Description
Super Easy Air Fryer Steak Bites with Cowboy Butter are tender, juicy pieces of sirloin steak seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Paired with a rich and flavorful cowboy butter made from garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh herbs, this quick and effortless recipe is perfect as a delicious appetizer or a satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 1/2 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cowboy Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the steak bites evenly.
- Season Steak Bites: In a large bowl, toss the 1-inch sirloin steak cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, making sure each piece is coated well with the seasoning blend.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Cook Steak Bites: Air fry the steak bites for 7–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides brown evenly. Continue cooking until your desired doneness is reached.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter: While the steak cooks, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, fresh parsley, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and chopped fresh chives in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until the butter is smooth and the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Serve: Transfer the hot steak bites onto a serving plate. Serve immediately with the cowboy butter for dipping or spoon the butter generously over the warm steak bites for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure the steak bites brown properly and cook evenly.
- Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the steak pieces and your preferred level of doneness; adjust accordingly.
- You can substitute sirloin with ribeye or strip steak for different flavor profiles and textures.
- Store any leftover cowboy butter refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Pair the steak bites with roasted potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
