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–+ servings

Juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites in Air Fryer

Tender, caramelized bite-sized sirloin steak cubes air-fried to juicy perfection in just 7 minutes, then immediately tossed in a luscious bath of foaming garlic herb butter. An effortless, high-protein 15-minute appetizer that always steals the show.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tender Steak & Air Fryer Rub
  • 1.5 lbs top sirloin steak or ribeye trimmed and cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes
  • 1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil helps spice adhere and promotes rapid searing
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp coarse sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
For the Foaming Garlic Herb Butter Glaze
  • 4 tbsp unsalted sweet cream butter melted until gently foaming
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic very finely minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme finely minced, optional
  • 1 pinch Maldon flaky sea salt for crunchy finishing garnish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Cooking Walkthrough
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures an instant high-heat sear the moment the meat hits the basket.
  2. Pat the cubed steak bites completely dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture is crucial for achieving a deep browned crust rather than steaming the beef.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, toss the steak cubes with 1.5 tablespoons olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, coarse sea salt, and black pepper until every piece is evenly coated.
  4. Arrange the seasoned steak bites in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece so hot circulating air can flow freely. (Cook in two batches if your air fryer basket is under 6 quarts).
  5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes total, shaking the basket vigorously at the 4-minute mark. For juicy medium-rare, aim for 6 minutes (internal temp 130°F); for medium, cook for 7 to 8 minutes (internal temp 140°F).
  6. While the steak cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in the minced garlic and let sizzle for 30 seconds off direct heat until aromatic. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and rosemary.
  7. Immediately transfer the sizzling hot steak bites from the air fryer basket into a large bowl. Pour the warm foaming garlic herb butter over the top and toss gently with a spatula for 30 seconds so every bite is bathed in savory garlic glaze.
  8. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, insert bamboo cocktail picks, and serve steaming hot with extra garlic butter for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 34gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 490mgPotassium: 510mgVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 3.4mg

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket! Air circulation is what creates the golden browned Maillard crust. Tossing the steak in the fresh garlic butter after air frying keeps the garlic sweet and fragrant rather than scorched.

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