Air Fryer Steak Bites With Garlic Butter

Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

Table of Contents

Description:
Juicy, tender steak bites with a crispy exterior, tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. These flavorful morsels are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, making them quick and easy without compromising on taste. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even as a topping for salads and bowls!

Ingredients:

Steak Bites:

1 lb sirloin steak (or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Garlic Butter Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions:

Prepare the Steak Bites:
- In a mixing bowl, combine steak cubes, olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss until evenly coated.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Cook the Steak Bites:
- Arrange steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. (For medium-rare, aim for 8 minutes; for medium, go up to 10 minutes.)
Make the Garlic Butter:
- While the steak cooks, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and lemon juice in a bowl.
Toss and Serve:
- Once the steak bites are done, transfer them to a bowl and pour the garlic butter mixture over them. Toss well to coat.
Garnish and Enjoy:
- Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a main dish with sides.

Notes:

Choosing the Steak: Sirloin and ribeye are great choices due to their tenderness and flavor. Adjust the cooking time for leaner cuts like tenderloin.
Garlic Butter Variation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or swap parsley for chives.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.

Tips:

Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer for accuracy:
- Medium-Rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Medium-Well: 150°F (66°C)
Resting Time: Let the steak bites rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain juiciness.

Servings:

Serves 4 as an appetizer or 2 as a main course.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

Calories: ~320
Protein: 26g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 480mg

(Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Benefits:

High Protein: Great for muscle building and repair.
Low Carb: Suitable for keto and low-carb diets.
Quick & Easy: Cooks in under 15 minutes.
Versatile: Pairs well with vegetables, salads, or as a party appetizer.

Q&A:

Q: Can I use frozen steak?
A: Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning for best results.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version.

Q: What sides go well with these steak bites?
A: Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Q: Can I marinate the steak?
A: Absolutely! Marinating for 30 minutes enhances flavor. Consider a soy sauce and balsamic vinegar marinade for added depth.