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Our garlic butter air fryer steak bites recipe is the ultimate shortcut to a restaurant-style steak at home. I just love the crispy, caramelized exterior and the juicy, tender center. This dinner comes together in under 20 minutes and requires almost no cleanup. Since no marinating is needed, I make this meal on busy weeknights or whip it up as a last-minute appetizer.

Air Fryer Steak Bites on a plate with sauce on the side.
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The moment these steak bites come out of the air fryer, the scent alone makes my mouth water. The caramelized edges give just the right crunch before melting into a juicy, tender center. Tossed in garlicky, buttery goodness and sprinkled with fresh parsley, these small bites are packed with big flavor. We love dunking them in a tangy sauce or a creamy dip, but most of the time I can’t resist eating them straight off the fork.

Why I Love This Recipe

This air fryer recipe is my quick fix when I want big flavor without the wait or fuss.

  • Comes together in under 20 minutes with no marinade needed
  • Perfectly seared outside with a tender, juicy center without frying in oil or firing up the grill
  • Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand
  • Quick air fryer method means almost no cleanup
  • Versatile enough for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or game day treats

For more easy air fryer dinner ideas, try my Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries, Air Fryer French Fries, or Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan for a simple and satisfying meal combo.

If you prefer cooking steak on the stovetop, you might also enjoy my Garlic Butter Steak Bites made without an air fryer.

Ingredients Notes

Air Fryer Steak Bites ingredients.
  • Sirloin filets: Sirloin works best for air fryer steak bites, but you can also use top sirloin, flank, ribeye, or New York strip steak. Trim any excess fat before cutting into even cubes for best results.
  • Olive oil: Avocado oil or vegetable oil can be used instead.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Soy sauce can be substituted if needed.
  • Brown sugar: Helps caramelize the steak bites without making them sweet.
  • Italian seasoning: Steak seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or a garlic herb blend also works well.
  • Salt & Black pepper: Adjust to taste.
  • Unsalted butter: Salted butter can be used; just reduce the added salt slightly.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is recommended, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
  • Fresh parsley: Optional, for garnish and a pop of freshness.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Recipe Variations

Make them spicy: Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning before cooking for a little extra heat.

Smoky paprika: Sprinkle smoked or sweet paprika over the steak cubes before cooking for a smoky, flavorful twist.

Garlic Parmesan steak bites: Toss the cooked steak bites with grated Parmesan cheese while still warm.

Asian-inspired steak bites: Swap Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce and add a small drizzle of honey for a savory-sweet twist.

Herb butter steak bites: Mix fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives into the butter instead of parsley.

Low carb steak bites: Skip the brown sugar. The steak will still cook beautifully, with slightly less caramelization.

Air Fryer Steak Bites dipped in the garlic butter sauce.

How to Make Air Fryer Steak Bites

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 4-5 minutes.
  2. Season the steak bites: In a large bowl, combine the cubed sirloin, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the steak is evenly coated.
    season the steak bites in a bowl.
  3. Cook the steak bites: Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, flip, then cook for another 2-5 minutes until they reach your desired doneness.
    cook the steak bites in airfryer.
  4. Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
    make the garlic butter sauce in a bowl.
  5. Toss and rest: Transfer the cooked steak bites to a serving bowl and toss with the garlic butter. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
    toss the steak in the sauce.

Recipe Tips

If you’re new to making steak bites in the air fryer, these simple tips will help you get perfect results every time.

  • This recipe was tested in a 6.8-quart air fryer. Smaller models may require cooking in batches.
  • Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking to ensure even doneness.
  • Cut the steak into evenly sized cubes so they cook consistently.
  • Different cuts of steak may cook slightly faster or slower, so adjust timing as needed.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness. Medium-rare is about 130-135°F, medium 140-145°F, and medium-well 150-155°F.
  • Double the garlic butter if you want extra for dipping or drizzling over the steak bites.
Steak bites inside the air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the steak bites are done?

How long to cook steak bites in air fryer depends on the size of your steak cubes and your preferred doneness. Medium rare usually takes 6 to 7 minutes, medium to medium-well about 8 to 9 minutes, and well done can take up to 11 minutes. Always flip halfway and check early the first time you make them.

What size air fryer was used for this recipe?

A 6.8-quart COSORI air fryer was used. Smaller air fryers may need you to cook in batches, which is completely normal.

Why are my steak bites tough?

Steak bites can get tough if they are overcooked or cut unevenly. Avoid crowding the air fryer basket and remove the steak as soon as it reaches your preferred doneness.

Do I need to flip the steak bites in the air fryer?

Yes. Flipping halfway helps both sides cook evenly and develop a nice, caramelized crust.

Do I really need to preheat the air fryer?

Yes. Preheating ensures the steak starts cooking right away and browns properly, similar to preheating a pan on the stove.

Can I skip the garlic butter topping?

You can, but the garlic butter adds so much flavor and keeps the steak bites juicy. If you love extra sauce, double it and serve it on the side for dipping.

Why should the steak rest before serving?

Resting for 2 to 3 minutes lets the juices redistribute, keeping the steak tender instead of letting all the juices run onto the plate.

Make Ahead & Storage Instructions

  • Make ahead: Cube and season the steak up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Cook just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
  • Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm leftover steak bites in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
air fryer steak bites on a plate.

More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve tried this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it turned out in the comments below.

5 from 3 votes
Air Fryer Steak Bites on a white plate.

Air Fryer Steak Bites

Author — Jennifer Fishkind
Serves — 2
Air fryer steak bites are quick to make with no marinating needed. These garlic butter steak bites turn out juicy on the inside with a crisp, caramelized crust every time.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 1½ pounds sirloin filets cut into 1½-inch-sized cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 teaspoons garlic finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped (plus more for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F.
  • In a large bowl, add the cubed sirloin steak, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper. Toss to evenly coat the steak with the seasonings.
    1½ pounds sirloin filets, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Add the seasoned steak cubes to the preheated air fryer in a single layer and cook for 6 minutes. Flip the steak cubes over and continue to cook for another 2-5 minutes or until the desired level of doneness for your steak.
  • While your steak bites are cooking, stir together in a small bowl the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh chopped parsley.
    ¼ cup unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
  • Add the air-fried steak bites to a serving bowl and toss them in the melted butter mixture until evenly coated. Allow the steak bites to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. You can add an additional sprinkle of fresh parsley to garnish if desired.

Jenn’s Notes

Storage:
  • To Store: These air fryer steak bites should be served immediately for the best flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To Reheat: You can reheat the steak bites in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes or according to your brand of air fryer’s directions.
Tips:
  • Cook time: 8-11 minutes. I cooked for the entire 11 minutes. They were well done inside.
  • A COSORI brand 6.8-quart air fryer was used to develop this recipe. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook your steak bites in two batches. Be sure to follow your particular brand air fryer for preheating and cooking instructions, as air fryers can vary between brands and sizes.
  • I recommend trimming off any excess fat from your steaks when cutting them into cubes.
  • Be sure that your steak is at room temperature before cooking to ensure that the beef cooks evenly.
  • You can double your herbed butter amount and serve the additional ¼ cup in a small bowl alongside your steak bites and side dishes.

Nutrition Info

Calories: 709kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 73g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 248mg | Sodium: 895mg | Potassium: 1260mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 894IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 7mg
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Comments

    1. Thank you so much! Currently, I do not have a cookbook! Always thinking about making one, but haven’t created one yet.

      Reply