If you love big steakhouse flavor without the fuss, you’re about to meet your new weeknight dinner hero! Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, crave-worthy bites of ribeye, tossed in a velvety garlic-parsley butter and ready in just 20 minutes. Easy, quick, and beyond scrumptious—these steak bites are like little flavor bombs you’ll come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning Fast: Dinner’s on your table in 20 minutes, from fridge to fork—perfect for busy days when you still want steakhouse luxury at home.
- Unbeatable Flavor: The ribeye gets perfectly crisped in the air fryer, then soaks up all that rich garlicky, buttery goodness—every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Fuss-Free Clean Up: Let the air fryer do the heavy lifting; say goodbye to stovetop splatter and hours of scrubbing.
- Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites as a hearty meal, party appetizer, or even a protein-packed salad topper—the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every single ingredient in these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites is carefully chosen for maximum flavor and texture, with nothing extra or fussy. Each bite celebrates the simple magic that happens when good steak, real butter, and a few powerhouse seasonings come together—so don’t skimp on quality where you can!
- Boneless ribeye steaks: This cut is beautifully marbled and super juicy when cooked—making it the perfect choice for steak bites.
- Olive oil: Gives a luscious sear to the steak and helps the seasonings cling to each piece.
- Kosher salt & fresh cracked black pepper: Classic for seasoning steak—don’t underestimate how these simple staples unlock natural beefy flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a whisper of smokiness and a gorgeous pop of color to the finished steak bites.
- Salted butter: The base for that decadent sauce—opt for good quality for best results.
- Fresh garlic (minced): Three cloves means loads of aromatic, punchy flavor in every bite. Mince it yourself for the best taste!
- Chopped fresh parsley: Not just for color—the herbal freshness balances all that rich, buttery goodness.
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Whether you have ingredients to use up, dietary needs to consider, or just want to experiment with different flavors, these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites can flex to fit your cravings.
- Change up the protein: Try this method with sirloin, filet, or even boneless chicken thighs for an equally tasty twist.
- Add a kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to give your butter sauce a little spice.
- Herb swap: Substitute in fresh chives, thyme, or rosemary instead of parsley for a totally new flavor profile.
- Dairy-free option: Use a vegan butter and olive oil blend—garlic and fresh herbs will still shine!
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This quick boost of heat is the secret to that golden-brown crust—no need for a stovetop skillet or loads of oil.
Step 2: Season the Steak Bites
Add your bite-sized ribeye cubes to a big bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously with kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and smoked paprika. Use clean hands or a spoon to toss and coat every piece—the more evenly they’re seasoned, the better the flavor.
Step 3: Air Fry the Steak
Place the seasoned steak bites in a single, even layer in your air fryer basket. There’s no need to spray the basket. Air fry for 4–6 minutes depending on your favorite doneness. Five minutes typically lands you in that perfect, juicy medium-rare zone. No flipping required!
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the steak is sizzling away, melt salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—so it mellows out and perfumes the sauce. Stir in freshly chopped parsley for that fresh, herby pop.
Step 5: Finish the Steak in the Garlic Butter
Once the steak bites are ready, immediately add them to the hot skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently for about a minute so every piece gets coated in the luscious, aromatic butter. Serve right away for the most juicy, melt-in-your-mouth Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Choose Your Steak Wisely: Ribeye is king for tenderness, but sirloin or New York strip work great too—just trim any excess fat for evenly cooked bites.
- Consistent Cubes, Every Time: Try to cut your steak pieces the same size (about 1-inch cubes) for even cooking—no one likes some bites overdone and others under!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: If you have a smaller air fryer, cook in batches. Giving the steak room to breathe is key for that crave-worthy crust.
- Butter Sauce Is Quick—Don’t Walk Away: Garlic burns fast! As soon as it’s fragrant, move those steak bites in or take the pan off the heat to avoid bitterness.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic finish for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites, but you can also dust with a little extra smoked paprika, flaky sea salt, or even some lemon zest for a bright kick—you eat with your eyes first, after all!
Side Dishes
These steak bites shine with just about anything on the side: think creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, a simple Caesar salad, or roasted veggies. For something special, nestle them on top of garlicky rice or orzo—the sauce soaks right in!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun appetizer, skewer a few steak bites with toothpicks atop mini crostini. Toss cold leftovers with crisp romaine for a “deconstructed steak salad,” or load steak bites and herby butter into a baguette for the ultimate steak sandwich. The presentation possibilities truly make these a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), let the steak bites cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for tossing on salads or quick lunches.
Freezing
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites can be frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze the cooked steak and butter sauce in a freezer-safe container. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the steak stays tender, not tough.
Reheating
To reheat, place steak bites and any leftover sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring gently. This keeps the bites juicy and prevents overcooking. You can also use the air fryer on low (about 300°F) for 1-2 minutes—just watch closely!
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of steak for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Absolutely! While ribeye is my go-to for tenderness and deep flavor, sirloin, New York strip, or filet mignon all work beautifully. Just avoid overly lean cuts, as they can dry out in the air fryer.
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What’s the best doneness for steak bites in the air fryer?
It’s all about personal preference! For steak bites, I find 4-5 minutes gives you juicy medium-rare (about 135°F). Remember, they’ll cook a bit more in the hot garlic butter, so err on the earlier side for the perfect finish.
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Can I double this Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure not to crowd the air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary, and combine everything together in the butter sauce at the end so every bite stays juicy and flavorful.
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Is there a way to make these steak bites ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can pre-cut and season the steak up to a day ahead, then cook and finish in the garlic butter just before guests arrive. For appetizers, keep the finished bites warm in a low oven until ready to serve—one of the many reasons I adore these for entertaining!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving steakhouse flavor with zero hassle, these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are your new dinner MVP. They’re quick, luxuriously tasty, and fun for weeknights or special evenings alike. Give them a try soon—I promise your taste buds (and everyone at your table) will thank you!
Print
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Stovetop
Description
These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Tender ribeye steak pieces are seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and spices, then air-fried to perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless ribeye steaks, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Butter Sauce:
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Season the steak: In a large bowl, combine steak, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss to coat.
- Air fry the steak: Place steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 4-6 minutes until desired doneness.
- Make the butter sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in parsley.
- Toss and serve: Add cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss for about a minute. Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
