Name: Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless ribeye steak (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked); 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika; 3 tablespoons salted butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

If you’re craving a meaty, satisfying dish that doesn’t take an hour to prepare or dirty every dish in your kitchen, these air fryer garlic butter steak bites might be your new favorite go-to. Tender ribeye pieces are quickly crisped in the air fryer, then finished in a buttery garlic sauce that’s hard to resist. Best of all? This recipe takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

Whether you serve them with roasted veggies, spoon them over mashed cauliflower, or just enjoy them straight out of the pan, these garlic butter steak bites check all the right boxes: bold flavor, juicy texture, minimal prep, and clean-up made easy.

Why This Recipe Works

The air fryer is a game-changer for steak. Instead of relying on a stovetop sear, which can be finicky and smoky, the air fryer evenly crisps the surface of each steak cube without overcooking the center. Pair that with a quick skillet toss in garlic butter and herbs, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy dish with barely any effort.

Ribeye is ideal here—it has enough marbling to stay tender during the short cook time, and it soaks up the butter sauce beautifully. The result is juicy, flavor-packed bites that can stand alone or become part of a larger meal.

Ingredients Breakdown: Simple, But Strategic

Here’s what makes each ingredient count:

Ribeye steak (1½ lbs): Boneless and well-marbled for maximum flavor and tenderness. You could substitute with sirloin or NY strip in a pinch, but ribeye provides the best texture.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps the seasonings adhere and gives a slight crust in the air fryer.
Kosher salt & black pepper: The essentials. Use freshly cracked pepper for maximum aroma.
Smoked paprika (¼ tsp): Adds depth and a hint of smokiness without overwhelming the dish.
Salted butter (3 tbsp): The base of the sauce. Use high-quality butter if possible.
Fresh garlic (3 cloves): Don’t skip this—fresh is key for building bold flavor.
Chopped parsley (1 tbsp): Brings a bit of freshness and color at the end.

Choosing the Right Cut of Steak

Ribeye is the gold standard for steak bites thanks to its intramuscular fat, which melts into the meat during cooking and keeps each bite juicy.

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider:

Top sirloin: Leaner, a bit firmer, but still flavorful.
New York strip: Great marbling and a robust beefy flavor.
Tenderloin: More expensive, but incredibly tender.

Just avoid tougher cuts like chuck or flank, unless you plan to marinate them in advance.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Steak Bites

1. Preheat your air fryer.
Don’t skip this step—getting the basket hot before adding the steak helps achieve a quick sear and better texture.

2. Cut uniformly.
Aim for even, bite-sized pieces (about 1 to 1½ inches) to ensure consistent cooking. Uneven cuts will lead to some bites overcooking while others stay underdone.

3. Don’t overcrowd the basket.
Space out the steak bites in a single layer. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary.

4. Know your doneness.
Four to six minutes in the air fryer usually brings the steak to medium-rare to medium. For well-done, go closer to six. Keep in mind the bites will continue cooking slightly in the butter sauce.

5. Make the sauce fresh.
Cook the garlic just until fragrant (about 30 seconds), not browned. Overcooked garlic turns bitter. Stir in parsley at the end to preserve its brightness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Toss cubed ribeye with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 3: Arrange in an even layer in the air fryer basket.
Step 4: Cook for 4-6 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. No flipping needed.
Step 5: Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in chopped parsley.
Step 6: Transfer cooked steak bites to the skillet. Toss for about a minute until coated.
Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

These garlic butter steak bites are versatile. Serve them:

Over mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower for a hearty, low-carb meal
With sautéed green beans or asparagus
Inside lettuce wraps with a drizzle of spicy mayo
On top of a salad with blue cheese crumbles and a tangy vinaigrette
Alongside roasted sweet potatoes and a dollop of chimichurri

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

Air fryer: 350°F for 2-3 minutes
Stovetop: Briefly reheat in a skillet with a little butter or oil
Microwave: Not ideal—it can toughen the steak—but use short bursts and cover to retain moisture

Customization Ideas

Add heat: Stir red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne into the butter sauce.
Make it herby: Mix in fresh rosemary or thyme with the parsley.
Go bold: Top with crumbled blue cheese just before serving.
Citrusy twist: Add a splash of lemon juice to the butter for brightness.

Dietary Notes

Low carb & keto-friendly: No sugar, no starch, and minimal carbs.
Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free, as long as your butter and seasonings are verified.
High protein: Great for anyone focused on a protein-rich meal.

Final Thoughts

Garlic butter steak bites in the air fryer prove that delicious, protein-packed meals don’t need to be complicated. With minimal ingredients and an easy two-part cooking process, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen, these steak bites are a smart, satisfying choice.