steak bites.
Ingredients at a Glance
Nutrition
Per serving:
Calories: 360
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 23g
Fiber: 0g
How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
1. Season the steak
Coat the steak pieces evenly with oil and seasonings.
2. Air fry until browned
Cook the steak bites in a single layer until nicely browned and cooked to your liking.
3. Make the garlic butter
Melt the butter and mix it with garlic and parsley while the steak cooks.
4. Toss everything together
Coat the hot steak bites in the garlic butter for the best flavor.
5. Serve right away
Enjoy immediately for the juiciest texture.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Steak Bites
- Cut the steak into even bite-sized pieces
- Pat the steak dry before seasoning
- Do not overcrowd the basket
- Use sirloin or another tender cut
- Toss with garlic butter after cooking
- Check doneness early to avoid overcooking
Easy Variations
Spicy Steak Bites
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning.
Herb Butter Steak Bites
Use rosemary or thyme in the butter for a deeper flavor.
Parmesan Steak Bites
Finish with a little grated parmesan after tossing with the garlic butter.
Steak Meal Prep Bowls
Serve with rice, potatoes, or vegetables for a high-protein meal prep option.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Steak Bites
Serve them with:
- roasted potatoes
- rice
- air fryer vegetables
- broccoli
- green beans
- side salad
- cauliflower rice
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator
Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes, just until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the basket
Too much steak in the basket prevents good browning.
Cutting uneven pieces
Uneven steak bites cook at different rates.
Overcooking the steak
Steak bites cook quickly and can become tough if left too long.
Adding garlic butter too early
Adding it before cooking can cause the garlic to burn.
FAQ
What cut of steak is best for air fryer steak bites?
Sirloin is one of the best options because it is tender, lean, and easy to cook.
How long do steak bites take in the air fryer?
They usually take about 7 to 9 minutes at 400°F, depending on size and doneness.
Are air fryer steak bites healthy?
Yes. They are high in protein and can fit well into a balanced meal, especially with vegetables or lighter sides.
Can I meal prep steak bites?
Yes. They work well for meal prep with rice, potatoes, or vegetables.
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes. Ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin can also work, but sirloin is a great balance of flavor and value.
More High-Protein Air Fryer Beef Recipes
- Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
- Air Fryer Beef Stir Fry
- High-Protein Beef Bowl
- Air Fryer Beef Kebabs
- Air Fryer Ground Beef
- Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli
- Air Fryer Meatballs
- Air Fryer Burger Patties
- Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
Save This Recipe for Later
Save this Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter recipe to Pinterest so you can come back to it for quick dinners, healthy lunches, and easy meal prep.
