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If you love quick, indulgent meals that pack a flavorful punch, this Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender cubes of top sirloin, seared to perfection with a beautiful caramelized crust, meet a luscious garlic butter sauce that elevates each bite to pure delight. Whether you need a speedy weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests, these steak bites come together in just about 20 minutes, delivering restaurant-quality taste with minimal fuss. The combination of savory seasonings and the richness of garlic butter makes this dish incredibly satisfying every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is key to nailing this Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe. Each item is simple yet essential, contributing to the perfect balance of flavor, juiciness, and a touch of heat that keeps every bite exciting.
- 16 oz top sirloin filet: This cut is tender and flavorful, ideal for quick cooking and bite-sized pieces.
- ½ tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes a nice crust during air frying.
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the surface.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural meat flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a sharp, grounding spice that complements the beef.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Gives a mild smoky heat without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the seasoning blend.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Delivers subtle aromatic sweetness and complexity.
- 1½ tablespoons butter: The base for the rich garlic butter sauce that coats the steak bites.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Incorporated into the butter for an extra garlicky kick.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds just the right amount of heat to balance the richness.
- ¼ teaspoon parsley flakes: For a fresh, herbaceous finish and color contrast.
How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Start by cutting your top sirloin filet into evenly sized bite-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Toss these steak bites in olive oil to help the seasoning adhere and to encourage a golden sear once they hit the air fryer basket.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
Combine the brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. This blend creates a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors, making the steak bites irresistibly tasty.
Step 3: Season the Steak Bites
Coat each piece of steak evenly with your seasoning mix. Make sure every bite is thoroughly covered for consistent flavor in every mouthful. Then set them aside briefly while you prepare your air fryer.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures the steak bites will sear quickly and lock in their juicy goodness.
Step 5: Cook the Steak Bites
Arrange the seasoned steak bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 4 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning. Adjust the time to suit how well-done you like your steak bites.
Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and parsley flakes to create a fragrant, spicy, and herbaceous garlic butter sauce.
Step 7: Toss and Serve
Once the steak bites are cooked to your liking, immediately toss them in the warm garlic butter sauce. This final step coats each piece with flavor, adding luscious richness and a subtle kick that makes the dish unforgettable.
How to Serve Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkling of minced chives add vibrant color and brightness, while a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper enhances the savory notes. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty contrast.
Side Dishes
These steak bites pair wonderfully with simple sides such as crispy roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or creamy mashed cauliflower. For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic bread or a buttery risotto to soak up every last bit of garlic butter.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe skewered on toothpicks for easy snacking at parties or arrange them over a bed of sautéed greens for a more elegant presentation. You can also pile them onto toasted baguette slices for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Proper storage preserves their flavor and tenderness, making for an easy ready-to-eat meal later on.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, place cooled steak bites in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for meal prep or quick dinners after a busy day.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat leftover steak bites in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and juicy interior. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that fresh, just-cooked texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While top sirloin is ideal for tenderness and flavor, other cuts like ribeye or filet mignon can work if cut into bite-sized pieces. Just be mindful of the fat content and cooking time to keep the perfect texture.
How spicy is this Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe?
The recipe has a gentle heat from chili powder and red pepper flakes, balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar and richness of butter. If you prefer a milder bite, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer ensures the steak bites sear quickly and develop a beautiful crust without drying out. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final result.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder in the butter?
Fresh garlic can be used but should be finely minced and gently cooked with the butter to avoid burning. Garlic powder provides even flavor without the risk of bitterness.
What dipping sauces go well with these steak bites?
These bites are flavorful on their own but pair nicely with sauces like creamy horseradish, a tangy chimichurri, or a cooling ranch dip if you want to add variety.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone craving a gourmet bite without the hassle. It’s fast, flavorful, and downright addictive—perfectly suited for sharing with friends or savoring solo. Give it a try and watch these steak bites become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation!
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Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Steak Bites are a quick and flavorful appetizer or main dish made with tender top sirloin pieces seasoned with a blend of spices, cooked to perfection in an air fryer, and tossed in a savory garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, they offer a deliciously crispy exterior and juicy interior without the hassle of stovetop or grill cooking.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 16 oz top sirloin filet, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ tablespoon (8g) olive oil
- ½ tablespoon (6g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons (21g) butter
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon parsley flakes
Instructions
- Toss with Olive Oil: In a mixing bowl, toss the steak bites with olive oil to lightly coat each piece. This helps the seasoning adhere and promotes even cooking.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to create a uniform seasoning blend.
- Season Steak Bites: Evenly coat the steak pieces with the prepared seasoning mix, ensuring all pieces are well covered. Set aside to let the flavors meld slightly.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the steak bites.
- Arrange Steak in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation and crisping.
- Air Fry Steak Bites: Cook the steak bites at 400°F for 4-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. Adjust the time depending on your preferred level of doneness.
- Melt Butter: While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a small bowl, preparing it for the finishing sauce.
- Mix Garlic Butter Sauce: Stir garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and parsley flakes into the melted butter until well combined to create a flavorful coating.
- Toss Steak Bites in Garlic Butter: Once cooked, transfer the steak bites to the bowl with the garlic butter sauce and toss until evenly coated, infusing them with a rich, savory flavor.
- Serve: Serve the steak bites hot, optionally garnished with additional parsley flakes for extra color and freshness.
Notes
- Adjust air frying time based on steak bite size and desired doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer if available to ensure steak bites reach a safe internal temperature (around 130-135°F for medium-rare).
- For extra crispness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Leftover steak bites can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
- Serve with dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese for added variety.
