Okay but why is everyone obsessed with steak bites in the air fryer right now? Because they are fast, juicy, golden on the outside, and tossed in garlic butter that smells unreal. These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites give you full steak dinner energy without dragging out the grill. Weeknight dinner just leveled up.
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless ribeye steaks, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Optional seasoning ideas
- Montreal steak seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Blackened seasoning
- BBQ seasoning
- A pinch of cayenne if you like heat
Important: If you use a seasoning blend, check the salt level. Most blends already have salt, so adjust if needed.
You can swap ribeye for top sirloin, flank, filet, tri tip, NY strip, or flat iron. Flat iron is especially great if you want something more budget friendly but still tender.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Let it heat for about 5 minutes. This helps the steak get that nice outside sear.
- Add the steak bites to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Toss everything together until the steak is evenly coated. Make sure every piece gets some love.
- Place the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them. No need to spray the basket.
- Air fry for 4 to 6 minutes depending on how you like your steak. No flipping needed.
If you want medium, cook about 5 minutes and pull them at 135°F internal temperature. They will keep cooking a little in the butter and end up around 140 to 145°F.
Here is a quick doneness guide:
Rare: 120 to 125°F
Medium rare: 125 to 135°F
Medium: 135 to 140°F
Medium well: 145 to 150°F
Well done: 150°F and up
Pro tip: Go by temperature, not just time. Every air fryer cooks a little differently.
- While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it brown. Burnt garlic is not the vibe.
- Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Add the hot steak bites straight into the skillet with the garlic butter.
- Toss everything together for about 1 minute so the steak gets fully coated in that glossy garlic butter sauce.
- Serve immediately. They are best hot and fresh.
Notes and Serving Tips
If you like things spicy, add cayenne to the seasoning or mix chili flakes or hot sauce into the butter.
Serve these with mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, steamed broccoli, carrots, or even a simple salad. They also slap over rice.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Do not reheat in the air fryer because the butter can cause smoking.
You can freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer safe container.
Nutrition Information Per Serving
Calories: 465 kcal
Total Fat: 36g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fiber: 0.2g
Sodium: 448mg
Disclaimer:
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
If you make these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites, post them on Pinterest or Facebook and tag me. I need to see your steak bite era in full swing.