Name: Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds sirloin; 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil: Helps crisp the steak edges and adds a rich layer of flavor.; ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste: Salt enhances the natural beef flavor — sea salt works well.); ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste: Adds a bit of heat and depth — freshly ground is best.); 3 tablespoons butter: For the garlic butter sauce — unsalted lets you control the saltiness.; 5 cloves garlic (minced: Fresh garlic gives a bold and aromatic flavor — avoid pre-minced for best results.); Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional: Adds color and a fresh finish right before serving.)

Craving something juicy, quick, and full of flavor? This Air Fryer Steak Bites recipe hit the spot! In less than 10 minutes of cook time, you’ll have tender steak bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or protein-packed snack, they’re savory, satisfying, and simple to make. The best part? No grill or stovetop searing required!

All it takes is a few pantry staples and your trusty air fryer. Whether you’re using sirloin, strip steak, or tenderloin, this method locks in flavor and delivers amazing results. And don’t skip the garlic butter — it’s what makes this dish shine.

If you love easy meals with big flavor, like a Cashew Chicken Recipe, this one needs to be on your dinner list. Let’s get started!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Making this recipe is already super simple, but I’ve picked up a few personal tips that make it even better. Here’s what worked best for me:

Use room-temperature steak: I let the steak sit out for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: I cooked the steak in two batches to ensure a good sear on each piece.
Fresh garlic matters: Trust me—minced fresh garlic gives that buttery sauce a mouthwatering aroma you won’t get from jarred garlic.
Preheat your air fryer: Even if it doesn’t have a preheat setting, run it for 3 minutes first. It helps create that crispy edge.
Add a touch of lemon juice: Just a small splash after tossing in the garlic butter gives a fresh finish.

Easy Variations for All Diets and Tastes

Want to tweak the recipe for your preferences? No problem! These easy swaps and additions let you customize it your way.

Dairy-Free: Skip the butter and toss the steak bites in garlic-infused olive oil instead.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
Herb Boost: Mix in dried Italian herbs or rosemary to enhance the steak’s flavor.
Low-Sodium: Use a salt substitute or reduce the salt entirely—just be sure your garlic butter is well-seasoned.
Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and a bit of honey to the garlic butter for a savory-sweet twist.

You can also explore these variations to keep things exciting if you’re trying new dinner recipes every week.

Must-Have Equipment to Make It Right

Here are the tools I used to get perfect steak bites every time. You probably already have most of these in your kitchen:

Air Fryer – For fast, even cooking with crispy edges.
Mixing Bowl – To season and toss the steak pieces before cooking.
Small Skillet – Perfect for melting the butter and cooking the garlic.
Tongs or Spatula – For flipping and mixing the steak bites easily.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – To cut the steak into evenly-sized pieces for consistent cooking.

How to Serve These Garlic Butter Steak Bites

You’ve made the steak bites—now let’s plate them like a pro! Whether you’re hosting friends or making a solo dinner, serving these steak bites the right way makes all the difference.

I like to serve them straight from the skillet on a wooden board with toothpicks for a party snack. For dinner, pair with mashed potatoes or steamed veggies. You can also wrap them in warm tortillas for steak tacos or toss them into a salad. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for that restaurant-style finish.

If you enjoy meals like a Hawaiian Chicken Recipe, this one gives off the same satisfying vibes with its saucy, juicy goodness.

How to Store These Steak Bites Like a Pro

Once you’ve made a batch, here’s how to keep the leftovers fresh and flavorful.

Storing: Keep any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing without the garlic butter and making it fresh when reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet with fresh garlic butter for best results, or microwave for 30-60 seconds if you’re in a rush. Either way, they’ll still taste great!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe hits all the marks when it comes to easy, satisfying meals. Here’s why I keep making it over and over again:

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning or sauce to match your taste or dietary needs.
Low Cleanup: With just a skillet and air fryer, you’ll spend more time eating and less time scrubbing.
High-Protein: Great for keto, low-carb, and high-protein meal plans.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love these juicy bites!

More Helpful Details Before You Cook

If you’re new to making steak in an air fryer or just want to make sure everything goes perfectly, here are a few extra things to keep in mind:

Cut steak evenly: Make sure each piece is roughly the same size. This ensures they all cook at the same rate, preventing overcooked or undercooked bites.
Use quality steak: Sirloin, strip, or tenderloin works best. These cuts are tender and flavorful without needing a marinade.
Rest after cooking: Let the steak rest for 1-2 minutes before tossing in garlic butter. This helps the juices stay locked in.
Don’t skip the butter sauce: It’s what makes this recipe unforgettable. Melted butter and fresh garlic give it that savory finish that ties everything together.
Great for meal prep: You can prep the steak ahead of time and cook it when you’re ready—just store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying.

Ben Carraoli