Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Quick & Tender Recipe
If you are craving a dish that’s both effortlessly quick and irresistibly flavorful, you’ve got to try Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Quick & Tender. These little morsels pack a punch of juicy, tender steak coated in a luscious garlic-infused butter sauce, all made in your air fryer for a fuss-free, speedy meal. Perfect for busy evenings or any time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe will become your go-to for a delicious, protein-packed dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to nailing these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Quick & Tender. Each item plays a crucial role — from tender steaks that melt in your mouth to aromatic garlic and silky butter that create the perfect coating.
- Steak (Ribeye or Sirloin): Choose well-marbled cuts for juicy, tender bites.
- Olive Oil: Helps seasonings stick and ensures a nice sear in the air fryer.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts the garlicky flavor with subtle sweetness.
- Onion Powder: Adds mild savory depth to the seasoning mix.
- Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky warmth that complements the beef perfectly.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential to bring all flavors alive.
- Unsalted Butter: The hero of the garlic butter sauce — creamy and rich.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves: Minced for vibrant, fresh garlicky punch.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a burst of green freshness and color contrast.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Quick & Tender
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Begin by cutting your ribeye or sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes. Patting the pieces dry is a must — it helps the steak brown beautifully and prevents steaming. Toss these cubes in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until they have an even, fragrant coating.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and give it about 5 minutes to come to temperature. Preheating ensures the steak bites start cooking immediately, making their exterior sear nicely and locking in juices.
Step 3: Air Fry the Steak Bites
Spread the seasoned steak cubes in a single layer inside your air fryer basket—crowding can cause uneven cooking and that dreaded sogginess. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to develop that gorgeous crust on all sides. Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F for medium-rare, which is the sweet spot for tender, juicy bites.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
While your steak bites air fry, melt unsalted butter gently in either a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in finely minced fresh garlic and a generous handful of chopped parsley. This sauce is the magic that will crown your steak bites with luscious flavor and aroma.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Once cooked to perfection, transfer the hot steak bites to a bowl and immediately pour over the garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together so every bite is glistening and coated with garlic-infused buttery goodness. Serve them hot, garnished with extra parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Quick & Tender
Garnishes
Finishing touches elevate this dish from delicious to divine. Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley or even some finely grated Parmesan cheese for that extra layer of flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the entire plate and balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Quick & Tender with classic sides like crispy roasted potatoes, garlic mashed cauliflower, or a fresh green salad. Steamed vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli also make excellent companions, providing color and nutritional balance on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests or simply mix things up? Serve these steak bites skewered with fresh herbs for an elegant appetizer. Alternatively, pile them on warm toasted baguette slices for steak bruschetta or alongside creamy polenta for a cozy, comforting dinner that feels gourmet but is lightning fast to prepare.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Your steak bites will stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacking.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the steak bites separately from the garlic butter sauce. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They should keep well for up to three months. Freeze the sauce in small portions to thaw as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the steak bites gently in the air fryer or oven to revive their crisp edges without overcooking. Warm the garlic butter sauce separately and then toss everything together right before serving to maintain that fresh, buttery flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye and sirloin are ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can use filet mignon, strip steak, or even flank steak sliced thinly. Just be mindful of cooking times and slicing against the grain for tenderness.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating your air fryer helps get a great sear on the steak bites and cooks them evenly. Skipping this step might result in less crispy edges and uneven cooking.
Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The garlic butter sauce can be prepared up to five days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes your mealtime even quicker—just warm it gently before tossing with the steak bites.
How do I know when the steak bites are cooked perfectly?
The best way is using a meat thermometer. Aim for 130°F to 135°F for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak more done, add a couple of extra minutes, but beware of overcooking to keep the bites tender.
Can I make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Quick & Tender without an air fryer?
While the air fryer gives the best crispy, juicy bite, you can also cook steak bites in a hot skillet. Just make sure to cook in batches so they brown nicely without steaming.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the ease and flavor of Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Quick & Tender to brighten up your dinner routine. This recipe offers juicy, tender steak with a garlicky butter punch, all cooked fast enough for even the busiest nights. Give it a try, and soon it’ll be a treasured recipe you reach for again and again!
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Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Quick & Tender Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a quick, tender, and flavorful dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender cuts of sirloin or ribeye steak cooked to perfection in an air fryer and tossed with a rich garlic butter sauce, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort and healthy cooking benefits.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes and pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the steak cubes until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a nice sear.
- Air Fry the Steak Bites: Arrange the seasoned steak cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the steak bites halfway through cooking for even browning. Use an instant-read thermometer aiming for 130°F-135°F for medium-rare doneness.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the steak cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped parsley until well combined to create a fragrant garlic butter sauce.
- Toss and Serve: Once the steak bites are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the steak and toss well to coat every bite. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley if desired for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Pat the steak dry before seasoning to ensure better browning in the air fryer.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispy edges.
- Adjust cooking time based on your preferred steak doneness and thickness of the cubes.
- Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor in the garlic butter sauce.
- Make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- This recipe works well with different cuts like ribeye, flank steak, or sirloin depending on your budget and preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 4 ounces steak with sauce)
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: air fryer steak bites, garlic butter steak, quick steak recipe, air fryer dinner, steak bites recipe, garlic butter sauce, easy steak recipe
