📝 About This Recipe
Transform humble steak tips into a five-star dining experience with the magic of high-heat air frying. These succulent cubes of beef are seared to caramelized perfection on the outside while remaining tender and juicy within, all in under ten minutes. Bathed in a rich, aromatic garlic herb butter, this dish offers the luxury of a classic steakhouse meal with the modern convenience of air fryer technology.
🥗 Ingredients
The Steak
- 1.5 pounds Sirloin or Ribeye Steak (cut into 1-inch uniform cubes)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (high smoke point preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (for color and depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder (for an even base layer of flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
Garlic Herb Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 4 cloves Fresh Garlic (minced very finely)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Rosemary (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (the secret umami boost)
- 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives (snipped)
- 1 pinch Flaky Sea Salt (for finishing)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Remove your steak from the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off; this ensures an even cook.
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2
Pat the steak cubes thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing moisture is the secret to achieving a deep brown sear in the air fryer.
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3
In a large mixing bowl, toss the steak cubes with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until every piece is well-coated.
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4
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 5 minutes. A hot basket is essential for that immediate sizzle.
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5
While the air fryer preheats, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.
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6
Place the seasoned steak bites into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary to allow air circulation.
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7
Air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes without moving them to allow a crust to form on the bottom.
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8
Open the basket and shake it vigorously or use tongs to flip the pieces. This ensures even browning on all sides.
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9
Continue air frying for another 2-4 minutes. For medium-rare, aim for 6-7 minutes total; for medium, 8-9 minutes.
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10
Once cooked to your desired doneness, immediately transfer the steak bites to a clean bowl.
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11
Pour the garlic herb butter mixture over the hot steak bites and toss gently until the butter coats every piece and smells fragrant.
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12
Allow the steak to rest for 2-3 minutes in the butter sauce before serving to let the juices redistribute.
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13
Garnish with fresh chives and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a professional finish.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use a high-quality cut like Ribeye for maximum flavor or Sirloin for a leaner, yet tender bite. Ensure the steak is cut into uniform 1-inch pieces so they all reach the same level of doneness at the same time. Don't skip the preheating step; the initial blast of heat is what mimics a cast-iron sear. Avoid using aerosol non-stick sprays on your air fryer basket as they can damage the coating; use a brush or an oil mister instead. If using a lower wattage air fryer, you may need to add 1-2 minutes to the total cooking time.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus for a classic steakhouse meal. Pair with a glass of bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp, cold Amber Ale. Stuff these bites into warm pita bread with a dollop of tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist. Serve with toothpicks as an elegant appetizer for your next cocktail party. Place over a bed of buttery white rice to soak up every drop of the garlic herb butter.