Save to Pinterest The smell of sizzling garlic butter hitting hot steak still makes my stomach growl, no matter how many times I make it. I discovered these bite-sized wonders during a frantic weeknight when I needed something impressive but fast for unexpected dinner guests. They devoured the entire plate in minutes, and I've kept the recipe in heavy rotation ever since.
My sister-in-law still talks about the time I made these for her birthday celebration last year. I doubled the recipe because our family shows up hungry, but even that wasn't enough—the platter was clean before I could even set down the garlic bread. Now she requests them for every gathering, and I've learned to always make extra.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak: Cut into uniform cubes so everything cooks evenly—sirloin delivers the best balance of flavor and tenderness without breaking the bank
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps the seasoning cling to every surface and prevents sticking in the air fryer basket
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Don't skimp here—proper seasoning is what transforms good steak into great steak
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Grind it right before you use it for the biggest punch of flavor
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Totally optional but adds this subtle smoky depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with garlic to create that coating that makes these absolutely addictive
- 3 cloves garlic: Finely mince it yourself—pre-minced garlic never quite delivers the same punch
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley: Brings brightness and color that cuts through all that rich butter
- 1 tsp lemon juice: Just enough acid to balance the richness and make each bite feel complete
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Crank it to 400°F and let it run empty for about 3 minutes while you prep everything else—a hot basket means better searing right from the start
- Season the steak:
- Toss those cubes in olive oil and all the seasonings until every surface is coated, then let them sit while the air fryer heats up
- Arrange for success:
- Spread the steak in one single layer with some breathing room between pieces—crowding the basket leads to steaming instead of searing
- Cook to perfection:
- Air fry for 4 to 6 minutes, but shake the basket halfway through so all sides get that gorgeous crust
- Make the magic sauce:
- Whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and lemon juice while the steak works
- The crucial toss:
- Transfer those hot steak bites immediately into a bowl and pour the garlic butter over them—toss vigorously while they're still hot
- Serve them up:
- Get them to the table while they're still sizzling, maybe with extra parsley if you want it to look fancy
Save to Pinterest These became my go-to comfort food during a particularly rough winter when cooking felt like the only thing I could control. Something about standing at the air fryer, watching those little cubes transform, made even the hardest days feel manageable. Food has this way of grounding us, doesn't it?
Choosing the Right Cut
Sirloin works beautifully here because it's affordable and still delivers plenty of beefy flavor, but splurging on ribeye or strip steak takes these to another level of tenderness. Look for meat with good marbling—those white streaks of fat are what keep each bite juicy instead of tough. I've learned the hard way that super lean cuts like eye of round just don't work for this recipe.
Don't Skip the Rest
Let those seasoned steak cubes hang out at room temperature while the air fryer preheats—those extra 10 to 15 minutes make such a difference in how evenly they cook. Cold meat hitting hot air means the outside overcooks before the inside catches up. It's a small step that feels unnecessary but absolutely transforms the final result.
Serving Ideas That Work
These disappear fastest when I serve them with toothpicks for easy grabbing alongside something cool and crisp like a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. They're substantial enough to be the main protein, or set out several batches as appetizers and watch them vanish. The leftovers actually reheat surprisingly well the next day.
- Set out extra lemon wedges for people who love that bright acidic finish
- Crusty bread for soaking up any extra garlic butter left in the bowl
- Keep the air fryer nearby to quickly cook a second batch if needed
Save to Pinterest Hope these become a staple in your kitchen like they have in mine. There's something deeply satisfying about turning simple ingredients into something that makes people's eyes light up.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cut of steak is best for these bites?
Sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes works well due to its tenderness and flavor. Ribeye or strip steak can be substituted for an even more tender result.
- → How long should I air fry the steak bites?
Air fry at 400°F for 4 to 6 minutes, shaking halfway. Four minutes yields medium-rare, while six minutes cooks to medium doneness.
- → Can I marinate the steak before cooking?
Yes, marinating steak cubes for 30 minutes in olive oil, garlic, and herbs enhances flavor and tenderness before air frying.
- → How is the garlic butter sauce prepared?
Combine melted unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon juice, then toss immediately with cooked steak bites for rich flavor.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over rice or salad. Pair with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon.