Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak

These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are perfect for a quick and impressive dinner. Tender and juicy, they come together fast without needing a grill, making steak night accessible any day of the week. The garlic butter sauce elevates simple steak pieces into rich, flavorful bites that everyone will love.

I first made these during a busy weeknight when we needed something fast but satisfying. My whole family was hooked after that first bite, and now it’s a regular request whenever I ask what’s for dinner.

Ingredients

• Boneless ribeye steaks: tender and flavorful, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating. You can also swap with top sirloin or flat iron for budget friendly options
• Olive oil: helps the seasoning stick and keeps the air fryer basket clean. Choose extra virgin for better flavor
• Kosher salt: essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the steak
• Fresh cracked black pepper: adds subtle heat and depth
• Smoked paprika: lends a smoky warmth without needing a grill; look for Spanish smoked paprika if available for the best taste
• Salted butter: real butter is necessary for the sauce to be rich and creamy; avoid margarine for best texture
• Fresh garlic cloves: minced fresh for a bright, pungent aroma and flavor that jarred garlic just can’t match
• Fresh chopped parsley: adds a pop of color and freshness. If fresh isn’t available, dried parsley works too, just use a bit less

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it run for about five minutes. This step ensures the steak bites start cooking immediately and get that nice sear.

Season the steak bites:

In a large bowl, add the steak pieces along with olive oil, kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss everything together so each piece is evenly coated with oil and seasoning. This helps develop flavor and prevents sticking.

Arrange in the air fryer:

Place the seasoned steak bites in an even layer inside the air fryer basket. There is no need to spray the basket since you already used olive oil, and this helps avoid any excess smoke or burn. Spread the pieces out but don’t overcrowd so the air can circulate well.

Cook to desired doneness:

Air fry the steak bites for 4 to 6 minutes depending on how you like your steak. I cooked mine for about 5 minutes until the internal temperature reached 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare. Since the steaks will continue cooking slightly once in the butter sauce, consider pulling them a bit early.

Prepare the garlic butter sauce:

While the steak bites cook, melt the salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and gently cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh herbal note.

Combine steak with butter sauce:

Carefully transfer the cooked steak bites to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss gently for about a minute so each piece is well coated and can soak up those flavorful juices.

Serve immediately:

Serve your steak bites hot straight from the skillet to keep them tender and juicy. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

The star of this dish is absolutely the fresh garlic butter sauce. I remember the first time I tried these steak bites at a friend’s house and was amazed how something so simple could taste so decadent. The fresh minced garlic really makes all the difference.

Storage tips

Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, use a skillet or microwave to gently warm them without drying out the butter sauce. Avoid reheating in the air fryer because the butter can burn quickly and cause smoke. This recipe also freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap ribeye steaks with top sirloin, flank steak, flat iron, filet, Tritip, or NY strip depending on your budget and preference. Different seasonings such as Montreal Steak seasoning, Cajun, BBQ blends, or Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute give this dish new flavor twists. If you want a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the butter sauce.

Serving suggestions

These steak bites pair beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted or steamed vegetables like carrots and broccoli, or a simple side salad. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic butter rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

These steak bites are fast, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Don’t skip the fresh garlic; it makes all the difference.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use different cuts of steak for this dish?

Yes, alternatives like top sirloin, flank, filet, Tri-tip, NY strip, or flat iron steaks work well depending on your preference and budget.

→ What seasonings complement the garlic butter sauce?

Seasonings such as Montreal Steak, Cajun, blackened blends, or BBQ rubs add great flavor. Use caution with added salt if the seasoning already contains salt.

→ How can I make the steak bites spicy?

Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning or enhance the butter sauce with hot sauce or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

→ How do I achieve my desired steak doneness using an air fryer?

Use a meat thermometer: Rare 120-125°F, Medium-rare 125-135°F, Medium 135-140°F, Medium-well 145-150°F, Well-done 150°F and above. Cook time varies, so don’t rely solely on timing.

→ What are suitable side dishes to serve with these steak bites?

Try mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, steamed carrots or broccoli, or a fresh side salad for balanced meals.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat using a microwave or skillet, avoiding the air fryer to prevent butter burning.