Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a delightful treat that combines savory flavors with a tender texture, making them perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a quick weeknight meal, or craving an appetizer that impresses, these steak bites are sure to satisfy. The unique combination of garlic butter elevates the dish, making every bite bursting with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare, taking only 16 minutes from start to finish.
- Flavorful: The garlic butter adds rich flavors that enhance the taste of the steak.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or main course, pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Healthy Cooking Method: Using an air fryer means you can enjoy crispy bites without excessive oil.
- Customizable: Adjust seasonings or add your favorite herbs for a personalized touch.
Tools and Preparation
To make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites effortlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Air fryer
- Medium bowl
- Small saucepan
- Cutting board
- Knife
Why These Tools Matter
- Air fryer: Cooks food quickly and evenly while reducing oil usage.
- Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing ingredients without mess.
- Small saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and combining flavors without burning.
Ingredients
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender cubes of top sirloin steak cooked in an air fryer and drizzled with garlic butter. They are a delicious appetizer or can be the main course when served with side dishes like mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound top sirloin steak, (cut into 1-inch cubes)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon garlic, (minced)
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, (minced, plus extra to chop for garnish)
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. This ensures that the steak bites cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy exterior.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Cubes
In a medium bowl:
1. Add the top sirloin steak cubes and drizzle with vegetable oil.
2. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper, mixing well to ensure even coverage.
Step 3: Cook the Steak Bites
Place the seasoned steak cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. If necessary, work in batches:
1. Air fry for about 6-8 minutes.
2. Flip the steak halfway through cooking until they reach your preferred doneness.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
While the steak is cooking:
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the unsalted butter.
2. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add in the chopped fresh parsley and additional black pepper, stirring until combined.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Once your steak bites have finished cooking:
1. Transfer them to the saucepan with garlic butter.
2. Toss gently to coat each piece thoroughly in the buttery mixture.
3. Garnish with extra chopped parsley before serving hot!
Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites!
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a versatile dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these steak bites are sure to impress.
As an Appetizer
- Serve them hot with toothpicks for easy snacking.
- Pair with dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue for extra flavor.
Over Rice or Quinoa
- Create a hearty meal by serving the steak bites over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa.
- Drizzle some garlic butter sauce over the top for added richness.
In Tacos
- Stuff the steak bites into soft tortillas with fresh veggies and avocado.
- Add a drizzle of lime juice for a zesty kick.
With Salad
- Toss the steak bites on top of mixed greens for a satisfying salad.
- Include toppings like feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette dressing.
How to Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
To ensure your Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites come out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Choose quality steak: Select top sirloin or another tender cut for the best flavor and texture.
- Cut evenly: Make sure the steak cubes are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches if necessary to allow hot air to circulate freely around each piece.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer; medium-rare is around 130°F, while medium is about 140°F.
- Rest before serving: Let the cooked steak sit for a few minutes before tossing it in garlic butter to lock in juices.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
When it comes to complementing your Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites, the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a classic pairing that balances well with steak.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds color and nutrition to your plate.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with parmesan cheese and croutons brings freshness and crunch.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and health benefits without overpowering the main dish.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs is an excellent base that absorbs the flavors of garlic butter.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob grilled or roasted provides a delightful contrast to savory steak bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the Preheat: Not preheating the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat for optimal results.
- Overcrowding the Basket: Placing too many steak bites in the air fryer can steam them instead of crisping. Cook in batches for even cooking.
- Ignoring Doneness: Cooking without checking doneness might result in overcooked or undercooked steak. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Rushing the Garlic Butter: Cooking garlic butter too quickly can cause it to burn. Keep the heat low and stir frequently for perfect flavor.
- Not Seasoning Properly: Skipping salt and pepper can make your dish bland. Ensure you season generously before cooking.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Place cooled steak bites in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place steak bites on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little butter, and toss the steak bites until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites tender?
To keep your steak bites tender, choose high-quality meat and avoid overcooking them. Letting them rest after cooking also helps maintain tenderness.
Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?
Yes! While top sirloin is great, you can also use ribeye or flank steak for different flavors and textures.
What side dishes pair well with Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
These steak bites go well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad, making them versatile for any meal.
Can I customize the garlic butter flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary or spices like chili flakes to customize your garlic butter mix.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they offer endless customization options to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy tender, flavorful bites today!

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a savory delight that brings together tender beef and rich garlic butter for an irresistible flavor experience. Perfect for any occasion, these juicy bites can be served as appetizers at a gathering or as a quick weeknight meal. With just 16 minutes from start to finish, this easy recipe allows you to indulge in gourmet flavors without the fuss. The air fryer ensures that each piece is crispy on the outside while staying moist inside, making it a healthy cooking option. Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices, these steak bites will surely become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound top sirloin steak (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 g)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (minced, plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- In a medium bowl, toss steak cubes with vegetable oil, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through until reaching desired doneness.
- Meanwhile, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add chopped parsley and additional black pepper.
- Once cooked, transfer steak bites to the saucepan and toss gently to coat them in garlic butter. Garnish with extra parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (113g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 90mg