Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites
Crispy outside, tender inside — these Air Fryer Garlic Steak Tips are bursting with flavor! Seasoned sirloin bites coated in garlic butter sauce deliver bold flavor with minimal prep — the perfect quick weeknight dinner or keto-friendly air fryer recipe. They’re the ultimate easy air fryer steak bites recipe for busy nights.
If you follow us on social media, then you know there’s one dish I have regularly shared, and that is the Filipino version of garlic steak bites, the super tasty Beef Salpicao. I make it whenever I fancy steak but don’t want to spend too much effort in preparing and grilling a large piece. With this recipe, I can enjoy small morsels of beef that’re perfectly tender, deliciously seasoned, and coated in a buttery, soy-sauce-flavored sauce! Absolutely flavorful – you must try it!
I usually cook my garlic steak bites in a pan on the stovetop, but I have seen recipes that show it being done in the air fryer! Finally, I decided to make it myself to see if it’s possible indeed to cook such little bites of meaty goodness perfectly in the air fryer. The VERDICT: Success! Yes, you can do so very easily, and the meat comes out just as tender and tasty as on the stovetop.
Air Fryer Garlic Steak Tips Recipe – Juicy, Flavor-Packed, and Ready in Minutes
If you love the bold flavor of steak and want dinner ready in under 15 minutes, these Air Fryer Garlic Steak Tips are an absolute must-try. Perfectly tender with a buttery garlic finish, this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with restaurant-quality taste — without needing a grill or stovetop. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or impressing guests, air fryer steak bites are a game-changer.
This recipe uses top sirloin steak for incredible flavor and tenderness, seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, pepper, allspice, and fresh garlic. Finished with a luscious garlic butter sauce, these steak tips are ideal for serving with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even over rice for a complete meal.
Why Air Fryer Steak Tips Are Perfect for Busy Cooks
Cooking steak tips in the air fryer is fast, mess-free, and guarantees juicy results. The high heat of the air fryer sears the outside while locking in flavors and moisture. Unlike pan-searing, there’s minimal oil splatter, and cleanup is a breeze. Plus, you can easily adjust the cooking time for rare, medium-rare, or well-done steak — a bonus if you’re feeding a crowd with different preferences.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Steak Tips
For the Steak Tips:
- 1 lb top sirloin steak, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon all spice
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
For the Garlic Butter:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions Air Fryer Garlic Steak Tips
Step 1 – Prepare the Steak
Cut the top sirloin into small bite-sized pieces. Please place them in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the steak with salt, pepper, allspice, and minced garlic. Toss well to coat each piece evenly in seasoning.
Step 2 – Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF for 5 minutes. This ensures the steak tips get an immediate sear and prevents overcooking.
Step 3 – Cook the Steak Tips
Place the seasoned steak bites into the air fryer basket in a single layer to allow hot air to circulate and cook them evenly. Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the meat halfway through, or until you reach your preferred level of doneness.
Steak Doneness Guide:
- Rare: 125°–130°F
- Medium Rare: 130°–140°F
- Medium: 140°–150°F
- Medium Well: 150°–160°F
- Well Done: Over 160°F
Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Step 4 – Make the Garlic Butter
While the steak cooks, melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and parsley flakes, letting the garlic cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5 – Finish & Serve
Once the steak tips are cooked, toss them in the garlic butter for a silky, flavorful coating. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Steak Tips
- Use high-quality steak – Top sirloin offers great tenderness and flavor at a reasonable price.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – Spread steak bites in a single layer for even cooking.
- Adjust seasonings – Add smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist.
- Rest before serving – Let the steak tips rest for 2 minutes after cooking to retain juices.
- Pair with sides – Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or butter noodles complement the rich flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover steak tips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350ºF for 2–3 minutes or warm on the stovetop with extra garlic butter for added richness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Air Fryer Garlic Steak Tips
How long should I cook steak tips in the air fryer?
Cooking time depends on the size of your steak pieces and your preferred doneness. Generally, 5–7 minutes at 400ºF produces medium-rare steak tips.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While top sirloin is ideal for tenderness, you can use ribeye, tenderloin, or New York strip for extra richness.
Why preheat the air fryer?
Preheating ensures the steak tips begin cooking instantly, creating a perfect sear and helping retain juices.
What seasoning works best for steak tips?
Classic flavors like salt, black pepper, garlic, and butter are timeless. However, you can experiment with Montreal steak seasoning, chimichurri sauce, or spicy Cajun rubs.
Should I flip steak tips in the air fryer?
Flipping halfway through cooking ensures even browning on all sides, especially if your air fryer basket is more compact.
Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely! This garlic steak bites recipe is naturally low-carb, high in protein, and perfect for a keto diet.
Easy Garlic Steak Tips
Ingredients
- 1 lb Top Sirloin steak, cut into bite size pieces
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Allspice
- 2 teaspoons Garlic, minced
For the Garlic Butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoon Butter
- 1 teaspoon Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Parsley Flakes
Instructions
- Cut the steak tips into small bite size pieces, transfer to a bowl, and toss with olive oil and spices. Mix well to coat. Set aside.
- Preheat an air fryer for 5 minutes at 400ºF. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, just heat it for 5 minutes before cooking the steak.
- Once heated, add the steak bites to the basket and air fry for 6-8 minutes or to your desired doneness. Be sure to check the internal temperature with a thermometer.*
- While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a small pan and mix in the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Toss the finished steak in the garlic butter before serving.
Notes
- Rare (125°-130°F)
- Medium Rare (130°-140°F)
- Medium (140°-150°F)
- Medium Well (150°-160°F)
- Well (Over 160°F)
Nutrition
Last updated on October 10th, 2025 at 11:42 am
This is literally quick and easy dinner perfection! I also loved the your steak seasoning, it was perfect. Not too much and not too little. Then, the homemade garlic butter really makes this an unbeatable treat!
Yes, it’s dinner in no time and so tasty as well. Thank you!