Save to Pinterest I threw a last-minute gathering once and had twenty minutes before guests arrived. I pulled out a pound of steak, cubed it up, and tossed it in the air fryer with some butter and garlic. Everyone devoured them before I could even plate anything else. That night taught me that sometimes the simplest recipes become the most requested.
My brother stopped by one evening while I was testing this recipe for the third time that week. He grabbed a steak bite straight from the bowl, burned his tongue, and still went back for four more. He told me it tasted like something from a steakhouse, which made all those burnt fingertips worth it.
Ingredients
- Sirloin steak: Cut into even one-inch cubes so they cook at the same rate, and always pat them dry before seasoning to get a better sear.
- Olive oil: Just enough to help the seasoning stick and encourage browning without making the steak greasy.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Season generously because bold flavors make these bites addictive.
- Smoked paprika: Optional, but it adds a subtle smokiness that mimics grilling even though youre using an air fryer.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with garlic right before tossing, it clings to the hot steak and creates a glossy, rich coating.
- Garlic: Mince it finely so it melts into the butter instead of clumping, and use fresh cloves for the best aroma.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the richness and adds a pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
- Lemon juice: A small squeeze cuts through the butter and wakes up all the other flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 400°F and let it run for three minutes so the basket is hot when the steak goes in. This helps you get a nice sear right from the start.
- Season the steak:
- Toss the cubes in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika until every piece is evenly coated. Dont be shy with the seasoning.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Lay the steak bites in a single layer with a little space between each one. Crowding them will steam the meat instead of crisping it.
- Air fry:
- Cook for four to six minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so all sides get color. Pull them at four minutes for medium-rare or six for medium.
- Make the garlic butter:
- While the steak cooks, stir together melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and lemon juice in a small bowl. The timing works out perfectly.
- Toss and serve:
- Transfer the hot steak bites straight into the garlic butter and toss until every piece is glossy. Serve immediately while theyre still steaming.
Save to Pinterest I served these at a birthday dinner once, just as a starter while the main course finished. By the time I brought out the roast, half the guests were full and the other half asked if I could make another batch of the steak bites instead.
Choosing Your Steak
Sirloin works beautifully because its lean, affordable, and easy to cube. If you want something richer, ribeye or strip steak will give you more marbling and an even more buttery texture. Just make sure all your cubes are the same size so they finish cooking at the same time.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them gently in the air fryer at 350°F for two to three minutes, but know theyll never be quite as perfect as when theyre fresh. I usually just eat them cold the next day, tossed into a salad.
Serving Suggestions
These steak bites are incredibly versatile. Stick toothpicks in them and serve them as an appetizer, pile them over rice or mashed potatoes for a quick dinner, or toss them into a green salad for extra protein.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a complete meal
- Serve with a dipping sauce like chimichurri or horseradish cream if you want extra flavor
- Pour a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon to match the richness of the butter
Save to Pinterest This recipe has saved me more times than I can count, whether Im feeding a crowd or just want something satisfying without much effort. I hope it becomes one of your favorites too.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of steak works best for this dish?
Sirloin is ideal for its balance of tenderness and flavor, but ribeye or strip steak can also be used for extra richness.
- → How do I ensure steak bites stay juicy?
Cut steak into even cubes, coat with oil and seasoning, and avoid overcooking by air frying for recommended times.
- → Can I prepare the garlic-butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, melt the butter and mix with garlic, parsley, and lemon juice beforehand for quick tossing after cooking.
- → What temperature should the air fryer be set to?
Preheat to 400°F (200°C) to achieve a perfectly seared exterior and tender interior.
- → Are there suggested side dishes?
Serve steak bites over rice, salad, or alongside roasted vegetables; a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well.