These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy and full of flavor! Just toss the steak pieces in garlic butter, pop them in the air fryer, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious meal.
It’s hard to resist these tasty bites! I always end up snacking on them before they hit the table. Who can blame me? They’re just too good! 😂
I love how quickly they cook, making dinner simple and quick. Pair them with veggies or rice for a great meal—easy and oh-so-satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Sirloin or ribeye are both great choices for this recipe. If you’re short on time, try using pre-cut steak bites. For a leaner option, flank steak works well too, just be careful not to overcook it.
Unsalted Butter: While unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness, salted butter can be used if that’s all you have. Just adjust the added salt in the recipe accordingly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but it won’t deliver the same punch. Aim for about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a nice touch, but dried parsley works too. If you’re looking for a pop of color and flavor, try using cilantro or basil instead!
Olive Oil: Olive oil prevents sticking in the air fryer. If you’d like a different flavor profile, avocado oil or even melted coconut oil can also do the job.
How Do I Ensure My Steak Bites Are Juicy and Tender?
To keep steak bites tender and juicy, marinate them well in the garlic butter mixture. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure the butter is just melted, not too hot, to avoid cooking the garlic too quickly.
- Allow the steak to rest after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping each bite tender.
- Check for doneness by cutting into a piece if you’re unsure. Medium-rare looks pink in the center.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if you’re using it. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This garlic butter will add so much flavor to your steak bites!
2. Coat the Steak Bites:
Add the bite-sized steak pieces into the bowl with the garlic butter mixture. Pour the garlic butter over the steak and gently toss until all the pieces are coated evenly. You want each bite to be full of flavor!
3. Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer:
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it’s heating up, lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil. This helps prevent the steak from sticking and keeps it nice and juicy.
4. Air Fry the Steak Bites:
Carefully place the marinated steak bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. They can be close, but try not to overcrowd the basket so they cook evenly. Air fry the steak bites for about 8-10 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking for the best results! Aim for 8 minutes for medium-rare and about 10 minutes for medium.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the steak bites are cooked to your liking, take them out of the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them tender. You can garnish with additional chopped parsley if you’d like, and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or main dish. Enjoy your tasty garlic butter steak bites!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are great options, you can also use cuts like flank steak or tenderloin. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the pieces, so keep an eye on them!
How Can I Adjust the Garlic Flavor?
If you love garlic, feel free to increase the amount to 4-5 cloves! Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce it to just 1-2 cloves. Roasting the garlic first can also yield a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Steak Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispy texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Butter?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a healthier option. Just ensure that the flavor remains rich—adding a bit more garlic or even some Worcestershire sauce can help maintain that savory taste!
