If you’re craving a restaurant-quality steak experience without the fuss, these Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter are your new go-to. Perfectly seared on the outside and tender inside, each bite is bursting with rich beefy flavour, complemented by a luscious garlic butter sauce.
Cooking steak bites in the air fryer means you get a fast, hands-off meal with minimal mess and maximum flavour. The hot circulating air ensures a golden crust while keeping the inside juicy – all in under 15 minutes. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even as a protein-packed snack.
Simply toss cubed steak with olive oil and seasonings, air fry until beautifully browned, then finish with a quick homemade garlic butter. Serve them straight from the basket or over your favourite low-carb sides for a satisfying, keto-friendly meal that feels indulgent but fits your macros perfectly.
At a glance
- Time: 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 2
- Cost: Affordable
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Energy: 370 kcal
Ingredients
- 350g Sirloin steak (cut into 2cm cubes)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 30g Unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 Garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Small saucepan
- Knife
- Chopping board
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the steak cubes with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the steak is browned and reaches your desired doneness (medium-rare: 5 min, medium: 7 min).
- While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
- Transfer the cooked steak bites to a serving dish and drizzle with the warm garlic butter.
- Toss gently to coat and serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: dairy
Potential swaps:
- Unsalted butter → Dairy-free butter or ghee — For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter or ghee if tolerated.
- Sirloin steak → Ribeye or rump steak — Any tender, well-marbled steak works well.
Serving Ideas
- Sautéed spinach – adds colour and nutrients while soaking up the garlic butter.
- Cauliflower mash – creamy and comforting, perfect for catching extra sauce.
- Crisp green salad – a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich steak bites.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- Pat steak cubes dry before seasoning for the best sear.
- Let the steak rest for 2 minutes after cooking for juicier bites.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
Variations
- Add a pinch of chilli flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
- Swap parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herb flavour.
- Top with crumbled blue cheese for an extra indulgent finish.
Troubleshooting
- Steak bites are tough: Use a more tender cut or reduce cooking time.
- No crust forms: Ensure steak is dry and air fryer is preheated.
- Garlic burns: Cook garlic on low heat and add to butter off the heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 2–3 minutes or in a pan over low heat until warmed through.
Ingredient Spotlight
Sirloin steak: Lean yet flavourful, sirloin is ideal for quick air frying and stays tender in bite-sized pieces.
Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the butter with aromatic depth, elevating the steak’s savoury notes.
Parsley: Adds a burst of freshness and colour, balancing the richness of the butter.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, ribeye, rump, or even fillet work well. Choose a tender, well-marbled cut for best results.
How do I know when the steak bites are done?
Check for a golden-brown crust and use a meat thermometer: 54°C for medium-rare, 60°C for medium.
Can I make these ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can prep the steak and garlic butter in advance and cook just before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes, simply swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative or ghee if tolerated.
What sides go well with steak bites?
Try sautéed greens, cauliflower mash, or a crisp salad for a complete keto meal.
Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter – Juicy, Quick & Keto
Ingredients
- 350g Sirloin steak (cut into 2cm cubes)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 30g Unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 Garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the steak cubes with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the steak is browned and reaches your desired doneness (medium-rare: 5 min, medium: 7 min).
- While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
- Transfer the cooked steak bites to a serving dish and drizzle with the warm garlic butter.
- Toss gently to coat and serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: dairy
- Unsalted butter → Dairy-free butter or ghee — For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter or ghee if tolerated.
- Sirloin steak → Ribeye or rump steak — Any tender, well-marbled steak works well.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Energy: 370 kcal
