Introduction
If there’s one recipe that made me fall in love with the air fryer all over again, it’s air fryer steak bites. Seriously—this dish is the reason my friends now think I’m a genius in the kitchen. One night, I had sirloin sitting in the fridge, guests arriving in 30 minutes, and zero time to prep anything fancy. I cubed the steak, tossed it with garlic butter, and threw it in the air fryer. Ten minutes later? Instant hero status.
These air fryer steak bites aren’t just fast—they’re packed with flavor, tender inside, crisp outside, and seriously addicting. Whether you’re prepping a quick weeknight dinner or loading up a platter for a tapas-style gathering, this recipe fits every occasion. And the best part? No need to babysit the pan. With the air fryer, it’s hands-off perfection.
If you’re as obsessed with air fryer dinners as I am, you’ll love exploring the rest of our collection on Air Fryer Favorites: The All-Time US Classics—a pillar of fast, comforting recipes you’ll actually make.
Why Air Fryer Steak Bites Work Every Time
Big Flavor, Small Prep
One of the most common questions we get is, “How long to cook steak bites in air fryer?” The answer? Just 8 to 10 minutes total, depending on how well done you like them. The trick is to cut your steak into even 1-inch cubes, season well, and avoid crowding the basket.
The real magic of steak bites in air fryer cooking is the speed-to-flavor ratio. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep, you’re rewarded with bite-sized perfection that sizzles, sears, and stays juicy. Whether you’re using ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak, the air fryer gives you that hot, crusted exterior you crave—without turning on the stovetop.
Using the air fryer for steak bites isn’t just about speed. It’s about consistency. You don’t need a cast-iron skillet to get restaurant-style results. And for anyone asking “Are steak bites in the air fryer really juicy?”—try one bite and you’ll get your answer.
Tapas or Dinner? You Decide
These steak bites air fryer style are ridiculously versatile. Serve them with toothpicks at your next party, pair them with Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes, or pile them over rice for a protein-packed meal. Bonus: They’re naturally low in carbs and perfect for anyone following a keto-friendly lifestyle.
You can scale them up for a hungry crowd or portion them for meal prep. However you serve them, these air fryer garlic steak bites hit the spot—every time.
Ingredients & Garlic Butter Gameplan
What Steak to Use for Air Fryer
One of the first questions I hear is, “What cut of steak works best for air fryer steak bites?” The answer: sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. Each delivers rich flavor, stays tender at high heat, and cooks evenly when cut into bite-sized pieces.
I recommend trimming any excess fat and cutting your steak into 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking. Here’s what you’ll need to serve 2–3 people:
Ingredients – Steak Bites
- 1 pound of sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Let your steak rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before seasoning. This little step helps the meat sear better and cook more evenly—especially in the air fryer basket.
Set your air fryer to 400°F, and once preheated, arrange the seasoned steak cubes in a single layer. Cook for 6 minutes, flip, then finish for another 3–4 minutes. For safety, always check doneness with a meat thermometer. According to USDA guidelines, 135°F is ideal for medium rare.
Garlic Butter Magic
Now comes the flavor kicker—garlic butter. While the steak cooks, melt:
Ingredients – Garlic Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Warm the butter and garlic in a small pan over low heat for about 2 minutes, just until fragrant. Once your steak bites are done, drizzle that rich garlic butter right on top, or toss everything together in a bowl for even coating.
Trust me, the combo of sizzling beef and buttery garlic is a game changer. These garlic butter steak bites air fryer style are so good, you’ll be licking the bowl.
Want the perfect side? Pair with our Garlic & Parsley Baby Potatoes—they match the buttery vibe bite for bite.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Method
Prep, Cook, Rest
Let’s walk through how to make these air fryer steak bites from fridge to fork in under 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a hot, even cook from the start.
- Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crisp edges.
- In a bowl, toss 1 lb of cubed steak with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—this helps them brown, not steam.
- Cook for 6 minutes, then open the fryer and flip each piece.
- Return to cook for 3–4 more minutes, depending on your preferred doneness.
- For medium-rare, the USDA recommends 135°F. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp.
