Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Cubed sirloin with a hard sear and garlic butter — done in 8 minutes.
Method · 10 steps
- 1
Take steak out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking so it comes to room temp — this prevents gray overcooked edges.
- 2
Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss with avocado oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- 3
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes — a hot basket is what gives you the sear.
- 4
Arrange steak cubes in a single layer with space between each piece. DO NOT stack or touch — overcrowded cubes steam gray.
- 5
Air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes.
- 6
Shake the basket vigorously to flip cubes. Air fry at 400°F for 3-4 more minutes for medium-rare (125°F internal), or 4-5 for medium (135°F).
- 7
While steak cooks, melt butter in a small skillet over medium-low. Add minced garlic and thyme, swirl 60 seconds until fragrant — DO NOT brown the garlic.
- 8
Off heat, stir lemon juice into the garlic butter.
- 9
Transfer hot steak bites to a bowl, pour garlic butter over, and toss. Sprinkle with parsley.
- 10
Rest 2 minutes, then serve — juices redistribute and coat in the butter.
Chef's notes
- →Cut steak in even 1.25-inch cubes. Smaller = overcooked, bigger = raw centers.
- →Room-temp steak is non-negotiable. Cold cubes from the fridge cook unevenly.
- →Don't brown the garlic — bitter, acrid flavor ruins the butter. 60 seconds on low only.
Storage
Fridge 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 2-3 minutes — longer overcooks the middles past medium.
