Craving succulent, flavorful steak without the fuss? These air fry garlic butter steak bites are your answer! This recipe delivers perfectly cooked steak in a fraction of the time. Forget firing up the grill—your air fryer makes delicious air fry garlic butter steak bites a weeknight reality.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fry Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- A super quick and easy dinner solution.
- Minimal cleanup makes this perfect for busy cooks.
- Achieve perfectly tender steak bites every single time.
- The rich, savory garlic butter flavor is irresistible.
- Highly versatile: enjoy them as an appetizer or main course!
For another protein-packed, quick meal, try these crispy air fryer chicken tenders that are equally easy and satisfying.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these flavorful air fry garlic butter steak bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless ribeye steaks, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Notes & Substitutions
- Steak Cuts: Top sirloin, flank, filet, or NY strip work well too.
- Seasoning: Montreal steak spice, Cajun seasoning, or BBQ rub are great alternatives.
- Butter: Always use real butter for the richest flavor in the garlic butter.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the best, most pungent taste.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley is ideal, but dried parsley can be substituted if needed.
For a slow-cooked beef alternative with deep smoky flavor, check out these smoked short ribs.
Equipment
- Air fryer (basket style recommended)
- Large mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer
- Medium skillet (for garlic butter)
- Tongs or spatula
How to Make Air Fry Garlic Butter Steak Bites (Step-by-Step Instructions)
- Prep Steak: Pat the ribeye steak dry with paper towels, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Season Steak: In a large bowl, toss the steak with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry Steak: Arrange the seasoned steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket; avoid overcrowding. Cook for 4-6 minutes.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure your desired doneness.
- Make Garlic Butter: While the steak is cooking, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
- Combine & Serve: Add the cooked air fry garlic butter steak bites to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to combine thoroughly.
- Serve the air fry garlic butter steak bites immediately and enjoy!
Love bite-sized air fryer dishes? These juicy air fryer chicken bites are another great crowd-pleaser.
Pro Tips for Perfect Steak Bites
- Achieve Perfect Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked steak.
A detailed steak temperature guide can help you achieve ideal doneness from rare to well-done. Different internal temperatures correspond to various levels of steak doneness.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the steak in batches to ensure even crisping on all sides.
- Pat Steak Dry: Removing excess moisture is essential for a good sear and crust.
Patting steak dry helps prevent steaming and encourages a superior crust formation, which is crucial for maximizing flavor and texture. This step is critical for achieving the Maillard reaction.
- Fresh Garlic Matters: Use fresh minced garlic for optimal flavor in your garlic butter.
- Don’t Overcook: Remember that the steak will continue cooking slightly after you remove it from the air fryer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the steak, which can result in dry, tough bites.
- Not preheating the air fryer sufficiently before cooking.
- Skipping the step of patting the steak dry before seasoning.
Prefer a slow-cooked version of beef? These fall-apart slow cooker beef short ribs are a must-try.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairings: Serve with mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Lighter Options: Pair with a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or asparagus for a lighter dinner.
- Heartier Meals: Serve the air fry garlic butter steak bites over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread.
Serve your steak bites with these crispy air fryer roasted sweet potatoes for a wholesome, balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover air fry garlic butter steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the air fryer, as this can dry them out.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning blend.
- Herbaceous: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme along with the garlic for a fragrant twist.
- Umami Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the seasoning for an umami-rich flavor.
If you’re craving more hearty steak dishes, this creamy steak alfredo recipe is a perfect indulgent follow-up.
Nutrition Information
Here’s the approximate nutrition information per serving of air fry garlic butter steak bites:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 465 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 36 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 126 mg |
| Sodium | 448 mg |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugar | 0.1 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 18 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different cuts of steak?
Yes, top sirloin, flank, or filet mignon are also great choices for this recipe.
What other seasonings can I use?
Montreal steak spice, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite BBQ rub all work wonderfully.
Can I make spicy air fry garlic butter steak bites?
Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
How long should I cook them for well-done steak bites?
Use a meat thermometer; 160°F (71°C) is the target internal temperature for well-done.
Will this recipe work with any air fryer?
The recipe was tested in a basket-style air fryer, so adjust cooking times slightly for other models.
Conclusion
These air fry garlic butter steak bites are a game-changer for quick and delicious meals. They deliver amazing flavor and tender steak in minutes. Try this simple, satisfying recipe for an air fryer delight that will become a new family favorite!
Air Fry Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the ribeye steak dry with paper towels and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, toss the steak with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Place seasoned steak bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Check steak doneness using a meat thermometer.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in parsley.
- Add cooked steak bites to garlic butter in skillet. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- Steak alternatives include top sirloin, flank, filet, or NY strip.
- Seasoning options like Montreal steak spice or Cajun seasoning work well.
- Butter must be real for full flavor.
- Fresh garlic is recommended. Dried parsley can substitute fresh.
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