Air Fryer Steak Bites are the kind of quick, satisfying dinner you make once and then keep in your back pocket forever. They cook in minutes, stay incredibly tender, and get those irresistible caramelized edges and cook to golden brown in under 10 minutes. A quick garlic butter sauce finishes them off for dipping or drizzling.
If you want more quick air fryer meal ideas, try my Air Fryer Gnocchi and my Air Fryer Pizza Rolls.
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Why this Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe is a Keeper
These steak bites turn out crispy outside and tender inside every time. Here’s why they’re worth keeping in the dinner rotation.
ONLY USE 2-4 OF THE MOST APPLICABLE FEATURES.
- 30-Minute Meal: From prep to plate, these steak bites come together in about 30 minutes.
- Crispy Without Frying: The air fryer gets that crunchy coating without a pot of hot oil.
- Family Friendly: Bite-sized pieces and a buttery dipping sauce make these a hit with kids and adults.
- Versatile: Serve them as a main dish or cut into smaller pieces for an appetizer.
Do Steaks Cook Well in an Air Fryer?
Yes, steak cooks beautifully in an air fryer. The hot, circulating air crisps up a breaded coating while keeping the inside tender.
This method works especially well for bite-sized pieces like these, since they cook through quickly and evenly. Just keep an eye on them so the coating doesn’t overcook.
Pro Tip to Cook Steak Bites
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give the steak pieces some space so the hot air can crisp every side of the breading.
Ingredient Notes for Steak Bites in the Air Fryer
A couple of ingredient choices make a real difference here.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Ribeye Steak: This well-marbled steak stays tender and juicy even cut into small steak cubes.
- Steak Seasoning: A pre-made blend saves time and builds flavor into the flour coating.
- Breadcrumbs: These crisp up beautifully in the air fryer for a crunchy exterior.
Variations and Substitutions for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
This flavorful steak recipe is easy to switch up based on what’s in your pantry.
➡️ Swap the Coating: Use crushed potato chips instead of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
➡️ Different Cuts of Steak: Sirloin steak, New York strip, and filet mignon cook well in the air fryer.
➡️ Add Fresh Herbs: Season the steak with chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary for color and flavor.
➡️ Boost the Garlic: Stir an extra teaspoon of garlic powder into the flour for a stronger garlic flavor or use fresh minced garlic.
How to Make the Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These delicious steak bites are one of those quick wins you turn to on busy nights. The juicy air fryer steak cooks in minutes, stay tender and get those caramelized edges everyone loves. A simple seasoning is all they need, and the air fryer handles the rest. Serve them as a fast protein for bowls, salads, or mashed potatoes, or keep them as an easy appetizer for game day. It’s a reliable, no‑stress recipe that always hits the spot.
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Preheat: First, preheat the air fryer. Toss the steak in the bowl and bread the steak pieces in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Air Fry: Next, air fry the juicy steak bites until golden brown and crispy. Place the steak on a platter and allow to rest.
- Sauce: Melt the butter with garlic powder and parsley. Drizzle the butter sauce over the steak bites or serve as a dipping sauce on the side.
Prep Ahead and Short Cut Tips for Easy Air Fryer Steak Bites
A little prep ahead makes this weeknight dinner go even faster.
➡️ Bread the Steak Ahead: Coat the steak pieces up to a few hours ahead and keep them chilled until you’re ready to air fry.
➡️ Cut the Steak Early: Cube the steak the night before and store it in the fridge.
➡️ Make the Sauce First: Melt the butter sauce while the steak bites cook so everything is ready at the same time.
Alternate Cooking Methods to Make Steak Bites
No air fryer? Cook these on the stovetop instead.
- Stovetop: Pan-fry the breaded steak bites in a skillet with oil or butter over medium-high heat for three to four minutes per side.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Steak in an Air Fryer?
These steak bites take 8 to 10 minutes in most air fryers. Smaller air fryers tend to cook a little faster than larger ones. If your air fryer is on the larger side, or it’s a combination oven and air fryer, check the steak a few minutes early. Cooking times can vary by model.
Store, Reheat, and Use Leftover Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites
- Storing: Keep leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F. Air Fry for four to six minutes, until hot.
- Using Leftovers: Add the steak bites for a fast protein for bowls, salads, or over mashed potatoes, or keep them as an easy appetizer for game day. It’s a reliable, no‑stress recipe that always hits the spot..
Expert Tips for Making This Steak Bite Air Fryer Recipe
➡️ Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give the steak pieces space so the breading crisps evenly on every side. Place in a single layer in the air fryer.
➡️ Double for a Crowd: This recipe scales up easily. Just cook in batches so the basket isn’t too full.
➡️ Try a Dipping Sauce: Buffalo ranch, blue cheese, or copycat Chick-fil-A sauce all pair well with these.
➡️ Add Fresh Herbs: Parsley, thyme, or rosemary brighten up the finished dish.
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Air Fried Steak Bites
Equipment
- Shallow Bowls
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Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 pound Ribeye Steak
- ½ cup All-purpose flour
- 2 Large eggs
- 1½ cups Breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons Steak Seasoning
Butter Sauce
- 1½ tablespoons Butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400℉.
- Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces.
- Beat the eggs in one shallow bowl.
- Mix the flour and steak seasoning together in a second shallow bowl.
- Place the breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl or on a plate.
- Roll each steak piece in the flour mixture, dip in the egg, then coat in the breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the breaded steak pieces in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in the garlic powder and parsley.
- Drizzle the butter sauce over the steak bites, or serve it on the side for dipping.
Christina’s Notes
- Cut the Steak Evenly: Uniform pieces cook through at the same rate so nothing ends up overdone or underdone.
- Flip Halfway Through: Turning the pieces once helps the breading crisp on all sides instead of just the top.
- Check for Your Preferred Doneness: Cut into a piece to check the color inside, since these cook fast and can overshoot medium quickly.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Get leftovers into the fridge within 2 hours of cooking so they stay safe for 3 to 4 days.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.