Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites

• 1.5 lbs (680g) Sirloin or Ribeye Steak , trimmed of silver skin and cut into uniform 1-inch to 1.25-inch cubes
• 1.5 tbsp Olive Oil or Avocado Oil (high smoke point oil helps promote an aggressive sear)
• 1 tsp Coarse Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce (adds savory umami depth)
• 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning (or dried thyme)

For the Finishing Garlic Herb Butter

• 4 tbsp (1/2 stick / 57g) Unsalted Butter , melted
• 4 cloves Fresh Garlic , finely minced or pressed
• 1 tbsp Fresh Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley , finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp Fresh Rosemary , finely minced
• 1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a subtle touch of warmth)
• Flaky Sea Salt (Maldon or Fleur de Sel), for finishing

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Dry the Beef

1. Remove the steak from the refrigerator 15 to 20 minutes before cooking to take off the cold chill. Pat the meat thoroughly dry with paper towels; removing surface moisture is essential for immediate browning rather than steaming. Trim away tough exterior gristle, then slice into uniform 1-inch to 1.25-inch cubes.

Step 2: Season the Cubes

1. Transfer the cubed beef to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with avocado or olive oil and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle over the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried Italian seasoning. Toss thoroughly using tongs or clean hands until every surface of every cube is evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) on the standard Air Fry setting and run it empty for 5 minutes. Preheating is non-negotiable: placing cold meat into a cold basket prevents searing, leaking juices out into the tray before a crust can form.

Step 4: Air Fry in an Uncrowded Layer

1. Pull out the preheated basket and lightly coat the base with an aerosol-free oil mister. Arrange the steak bites in a single layer with at least 1/4-inch space between each piece.
2. (Note: If your air fryer basket is smaller than 5.5 quarts, cook in two separate batches rather than crowding the basket.)
3. Medium-Rare (130°F–135°F / 54°C–57°C): Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5 to 6 minutes total , shaking the basket vigorously at the 3-minute mark.
4. Medium (140°F–145°F / 60°C–63°C): Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 8 minutes total , shaking the basket vigorously at the 4-minute mark.
5. Medium-Well (150°F–155°F / 65°C–68°C): Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 9 to 10 minutes total .

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter

1. While the steak bites cook, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, and red pepper flakes in a small heatproof bowl. Warm gently in a microwave for 15 seconds or in a small saucepan over low heat until the raw bite of the garlic mellows slightly.

Step 6: Toss and Rest

1. Immediately transfer the sizzling steak bites from the air fryer basket into a medium serving bowl. Pour the warm garlic herb butter directly over the meat. Toss gently for 20 to 30 seconds until the glossy butter emulsifies with the residual meat juices.
2. Allow the steak bites to rest in the warm butter glaze for 3 to 4 minutes before serving. This rest period relaxes the muscle fibers, redistributing the interior juices throughout the meat. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and additional fresh chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 340 kcal 17% · Protein: 33 g 66% · Fat: 22 g 28% · Carbohydrates: 2 g 1% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 9 g 45% · Fiber: 0.5 g 2% · Sugar: 0.5 g — · Sodium: 680 mg 30%