Save to Pinterest The first time I made these steak bites, it was a Tuesday night and I had zero energy for a full dinner production. I cubed a sirloin, hit it with salt and pepper, and let the air fryer do its thing. Ten minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a steakhouse, and I wondered why I had ever bothered with skillets for weeknight beef.
I served these at a small gathering last fall, and the silence around the platter said everything. People kept wandering back to the kitchen, just one more bite, until the whole bowl was empty. Now I double the batch automatically because witnesses demand seconds.
Ingredients
- Sirloin steak: Cut into even cubes so everything cooks at the same speed. I have learned that 1 inch is the sweet spot, anything smaller dries out and anything larger takes forever.
- Olive oil: Just enough to help the seasoning stick and promote that gorgeous browning.
- Kosher salt: Use kosher or sea salt. The flakes cling better than table salt and give you that perfect savory crust.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked makes a real difference here. Pre ground works but fresh hits brighter.
- Smoked paprika: Totally optional but it adds this subtle smokiness that makes people ask what your secret is.
- Unsalted butter: Melted so it coats every bite instantly. Unsalted lets you control the salt level.
- Fresh garlic: Do not use jarred minced garlic here. Fresh gives you that sharp bite that mellows beautifully in the butter.
- Fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh contrast to all that rich buttery beef.
- Lemon juice: Just a teaspoon cuts through the fat and makes the whole sauce pop.
Instructions
- Preheat with purpose:
- Fire up that air fryer to 400°F. Three minutes of preheating makes a huge difference in how quickly the steak sears.
- Season generously:
- Toss those steak cubes with olive oil and all the seasonings until every piece is coated. Do not be shy with the salt.
- Single layer only:
- Arrange the steak in one layer with some breathing room. Crowding the basket ste instead of sears.
- Shake halfway through:
- Air fry for 4 to 6 minutes total, giving the basket a good shake at the halfway mark. Check at 4 minutes for medium rare.
- Make the magic sauce:
- While the steak cooks, whisk melted butter with minced garlic, parsley, and lemon juice.
- Sauce immediately:
- Transfer those hot steak bites to a bowl and toss with the garlic butter right away. Serve while they are still steaming.
Save to Pinterest My husband usually skips appetizers, but the night I made these, he stood at the counter and ate half the batch before I could even get plates to the table. Now they are his request for movie nights, game days, and whenever he has had a long week.
Choosing the Right Cut
Sirloin is perfectly affordable and still tender enough for quick cooking. Ribeye will give you more marbling and luxury, while strip steak offers a great beefy flavor. Just avoid tough cuts like round or flank because they need low and slow treatment, not high heat searing.
Doneness Guide
Everyone likes their steak differently, and the air fryer makes it easy to hit your target. Pull them at 4 minutes for medium rare, 5 minutes for medium, and 6 minutes for medium well. Keep in mind they will continue cooking slightly while resting in that hot butter sauce.
Serving Ideas
These disappear fast whether you serve them as an appetizer or main. I like to pile them onto a wooden board with toothpicks for parties. For dinner, they are amazing over garlic mashed potatoes, caesar salad, or even just with crusty bread to soak up that extra sauce.
- Pair with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec
- Extra red pepper flakes in the butter sauce if you like heat
- Double the garlic if you are feeding serious garlic lovers
Save to Pinterest These steak bites have become my go to for everything from last minute dinners to feeding a crowd. Fast enough for Tuesday, impressive enough for Saturday, and always gone in minutes.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of steak is best?
Sirloin steak is ideal for tender, bite-sized pieces that cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer.
- → Can I marinate the steak before cooking?
Yes, marinating steak cubes in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness.
- → How do I achieve medium-rare doneness?
Air fry the steak bites for about 4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- → Can I substitute ribeye or strip steak?
Both ribeye and strip steak work well, offering a richer texture and flavor for these bites.
- → What sides pair well with garlic butter steak bites?
Serve alongside rice, salad, or enjoy as finger food with toothpicks. A bold red wine complements flavors nicely.