If you’re craving a restaurant-quality dinner but want something quick and fuss-free, you’re going to absolutely love this Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe. These tender, juicy steak cubes infused with garlic butter flavor come together in no time and deliver big on taste. I find myself making this whenever I want a last-minute dinner that still feels special—and I can’t wait to share all my tips with you so your steak bites come out perfectly every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speed and Convenience: In under 30 minutes, you get tender steak bites packed with flavor—no grill or stovetop stress.
Perfectly Juicy Every Time: The air fryer locks in moisture while giving a wonderful seared crust you’ll adore.
Garlic Butter Magic: The homemade garlic butter sauce is rich, luscious, and elevates plain steak bites into a crave-worthy dish.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients, perfect for last-minute meals or impressing guests.

Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter, Air Fryer Steak Bites, Easy Steak Bites, Garlic Butter Steak, Quick Steak Dinner - A white round plate holds about twenty small, dark brown beef cubes arranged loosely in a single layer. Each cube has a slightly shiny, textured surface, with small green herb bits and tiny white garlic pieces sprinkled on top. On the left side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with a yellowish garlic and herb sauce that has visible bits of herbs and garlic floating in the oil. The plate rests on a white marble surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe uses classic, straightforward ingredients that you may already have on hand. Each one plays a key role in creating tender, flavorful bites with a buttery-garlicky finish. Let me walk you through what makes them work so well!

Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter, Air Fryer Steak Bites, Easy Steak Bites, Garlic Butter Steak, Quick Steak Dinner - Flat lay of tender cubes of raw New York strip steak, glossy Worcestershire sauce drizzled in a small puddle, a handful of finely chopped bright green fresh parsley, several peeled garlic cloves and some finely chopped garlic pieces, a stick of creamy unsalted butter broken into chunks, coarse kosher salt crystals sprinkled around, and a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper, all beautifully arranged with careful spacing and color contrast, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

New York strip steak: This cut is my personal favorite because it has enough marbling for great flavor without too much fat, and cubes nicely for even cooking in the air fryer.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds subtle umami depth that amps up the richness of the beef beautifully.
Freshly ground black pepper: Just the right peppery kick—it’s best freshly cracked for maximum aroma.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the meat and garlic butter—you’ll want to sprinkle it evenly for best results.
Unsalted butter: Divided use allows for searing and then finishing the sauce with creamy garlic butter flavor.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic elevates the butter sauce with irresistible aroma and taste; finely chopping helps release all that flavor quickly.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe is super adaptable—you can tweak it depending on what you have, your mood, or dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to adjust the garlic level or swap fresh herbs to make it your own. Here’s how I like to mix things up sometimes:

Variation: I once swapped parsley for chopped rosemary and thyme, which gave a heartier, woodsy flavor that made the bites perfect for a cozy fall dinner.
Dietary tweak: To lighten it up, try using olive oil instead of butter for the sauce; it changes the taste but keeps it delicious.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a gentle heat that livens up the dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prep Your Steak Cubes

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes while you toss the steak cubes in a large bowl. Add Worcestershire sauce, freshly ground black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Toss everything until the meat is evenly coated. This not only flavors the steak but also helps tenderize it a bit. Don’t rush this step—it makes a noticeable difference when every piece is well-seasoned.

Step 2: Air Fry the Steak Bites to Perfection

Arrange the steak cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. It’s crucial not to overcrowd—if your air fryer is small, cook in batches to ensure even cooking and a nice sear. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip the cubes and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes depending on your preferred doneness. I usually aim for medium-rare; it keeps them tender and juicy without any chewiness. Once done, transfer to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.

Step 3: Whip Up the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the steak rests, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped garlic and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s sizzling and fragrant—about a minute. Then add the rest of the butter and stir until it’s fully melted and combined. This step is where all the magic happens—the garlic releases that wonderful aroma that makes your kitchen smell amazing. Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley, and you’re ready to drizzle your steak bites.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Drizzle half of the garlic butter sauce over your steak bites right away so they soak up that flavor. If you like, add a bit more parsley on top for a fresh pop of color. Serve the remaining garlic butter on the side for dipping—you’ll be amazed at how addictive this combo is. My family always asks for seconds!

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Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe

Pat Steak Dry: Before seasoning, I always pat my steak cubes dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and get a better sear in the air fryer.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: It’s tempting to cook all at once but spacing the bites prevents steaming and ensures they crisp beautifully on the outside.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh chopped garlic creates a vibrant, authentic flavor that garlic powder just can’t match in this butter sauce.
Serve Immediately: Steak bites are best served hot; holding them too long causes them to lose juiciness—so plan your timing to serve right after drizzling garlic butter.

How to Serve Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe

Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter, Air Fryer Steak Bites, Easy Steak Bites, Garlic Butter Steak, Quick Steak Dinner - Inside a black air fryer basket, there are many small pieces of cooked meat that look brown and slightly crispy with some black specks of seasoning on them. A woman's hand is holding metal tongs, picking up one piece of meat from the center. The air fryer is placed on a white marbled surface. The meat pieces vary in size and shape but are mostly square or rectangular. The lighting shows a slight shine on the meat, making it look juicy and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing these steak bites with a smattering of freshly chopped parsley for color and brightness. Sometimes I jazz things up with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors even more. A little cracked black pepper on top just before serving never hurts either!

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with crispy roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a cozy night, I often serve it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or even creamy risotto—both soak up that garlic butter like a dream. Steamed veggies or grilled asparagus also work great if you prefer something lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served these steak bites on wooden skewers as an appetizer at parties—drizzle the garlic butter right before serving and watch them disappear! Another idea is plating them atop a bed of creamy polenta or even inside warm pita pockets with a dollop of garlic aioli and fresh greens. It’s a simple recipe but versatile enough for elegant dinners or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. Before you tuck them away, let them cool slightly so condensation doesn’t make them soggy. When you’re ready to eat, you can get them tasting nearly freshly made with a quick reheat.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this recipe because steak bites are best enjoyed fresh, but if you must, flash freeze the cooked bites on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep around 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the air fryer or a hot skillet for 3-5 minutes. This revives the crisp exterior and warms them through evenly without drying out the meat. Microwave reheating tends to make steak bites rubbery, so save that as a last resort.

FAQs

What cut of steak works best for Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe?

New York strip is my top pick because it has great marbling and flavor, plus it cuts into uniform cubes that cook evenly. You can also try ribeye or sirloin as alternatives, but avoid cuts that are too lean or tough for best results.
How do I get my steak bites to be tender and not overcooked in the air fryer?

Cook at 400°F for a short time and flip once—usually around 3 to 4 minutes total. Keeping the bites in a single layer and avoiding overcrowding helps them sear properly instead of steaming. Remove them as soon as they reach your desired doneness, typically medium-rare to medium.
Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the garlic butter sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just rewarm gently before drizzling over the steak bites. I prefer it freshly made because the aroma is strongest, but prepping ahead saves time.
What if I don’t have an air fryer—can I make this recipe another way?

Absolutely! You can pan-sear the steak bites in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes, tossing once, or broil them in the oven. The garlic butter sauce remains the same and tastes amazing no matter the cooking method.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe has become my go-to when I want something quick but utterly satisfying—there’s just something about those tender, garlicky bites that feels downright comforting. I hope you’ll give it a try and soon enough, it’ll become your reliable weeknight hero too. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll never want to order steak bites out again!