Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter in 20 Delightful Minutes

Name: Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter in 20 Delightful Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 2, 2025

Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

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Have you ever craved a dish that’s not only quick to whip up but also bursting with flavor? Let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter! This recipe transforms simple sirloin steak into tender, juicy bites coated in a rich, aromatic garlic butter that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. And the best part? You can have this delicious meal on the table in just 20 minutes!

Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly cooked steak, seasoned just right, and then tossed in a pool of melted garlic butter. It’s comfort food at its finest, but without the guilt. I love serving these steak bites with a side of crisp vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter - detail 1

Ingredients List

Let’s gather everything we need to make these Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter truly spectacular! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb sirloin steak: Choose a good quality cut, as this will be the star of our dish! Cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, for even cooking and easy eating.
2 tablespoons olive oil: This will help the seasoning stick to the steak and add a lovely richness. Extra virgin olive oil works best for flavor.
1 teaspoon salt: A must for enhancing the natural flavors of the steak. Feel free to adjust if you’re watching your sodium intake.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a bit of warmth and depth. Adjust according to your taste.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The key player in our garlic butter! Unsalted gives you better control over the overall saltiness of the dish.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings that aromatic punch! Mince it finely to ensure it melds beautifully with the butter.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. You can use other herbs like chives or thyme if you prefer!

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking—let’s keep things smooth and fun in the kitchen!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of preparing these mouthwatering Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter! This process is super straightforward, and I promise it’ll be a breeze if you follow along. Let’s make sure we’re all set for a kitchen adventure!

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheating the air fryer is essential! This step ensures that your steak bites cook evenly and develop that beautiful sear we all love. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up while we get our steak ready. Now, grab your sirloin steak and cut it into bite-sized pieces—about 1-inch cubes. This size is perfect for quick cooking and makes for easy eating! In a mixing bowl, toss the steak pieces with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until they’re well-coated. Give them a good mix—this is where the flavor begins to build!

Cooking the Steak Bites

Once your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook those steak bites! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have a little space between them for proper air circulation. This step is key for that golden crust! Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. For the best results, check for doneness around the 8-minute mark: you want them to be tender and juicy but don’t worry—if they need a little more time, put them back in! Depending on your preference for doneness, you might opt for a little less or a bit more time.

Making the Garlic Butter

While the steak bites are cooking, let’s whip up that delicious garlic butter! In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add in the minced garlic and cook it for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but be careful—garlic can burn quickly! Stir it gently and keep an eye on it, as burnt garlic can ruin the flavor. You want that rich aroma filling your kitchen without any bitterness!

Combining and Serving

Now that your steak bites are cooked to perfection and your garlic butter is heavenly, it’s time to combine them! Carefully remove the steak bites from the air fryer and toss them directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Make sure every bite gets coated in that luscious sauce! Finally, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely pop of color and freshness. Serve these steak bites hot, and watch everyone dig in with excitement. Trust me, they’ll be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter is going to become your new favorite dish! Here are a few reasons to get excited:

Quick Preparation: You can whip this meal together in just 20 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavorful: The combination of tender steak and rich garlic butter creates a mouthwatering dish that’s full of flavor in every bite.
Low-Calorie: With about 300 calories per serving, these steak bites are a satisfying yet guilt-free option for your dinner table.
Versatile: Pair them with your favorite sides, like roasted veggies or a fresh salad, for a complete meal that fits any occasion!

Trust me, you won’t just love making this recipe—you’ll love eating it too!

Tips for Success

To really elevate your Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter, I’ve got a few pro tips that’ll make your cooking experience even better! First off, consider marinating your steak bites for at least 30 minutes before cooking. A simple marinade of olive oil, soy sauce, and a splash of lemon juice can add an extra layer of flavor that’s absolutely divine!

When it comes to cooking time, remember that every air fryer is a bit different. If you like your steak a little more on the rare side, check for doneness around 8 minutes, but if you prefer it more well-done, you might want to add an extra minute or two—just keep an eye on them! And don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through for that perfect crust. These small adjustments can make a big difference in your final dish!

Nutritional Information Section

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these delightful Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter. Keep in mind that the values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Calories: 300
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg

This dish is not only flavorful but also a great source of protein while being low in carbs. Enjoy your guilt-free indulgence!

FAQ Section

I love that you’re curious about Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter! Here are some common questions I get, along with my trusty answers:

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While sirloin steak is my go-to for this recipe, you can use other cuts like ribeye or tenderloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut’s thickness and fat content.

What can I serve with steak bites?

These steak bites are super versatile! You can serve them with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even on top of a bed of rice or quinoa. They also make a fantastic filling for wraps or tacos if you’re feeling adventurous!

How should I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to regain that crispy texture!

Can I marinate the steak beforehand?

Yes! Marinating adds incredible flavor. Just keep it simple with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you can let it sit for a few hours or overnight, even better!