Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These air fryer steak bites are tender pieces of beef seasoned simply, cooked at high heat until lightly crisp on the outside, then tossed in a warm garlic butter with fresh herbs. Quick to prepare and full of rich, savory flavor, they are ideal for easy dinners, meal prep, or serving with sides.
Ingredients
For the Steak
For the Garlic Butter
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer
-
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. This step ensures the basket is hot before the steak goes in, helping the outside develop a light golden crust quickly instead of slowly steaming.
Season the steak
-
Place the steak pieces in a large mixing bowl. Add the avocado oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated (the oil helps the seasoning cling and prevents dryness during cooking).
Arrange the steak bites
-
Place the seasoned steak pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave a small amount of space between each piece so the hot air can circulate properly. Avoid stacking or overcrowding, as this can prevent browning and lead to uneven cooking.
Cook the steak
-
Cook the steak bites at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. The edges should look slightly crisp and browned, while the centers remain juicy. For medium doneness, aim for about 5 minutes (the steak will continue to cook slightly after removing it).
Prepare the garlic butter
-
While the steak cooks, place a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant (keep the heat moderate so the garlic softens without burning). Add the thyme and parsley, stirring gently to combine.
Toss the steak in the butter
-
Transfer the cooked steak bites directly from the air fryer into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss everything together for about 1 minute, coating each piece until glossy and well covered (the residual heat helps the flavors absorb into the meat).
Note
Use a meat thermometer if you are unsure about doneness, as this gives the most accurate result.
Steak continues to cook slightly after being removed from heat, so it is best to remove it just before your desired doneness.
Other cuts such as strip steak, flank, or flat iron can be used, but choose tender cuts for best results.
When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture, as reheating in the air fryer can dry the meat.
steak bites
