Tender, juicy, and infused with rich garlic butter flavor, these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites make an easy and satisfying dinner that feels restaurant-quality without the need for a grill. With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy nights or when you want a hearty meal in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish
Uses everyday ingredients
Air fryer method ensures tender, perfectly cooked steak
Garlic butter sauce adds richness and depth of flavor
Pairs well with a wide variety of sides
Ideal for both weeknight dinners and entertaining
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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, minced
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Directions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the steak pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss until evenly coated.
Place the steak bites in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Do not spray the basket.
Air fry for 4–6 minutes or until the steak reaches your preferred doneness. No flipping is needed. For medium doneness, cook about 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches about 135°F (they will rise to 140–150°F in the butter sauce).
While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in the parsley.
Add the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter for about one minute.
Use top sirloin, flank, filet, tri-tip, NY strip, or flat iron steak.
Season with Cajun seasoning, blackened seasoning, steak seasoning blends, or BBQ seasoning.
Add heat with cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce in the butter sauce.
Substitute dried parsley if fresh isn’t available.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Avoid reheating in the air fryer, as the butter content may cause burning.
FAQs
How do I know when the steak bites are done?
Use a meat thermometer. For medium doneness, aim for about 135°F before tossing in the butter sauce. They will continue cooking slightly.
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, cuts like top sirloin, filet, tri-tip, NY strip, flank, or flat iron work well.
Do I need to spray the air fryer basket?
No, the olive oil on the steak is sufficient.
Can I make these steak bites spicy?
Yes, add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the butter sauce.
Can I double the recipe?
You can, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
What sides pair well with steak bites?
Mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or a simple salad all work well.
Can I use jarred garlic?
Fresh garlic is strongly recommended for the best flavor.
Why didn’t my steak brown well?
Overcrowding prevents browning. Cook in batches for the best sear.
Can I make these without butter?
Butter is key to the flavor, but you may use a small amount of olive oil for sautéing if necessary, understanding the flavor will differ.
Why shouldn’t I reheat them in the air fryer?
The high butter content may cause smoking or burning, so stovetop or microwave reheating is safer.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites offer a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal with minimal prep and maximum reward. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself to a comforting dinner, this simple recipe guarantees juicy steak bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce every time. Enjoy them with your favorite sides for a complete, hearty meal.
These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor from a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in just over 20 minutes, they’re an easy, satisfying dinner that feels restaurant-quality with minimal effort.
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, minced
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
In a bowl, toss the steak pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
Place the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket (no need to spray).
Air fry for 4–6 minutes depending on desired doneness. For medium, aim for 5 minutes or an internal temp of 135°F before finishing in butter.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in parsley.
Add cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter for 1 minute until coated and warmed through.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches for best browning.
Use a meat thermometer to achieve your preferred doneness.
Fresh garlic provides the best flavor; avoid jarred if possible.
Steak bites will rise 5–10°F in temperature after cooking in butter sauce.
