What the heck is this?
You know those moments when you’re craving a really good steak but your wallet says “absolutely not”? Or when you want something fancy for dinner but only have like 20 minutes? Meet your new obsession: Air Fryer Steak Bites. These little nuggets of heaven are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with garlic butter goodness that’ll make you forget you’re not at a $50-a-plate restaurant. I’m talking perfectly seared, bite-sized pieces of steak that cook in literally 8 minutes. My meat-and-potatoes dad tried these and immediately asked for the recipe. That’s when you know you’ve got a winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality steak in your pajamas
- Cooks faster than you can say “medium-rare”
- Perfect for date night or feeding a hungry crowd
- Uses way less oil than pan-frying
- Impossible to mess up (seriously, the air fryer does all the work)
- Great for meal prep or fancy appetizers
- Kids actually eat them without complaining
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Steak:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes (ribeye works too if you’re feeling bougie)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
For the Garlic Butter Finish:
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp thyme (dried is fine)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Squeeze of lemon juice
For Serving:
- Toothpicks (for that fancy appetizer vibe)
- More fresh herbs
- Flaky sea salt
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Prep That Beef
Pat the steak cubes completely dry with paper towels. This is CRUCIAL for getting that perfect sear.
In a large bowl, toss the steak with olive oil and all the seasonings until every piece is coated.
Let it sit for 10 minutes while your air fryer preheats. This isn’t just busy work — it helps the flavors sink in.
Step 2: Fire Up the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-4 minutes.
Don’t skip this step — a hot air fryer means better searing.
Step 3: The Magic Happens
Working in batches (don’t overcrowd!), place steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For medium-rare, aim for 6 minutes. For medium, go 7-8 minutes.
Check one piece if you’re nervous — it should have a gorgeous golden crust but still be pink in the center.
Step 4: Garlic Butter Glory
While the steak rests, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.
Toss the hot steak bites in this magical mixture immediately after they come out of the air fryer.
Step 5: Serve Like a Boss
Transfer to serving bowls, drizzle any leftover garlic butter on top.
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a pinch of flaky salt.
Serve with toothpicks and watch people lose their minds.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect over mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice.
Toss with pasta and some of that garlic butter for an instant dinner.
Serve as appetizers with a creamy horseradish dip.
Add to salads for an instant protein boost.
Great in breakfast hash with eggs and potatoes.
Switch It Up
Asian-Style: Marinate in soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Finish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Cajun Kick: Use Cajun seasoning instead of the spice mix and finish with a squeeze of lime.
Herb Crusted: Add dried rosemary and oregano to the seasoning mix.
Spicy AF: Add cayenne to the rub and finish with sriracha butter.
Mediterranean: Season with oregano and finish with lemon, feta, and olives.
Pro Tips That Actually Matter
Don’t overcrowd the basket — cook in batches for even browning.
Use a meat thermometer if you’re nervous: 125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium.
Let the steak come to room temp for 15 minutes before cooking for more even results.
Save the garlic butter drippings — they’re amazing on vegetables or bread.
If your steak pieces are different sizes, remove the smaller ones first.
Make-Ahead Magic
Season the steak cubes up to 24 hours ahead and store covered in the fridge.
Make extra garlic butter and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Cooked steak bites keep for 3-4 days and reheat beautifully in the air fryer for 2 minutes.
You can even freeze the seasoned raw steak cubes for up to 3 months.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: What cut of steak should I use? A: Sirloin is the sweet spot for flavor and price, but ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin all work great.
Q: Can I use frozen steak? A: Thaw it completely first and pat it super dry, or you’ll get steamed meat instead of seared.
Q: My steak bites are tough. What happened? A: Probably overcooked or you used a lean cut. Stick to fattier cuts and don’t go past medium.
Q: Can I make these without oil? A: The oil helps with browning, but you can use cooking spray in a pinch.
Q: How do I know when they’re done? A: They should have a golden crust and feel firm but not hard when pressed.
Print
Air Fryer Steak Bites: When You Want Steakhouse Vibes Without the Steakhouse Price
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
You know those moments when you’re craving a really good steak but your wallet says “absolutely not”? Or when you want something fancy for dinner but only have like 20 minutes? Meet your new obsession: Air Fryer Steak Bites. These little nuggets of heaven are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with garlic butter goodness that’ll make you forget you’re not at a $50-a-plate restaurant. I’m talking perfectly seared, bite-sized pieces of steak that cook in literally 8 minutes. My meat-and-potatoes dad tried these and immediately asked for the recipe. That’s when you know you’ve got a winner.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes (ribeye works too if you’re feeling bougie)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
For the Garlic Butter Finish:
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp thyme (dried is fine)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Squeeze of lemon juice
For Serving:
- Toothpicks (for that fancy appetizer vibe)
- More fresh herbs
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
Pat the steak cubes completely dry with paper towels. This is CRUCIAL for getting that perfect sear.
In a large bowl, toss the steak with olive oil and all the seasonings until every piece is coated.
Let it sit for 10 minutes while your air fryer preheats. This isn’t just busy work — it helps the flavors sink in.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-4 minutes.
Don’t skip this step — a hot air fryer means better searing.
Working in batches (don’t overcrowd!), place steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For medium-rare, aim for 6 minutes. For medium, go 7-8 minutes.
Check one piece if you’re nervous — it should have a gorgeous golden crust but still be pink in the center.
While the steak rests, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.
Toss the hot steak bites in this magical mixture immediately after they come out of the air fryer.
Transfer to serving bowls, drizzle any leftover garlic butter on top.
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a pinch of flaky salt.
Serve with toothpicks and watch people lose their minds.
Notes
Perfect over mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice.
Toss with pasta and some of that garlic butter for an instant dinner.
Serve as appetizers with a creamy horseradish dip.
Add to salads for an instant protein boost.
Great in breakfast hash with eggs and potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~2g
- Protein: ~25g