While the steak rests (about 3 minutes), that’s your moment to warm up the garlic butter if you haven’t already. Once it’s poured over the steak bites, everything soaks up the flavor beautifully.
This method creates crispy edges and a tender center, with no risk of overcooking—thanks to the fast air circulation. If you’re asking “how long to cook steak bites in air fryer?”, now you know: just 9–10 minutes total.
Tips for Juicy Results Every Time
Even the best recipe can go wrong without a few smart tweaks. So here’s how to guarantee juicy, restaurant-style bites:
- Don’t crowd the basket. If needed, cook in two batches.
- Let the meat rest before slicing or serving—it keeps juices inside.
- Use fresh garlic, not powder, in your butter sauce for better flavor.
- Dry steak = crispier sear. Always blot excess moisture before seasoning.
Want to turn this into a full party spread? Add a seafood twist with our Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp—it complements the steak bites like a surf-and-turf dream.
Sides & Serving Ideas
Easy Sides That Complete the Plate
Here’s the truth: These air fryer steak bites are delicious enough to eat on their own. But if you’re looking to build a full plate—or feed a crowd—pairing them with the right side can turn simple into stunning.
For something hearty and crispy, you can’t go wrong with our Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. They soak up that leftover garlic butter like a dream and bring a crunchy texture contrast you’ll love.
If you’re going for a more herbaceous, elevated pairing, I highly recommend the Air Fryer Garlic & Parsley Baby Potatoes. With a similar flavor profile, they echo the garlicky notes of the steak bites while standing out on their own.
You can also go lighter with a side salad, cauliflower mash, or roasted asparagus. Since these garlic butter steak bites air fryer style are naturally low-carb, they work well for keto dinners or meal prep bowls.
Want to make the whole thing in one fryer session? Toss in baby potatoes on one side of the basket (if your air fryer allows), and steak bites on the other.
Make It a Tapas Party
These steak bites in the air fryer also shine on a party platter. Add cocktail picks, a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy mayo, and you’ve got a winning appetizer.
For a “surf and turf” spin, serve them with crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp. The sweet crunch of the shrimp balances perfectly with the savory bite of the steak.
You can also add sliced baguette, pickled onions, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a fancier presentation. These air fryer garlic butter steak bites feel upscale—but they’re incredibly easy to pull off.
Whether it’s a casual family dinner or your next weekend gathering, this dish adapts to any vibe—and always disappears fast.
FAQ: Air Fryer Steak Bites
What cut of steak works best for air fryer steak bites?
Sirloin, ribeye, and strip steak are the top choices. They’re tender, flavorful, and cook quickly in the air fryer without drying out.
How long to cook steak bites in air fryer?
Typically 6 minutes, flip, then 3–4 more minutes at 400°F. For USDA-safe medium rare, aim for an internal temp of 135°F using a meat thermometer.
Can I make these with frozen steak?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw for even cooking. If using frozen, increase cook time by 4–5 minutes and season halfway through.
Are garlic butter steak bites air fryer–friendly for keto diets?
Definitely. No breading, no sugar—just protein, healthy fat, and big flavor. Perfect for keto, low-carb, or high-protein meals.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting friends, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something bold and buttery, these air fryer garlic butter steak bites hit every note. They’re quick to cook, easy to master, and endlessly versatile.
With only a handful of ingredients, you get restaurant-worthy results at home—in under 15 minutes. Thanks to the air fryer’s power and the richness of garlic butter, each bite is juicy, crisp, and packed with flavor. Add in USDA-safe cooking, balanced seasoning, and Chef André’s tested tips, and you’ve got a dish that earns its place in your regular rotation.
Need more ideas like this? Explore our full collection of Air Fryer Favorites: The All-Time US Classics and pair these steak bites with dishes like Air Fryer Chicken Thighs or crispy smashed potatoes.
Cooking smarter doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor—especially not with AllFoody by your side.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for garlic butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for garlic butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped optional, for garlic butter
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, toss steak cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air circulation.
- Cook for 6 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, depending on desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
- While steak rests, melt butter in a small pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and parsley, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Drizzle garlic butter over the steak bites or toss to coat evenly. Serve warm.