Craving a quick and mouthwatering steak dish? Look no further than these juicy air fryer steak bites packed with robust flavors and complemented by a zesty lemon garlic butter. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend snack and lets you enjoy a tender, flavorful steak experience in minutes. Plus, cooking steak bites in the air fryer ensures they’re evenly cooked with a delightfully crispy outer layer.
Ingredients List
For the Steak Bites:
- 1.5 lb sirloin steak, cut into even, bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked pepper
For the Lemon Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon parsley (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
This simple yet flavor-loaded ingredient list brings out the best in the steak while the lemon garlic butter adds that extra punch of zest and richness.
Required Kitchen Tools
Having the right kitchen tools can make preparing these air fryer steak bites a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Air Fryer : An air fryer is the key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the steak tender and juicy inside. Make sure to preheat it before cooking.
- Mixing Bowl : A large mixing bowl is ideal for preparing and marinating the steak bites.
- Tongs : Using tongs allows you to easily toss the steak bites in the marinade and helps place them into the air fryer basket without creating a mess.
- Small Saucepan (Optional): If you prefer to melt the butter and mix the lemon garlic sauce on the stove, a small saucepan will come in handy.
- Basting Brush or Spoon : While not absolutely necessary, having a basting brush allows you to evenly coat the steak bites with the lemon garlic butter after cooking.
With these kitchen tools on hand, you’re well-equipped to create juicy and bursting-with-flavor steak bites.
Preparation and Cooking
Step 1: Marinate the Steak Bites
In a mixing bowl, toss together the bite-sized pieces of sirloin steak with all the marinade ingredients: olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, sea salt, and cracked pepper . Make sure that every piece of steak is generously coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the steak to marinate.
- Quick Tip : You can marinate the steak for a minimum of 20 minutes if you’re in a hurry, but for the best flavor, marinating for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator is recommended. The longer, the better!
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the steak bites start cooking immediately when placed in the basket, giving them that great seared texture.
Step 3: Air Fry the Steak Bites
Once preheated, place the marinated steak bites in the air fryer basket in a single, even layer . Avoid overcrowding the basket; you want each steak piece to cook evenly.
- Air fry the steak bites for about 6 to 8 minutes , shaking or flipping the pieces halfway through cooking. Depending on your desired doneness, adjust the time accordingly:
- 6 minutes for medium-rare
- 8 minutes for medium
The steak bites will develop a crispy, flavorful crust while staying juicy inside.
Finishing Touches and Serving
Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter
While the steak bites are cooking, it’s time to prepare the rich and zesty lemon garlic butter . In a small bowl or saucepan, whisk together the following ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 minced garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon parsley (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
You can simply whisk it by hand, or heat it briefly over low heat if you prefer the garlic to be more mellow in flavor. This mixture will add a lovely, buttery glaze with a fresh lemony kick to your steak bites!
Step 5: Coat and Serve
Once the steak bites are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and immediately toss them in the warm lemon garlic butter sauce. Use tongs or a spoon to gently coat the steak bites so that each piece gets that luxurious and flavorful butter glaze.
- Serving Suggestions : Consider serving these steak bites alongside your favorite sides—garlic mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a fresh green salad. They’re also great as an appetizer or a quick snack, especially when served with a dipping sauce like a tangy horseradish dip or a kicky chimichurri sauce!
Step 6: Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through. Be sure not to overcook them when reheating to maintain that juicy texture!
Conclusion
And there you have it—tender, juicy, and flavorful air fryer steak bites drizzled with an irresistible lemon garlic butter sauce. These steak bites are perfect for a quick dinner, snack, or even as a party appetizer. They cook up fast in the air fryer, and the zesty lemon garlic butter is the perfect finish. Feel free to adjust the marinade or add your own twist, like a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat!
Time to dig in and enjoy!