Quick and easy Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter are tender and juicy with a perfectly seasoned crust—all without the need to stand over a hot grill. The steak is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and tossed in garlic butter for a rich and savory finish. These steak bites are not only delicious but also lower carb and super easy to cook.
When I want a quick, flavorful meal that feels indulgent, these Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter are my go-to. The best part? They come together in just minutes, and I don't have to fire up the grill. The steak cooks to perfection in the air fryer, developing a mouthwatering crust while staying tender and juicy on the inside.
It's incredibly easy to marinate the steak in a blend of spices, then pop it into the air fryer. In just a few minutes, dinner is served! The garlic butter sauce adds a luxurious touch, infusing the steak with rich flavor in every bite.
Garlic butter steak bites are packed with protein and low in carbs, making them a great option for anyone looking to eat a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. Whether you're whipping up a quick dinner for busy weeknights, hosting a casual get-together or special occasion, these juicy steak bites are sure to impress.
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Ingredients
- Steak – Sirloin steak is a great choice for this recipe, but you can also use other cuts like ribeye or New York strip steak.
- Oil – Use your favorite light, neutral flavored cooking oil.
- Salt – Salt is essential for seasoning the steak. You can adjust the amount to taste or use a different type of salt, like sea salt or kosher salt. If using a seasoning blend that contains salt, omit added salt.
- Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick to the steak.
- Onion Powder– Onion powder adds savory notes to the flavor of the steak. If you don't have onion powder, you can finely mince a small amount of fresh onion or use onion flakes.
- Garlic Powder – Garlic powder adds a delicious garlic flavor. If you prefer, you can use fresh minced garlic instead.
- Brown Sugar – Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness and helps caramelize the steak. You can omit it or substitute with a sugar alternative for a low-carb version.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds a pungent flavor to the garlic butter. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Butter – Salted butter adds richness to the garlic butter.
- Parsley – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites
- Cut the sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces and combine with the olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Let sit for 15 minutes to marinate.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees (if necessary). Place the steak pieces in a single layer on the rack or in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes (for medium) or until desired doneness.
3. While the steak is cooking, melt the salted butter in the microwave in a small sized microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped parsley.
4. Toss the steak with the garlic butter and serve.
Hint: Cut the steak cubes into similar-sized pieces so the pieces cook evenly.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Seasoning Options – Experiment with different seasonings to change the flavor profile of the steak bites. Consider using Montreal steak seasoning, cajun seasoning, or a blend of your favorite herbs and spices.
- Different Cuts of Meat – While sirloin steak works well in this recipe, you can also use other cuts of beef such as ribeye, strip steak, or flank steak. For a leaner option, try using chicken breast or pork tenderloin.
- Marinade – Customize the marinade to suit your taste. Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a savory umami flavor, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. You can also use a bottled marinade.
- Herb Butter – Instead of garlic butter, you can make a herb butter by adding chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to melted butter. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the steak bites.
- Spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb – Skip the brown sugar in the marinade and use a sugar-free substitute if desired. This will make the dish low-carb and keto-friendly.
If you enjoy this recipe your will also love my Beef Tips and Mushrooms recipe.
Equipment
You never want to overcrowd and air fryer, so when selecting an one, consider the size based on your cooking needs and space. Look for features like temperature control, a timer, and dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning.
I also like using an instant read meat thermometer for any steak I am making. It always insures perfect cooked steak.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze, flash freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet then transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag. Use within 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until warmed through.
Top Cooking Tips
- Cut the steak into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Allow the steak to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors of the seasonings.
- Preheating the air fryer ensures that the steak bites cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
- For perfectly cooked steak, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135 degrees F, and for medium, aim for 140-145 degrees F.
- Let the steak bites rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and flavorful bites.
FAQ
you can use other cuts of steak such as ribeye, strip steak, or flank steak. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness and type of steak.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak bites. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135 degrees F, and for medium, aim for 140-145 degrees F.
If you don't have an air fryer you can cook the steak bites in the oven at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or on the stovetop in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
Serving Suggestions
Juicy Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of delicious ways. For a simple yet satisfying meal, pair them with roasted asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh garden salad. They also make a fantastic appetizer for a party; serve them with toothpicks alongside dipping sauces like horseradish cream, chimichurri, or a tangy barbecue sauce.
For a heartier option, consider serving these steak bites over a bed of mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, allowing the garlic butter to drizzle down and add extra flavor to the dish. They also work wonderfully in wraps or tacos, combined with crunchy slaw and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
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RECIPE
Air Fryer Steak Tips with Garlic Butter
Ingredients
- 16 oz sirloin steak
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cut the sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces making sure they are all similar in size for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Mix these ingredients well to create a marinade. Mix the steak pieces in the marinade so that they are evenly coated. Let the bowl sit for 15 minutes to marinate.
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees (if necessary). Place the steak pieces in a single layer on the rack or in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes (for medium) or until desired doneness.
- While the steak is cooking, melt the salted butter in the microwave in a small sized microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped parsley.
- Toss the steak with the garlic butter and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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