Craving a quick and delicious meal? These air fryer garlic butter steak bites are incredibly simple to make and perfect for any weeknight dinner. You’ll love how tender and flavorful this dish is, making it a fantastic addition to your air fryer dinner recipes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Steak: Use sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin for best results. You can also use stew meat, but adjust cooking time.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred. Margarine can be used as a substitute.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley or chives add a nice finishing touch. Dried herbs work if fresh aren’t available.
Ingredients:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1.5 lbs steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Air fryer, mixing bowls, tongs.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Steak
Pat your steak cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Toss the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
2. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior for your air fryer dinner recipes.
3. Air Fry the Steak Bites
Place the seasoned steak in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until cooked to your desired doneness.
4. Make the Garlic Butter
While the steak cooks, melt your butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Stir in the minced garlic.
5. Toss and Serve
Once the steak bites are done, transfer them to a clean bowl. Pour the garlic butter over the steak and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Lemon Herb: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the steak after tossing with garlic butter.
- Onion Infusion: Add a quarter teaspoon of onion powder to the steak seasoning.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover garlic butter steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or gently warm in a pan on the stovetop until heated through. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you cook frozen steak in the air fryer? Yes, but it will take longer. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- What cut of steak is best for steak bites? Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin work wonderfully due to their tenderness.
- How do you know when the steak is done? For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Can you prepare this ahead of time? You can cut the steak and prepare the garlic butter in advance. Cook the steak just before serving for the best texture.
- What can you serve with these air fryer dinner recipes? They are excellent with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad.
- Why is my steak tough? Overcooking is the most common reason for tough steak. Be sure to cook to your preferred doneness and avoid overcrowding the air fryer.