Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak Bites

Air Fryer Steak Bites are a delightful twist on a favorite classic, allowing you to indulge in tender morsels of beef that are bursting with flavor. I love how they turn out with an appetizing caramelized crust, yet with a juicy and tender interior, and made in under 10 minutes in the air fryer.

Why Air-Fried Steak Bites Are a Game Changer

Do you want to know how to get that perfect sear on your steak bites without the mess of frying pans? The air fryer is the answer. It uses hot air circulation to cook food, giving you that crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. If you’re like me, a fan of steak bites, you’ll love how the air fryer makes the process quicker, cleaner, and more consistent. I adore how the air fryer elevates the steak’s natural flavor, preserving its juicy tenderness while adding a delightful crispness. I would also highly recommend giving Air Fried Filet Mignon, and Skirt Steak a try. You’ll be amazed at how wonderful they turn out in the air fryer.

• The Efficiency: Air fryers significantly cut down on cooking time, making them perfect for busy weeknights. You can make better than restaurant-quality steak bites in less than 10 minutes, all without the need to preheat an oven or heat up the grill. It’s a game-changer if you want to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One of the most compelling reasons to use an air fryer is its health benefits. Traditional frying methods require copious amounts of oil, adding unnecessary calories and fats to your meal. Air fryers, however, require minimal oil, making your steak bites healthier without sacrificing flavor.
• Consistent Results: Say goodbye to unevenly cooked steak bites. The air fryer ensures that hot air circulates evenly around the food, providing a uniform cook. This means every bite of your steak will be perfectly seared on the outside and juicy on the inside.

What Cut of Steak is Best for Steak Bites

• Sirloin. Not only is it affordable and can be found at any grocery store, but the sirloin has just the right amount of marbling for optimal flavor and tenderness when cooked in the air fryer. 
• Ribeye. The marbling in the ribeye allows for a juicy and flavorful bite each time. Plus, cooking ribeye in the air fryer gives it the perfect crispy crunch on the outside while keeping the inside tender and succulent.
• Filet Mignon. The tender and juicy texture of filet mignon makes it the perfect cut of meat for air frying. I love how it cooks so quickly, you won’t have to wait long to sink your teeth into your savory creation. 
• Flank Steak. The texture of flank steak makes it the perfect candidate for slicing and dicing into bite-sized pieces. Plus, its strong beefy flavor can stand up to many different seasonings and marinades.
• Stew meat. Stew meat can hold its own as a tasty and budget-friendly option for steak bites. While it may not have the same marbling and tenderness as a prime cut, stew meat can be tenderized with a little love and a lot of seasoning.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites in the Air Fryer

Prep the Steak. To make air fryer steak bites, you’ll need about 1 pound of sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak. Cut the steak into small chunks, about 1-inch by 1-inch cubes (see photo above). This will ensure that each bite will cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer. Season the steak with avocado oil and salt and pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Cook in the Air Fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200C). Once it is preheated, place the steak bites in the basket in a single layer (see picture below). You don’t want to overcrowd the basket, as it may prevent the steak from cooking properly. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping the steak bites halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re browned and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Or when it reaches the internal temperature of 145F. Then rest it for 3 minutes.

Prepare the Garlic Butter. While the steak is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Once the butter has melted and the garlic is cooked, remove from heat.

Combine the Steak and Garlic Butter. Remove the steak bites from the air fryer and transfer to a bowl. Pour the garlic butter over the steak and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or other herbs for added flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness!

Serve your steak bites with a side of mashed potatoes, Air fryer Roasted Vegetables, or a Crisp Cucumber Tomato Avocado salad for a complete meal that is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Or you can serve the bites as an appetizer at a party with Chipotle mayo dipping sauce or Homemade Blue Cheese dip.

Pro Tips for Best Steak Bites

• To ensure even cooking, cut the steak into equal sizes
• Marinate for extra flavor: While not necessary, marinating your steak bites for a few hours before cooking can infuse them with additional flavors. A simple marinade of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of honey works wonders.
• Do not overcrowd the basket and give each piece of steak some space so the hot air can fully circulate.
• Rest the meat: Once your steak bites are cooked, allow them to rest for a few minutes before tossing them in the garlic butter. Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.

FAQ’s About Air Fryer Cooking and Steak Preparation

Can I Use Frozen Steak?

Yes, you can cook frozen steak bites in an air fryer, but the cooking time will be longer. It’s best to thaw the steak beforehand for a more even cook.

How Do You Prevent Steak Bites from Drying Out?

The key to juicy steak bites is not to overcook them. Aim for a medium-rare to medium doneness. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for internal temperature. According to Certified Angus Beef, steak is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium doneness, 135°F for medium-rare, and 125°F for rare.

Is Preheating Necessary?

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving that perfect sear. It ensures that the steak bites start cooking immediately upon entering the fryer, locking in the juices.

More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

• Bacon Wrapped Steak Bites
• Air Fryer Steak Melt
• Best Sauteed Caramelized Air Fryer Onions – These are my new favorite way to make sautéed onions. I love how they get perfectly golden, soft, and caramelized in 10 minutes, with crispy edges. I love to top my burger or chicken with them.

Share this!