Air Fryer Steak Bites (Gluten-Free)

• 1 1/2 lbsirloin steak — cut into 1-inch cubes; strip steak works too
• 1 tbspolive oil
• 1 tspkosher salt
• 1/2 tspblack pepper — coarsely ground
• 1/2 tspgarlic powder
• 3 tbspunsalted butter — softened
• 2 clovesgarlic — grated or very finely minced
• 1 tbspfresh parsley — chopped

Method

1. 01

   Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes — even sizes or the small ones turn to gravel. Pat them dry, then toss with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let them sit while the air fryer preheats at 400°F for 5 full minutes; a cold basket is how you get gray bites.

2. 02

   Mash the softened butter with the grated garlic and parsley in a bowl big enough to toss in later. Set it by the stove — it melts on contact, that's the plan.

3. 03

   Spread the cubes in a single layer with air between them. Cook in two batches rather than piling — crowded cubes steam, and steamed steak is a punishment.

4. 04

   Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes, shake the basket hard, then 2-3 minutes more. For medium-rare pull when a cube reads 130°F; medium at 140°F. They move fast at this size — check early.

5. 05

   Tip the hot bites straight into the garlic butter bowl and toss until glossed. Rest 2 minutes in the bowl — they finish carrying over while they collect sauce — and serve with everything the butter left behind.