Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak

These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a quick and delicious dinner option that delivers tender and juicy steak without needing a grill. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep you can enjoy a flavorful steak dinner any night of the week. The air fryer does most of the work, leaving you with perfectly cooked steak bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce.

I first made this recipe when I wanted a fast steak dinner that felt special without the fuss. Now it's a goto for busy weeknights when I want something comforting and tasty in no time.

Ingredients

• Boneless ribeye steaks: cut into small pieces for fast air frying and tender bites
• Olive oil: helps coat the steak evenly and prevents sticking in the air fryer
• Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper: for simple seasoning to enhance the natural beef flavor
• Smoked paprika: adds a subtle smoky warmth choose a good quality Spanish paprika if possible
• Salted butter: is essential for the garlic butter sauce it gives richness and flavor that margarine can’t match
• Fresh garlic cloves: minced for a bright punch of flavor always use fresh over jarred for best taste
• Fresh chopped parsley: adds a touch of color and freshness to finish the dish nicely but is optional

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This step ensures the steak bites cook evenly and develop a nice crust.

Season the Steak Bites:

In a large bowl, combine the bite sized ribeye pieces with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with seasoning.

Air Fry the Steak:

Place the seasoned steak bites in a single even layer inside the air fryer basket. There is no need to spray the basket with oil as the steak is already coated. Air fry without flipping for 4 to 6 minutes depending on how you like your steak cooked. I cooked mine for 5 minutes aiming for medium with an internal temperature around 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind the bites will finish cooking when tossed in the butter sauce.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:

While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped parsley.

Toss Steak Bites in Butter Sauce:

Add the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce for about one minute to combine all the flavors.

Serve Immediately:

Transfer the steak bites to a serving plate and enjoy right away for the best texture and taste.

I love how the fresh minced garlic transforms the flavor here. It is worth the extra minute it takes to mince fresh garlic instead of using jarred. One memorable time we served this during a casual family dinner and the buttery garlic aroma filled the whole house making everyone eager to dig in.

Storage tips

Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave. Avoid reheating in the air fryer because the high butter content could cause smoking or burning.

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap the ribeye for other tender cuts like top sirloin, flat iron, flank steak, or NY strip. If using a leaner cut, keep an eye on cooking times to avoid overcooking. For seasoning, feel free to experiment with Montreal steak seasoning or Cajun blends but reduce added salt if those mixes already contain salt.

Serving suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, broccoli, or a crisp side salad. This dish also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or some garlic butter rice for a hearty meal.

Enjoy these steak bites hot for the best flavor and texture. They make a quick, restaurant quality weeknight dinner.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use other cuts of steak?

Yes, alternatives like top sirloin, flank, filet, Tri-tip, NY strip, or flat iron work well and offer different textures and flavors.

→ What seasonings complement the steak bites?

Montreal steak seasoning, Cajun blends, blackened spices, or BBQ rubs add great flavor but watch the salt levels.

→ How do I adjust cooking for well-done meat?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 150°F or higher, and adjust air frying time accordingly.

→ Can I add spice to the butter sauce?

Absolutely, incorporate cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce into the butter for a spicy kick.

→ What are suitable side dishes?

Mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, steamed carrots, broccoli, or fresh salads are ideal accompaniments.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Keep leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container for 3-4 days and reheat in a skillet or microwave; avoid air frying to preserve the butter sauce.