Save The first time I made steak bites in the air fryer, I was honestly skeptical. How could anything beat a proper sear on a hot skillet? But then I pulled them out—crispy edges, perfectly medium-rare inside, and that garlic butter smell hitting my nose at full force. My roommate wandered into the kitchen, fork already in hand, and we ended up standing over the counter picking them straight from the bowl. Now they are my go-to when I want something impressive but absolutely effortless.
Last summer I had a few friends over for a last minute get-together. I threw these together with zero plan, just cutting up steak I had in the fridge and tossing in whatever spices felt right. Within minutes everyone had abandoned the living room and gathered around the kitchen island. We ended up eating more standing up than we did at the actual dinner table. Sometimes the simplest food creates the best memories.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak: Sirloin strikes the perfect balance between tenderness and flavor, but if you are feeling fancy, ribeye takes these to another level of rich
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Just enough to help the seasoning cling and get those edges nice and golden without weighing down the meat
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Do not be shy here—steak needs proper seasoning to taste its best, and kosher salt distributes more evenly than table salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Freshly cracked makes a genuine difference you can actually taste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Completely optional, but it adds this subtle smoky depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: The foundation of that sauce—unsalted lets you control exactly how salty the final dish becomes
- 3 cloves garlic: Freshly minced is non-negotiable here, jarred garlic never gives you that punchy aromatic punch
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley: Adds brightness and makes everything look finished, even on a Tuesday night
- 1 tsp lemon juice: Just enough acid to cut through all that richness and wake up all the flavors
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Crank it to 400°F and let it run for about 3 minutes while you prep—starting with a hot basket makes all the difference for getting that sear
- Season the steak:
- Toss those cubes in olive oil and spices until every piece is evenly coated, and do not be afraid to use your hands to really massage it in
- Arrange in the basket:
- Spread the steak in a single layer with some breathing room between pieces—crowding the basket leads to steaming instead of searing
- Air fry to perfection:
- Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, but shake that basket halfway through so every side gets crispy and golden
- Whisk the sauce:
- While the steak works, stir together melted butter, garlic, parsley, and lemon juice in a small bowl
- Toss and serve immediately:
- Drop the hot steak right into that garlic butter and toss until every piece is glossy and coated
Save My dad always said the measure of a good cook is how well you can handle steak. These bites became my secret weapon—simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough that people think you put in way more effort than you actually did. I have made them for dinner parties, late night snacks, and even as a special birthday treat. Every single time, someone asks for the recipe.
Choosing the Right Cut
Sirloin is perfectly dependable and budget-friendly, but if you want to treat yourself, ribeye or strip steak brings this incredible marbling that melts into every bite. Just look for pieces with good fat distribution and trim any super thick connective bits before cubing. The quality of your starting ingredient shows up in every single bite.
Don't Skip the Fresh Garlic
I know it is tempting to reach for garlic powder or pre-minced stuff from a jar, but fresh garlic is what makes that butter sauce sing. Mince it finely so it distributes evenly through the butter without leaving raw chunks. The difference between fresh and jarred garlic in a simple sauce like this is night and day.
Serving Ideas That Work
Sometimes I serve these as an appetizer with toothpicks and watch them disappear in minutes. Other times I toss them over greens for a protein-packed salad or serve alongside roasted potatoes for a full dinner. The garlic butter sauce is versatile enough that whatever direction you go, it just works.
- Set out small bowls of flaky sea salt or extra crushed red pepper for people to customize their own
- Warm whatever plate or bowl you are serving them in so the sauce stays melted and glossy longer
- Double the garlic butter sauce and serve the extra on the side for dipping
Save These steak bites have become my answer to pretty much every what should I make question. Fast enough for a Tuesday, fancy enough for company, and always, always satisfying. Hope they become a regular in your rotation too.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cut of steak works best for this dish?
Sirloin steak is ideal due to its balance of tenderness and flavor. Ribeye or strip steak can be used for an even richer taste.
- → How do I achieve medium-rare doneness in the air fryer?
Cook the steak bites for about 4 minutes at 400°F (200°C), shaking halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- → Can I marinate the steak cubes before cooking?
Yes, marinating for 30 minutes in olive oil, garlic, and herbs enhances flavor and tenderness.
- → What is the purpose of smoked paprika in the seasoning?
It adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the garlic-butter sauce but can be omitted if preferred.
- → How should the garlic-butter sauce be prepared?
Melt unsalted butter and mix with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon juice before tossing with cooked steak bites.
- → What are good serving suggestions for this dish?
Serve as a hot appetizer with toothpicks or as a main over rice or salad, paired nicely with bold red wine.