This garlic butter steak bites recipe air fries cubed steak in garlic butter until perfectly browned, then serves it over a creamy parmesan bow tie pasta. This easy air fryer steak bites dinner takes about 30 minutes and has become a favorite for pairing restaurant-quality steak with comforting, silky pasta on a weeknight.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Main dish
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Pasta
- The air fryer gives these garlic butter steak bites a perfect sear with almost no cleanup.
- The creamy bow tie pasta comes together in the time it takes the steak to cook.
- A genuinely restaurant-quality dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
- Works well for both a quick weeknight meal and a date-night dinner at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cubed
- 3 tbsp butter, melted, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Pasta
- Toss the steak cubes with 2 tablespoons melted butter, half the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Meanwhile, cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, warm the heavy cream with the remaining butter and garlic, then stir in the parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the cream sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
- Top the pasta with the air-fried steak bites and fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Bites Pasta
- Cut the steak into even cubes for this garlic butter steak bites recipe so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — cook in batches for the best sear.
- Let the steak rest for a couple of minutes before serving to keep the juices in.
- Save extra pasta water in case the cream sauce needs loosening before serving.
Variations to Try
- Swap the cream sauce for a garlic butter pasta if you want something lighter.
- Use chicken breast instead of steak for a different protein.
- Add sautéed mushrooms to the pasta for extra depth.
How to Store It
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, as the cream sauce can separate over high heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make garlic butter steak bites without an air fryer?
Yes, sear the steak cubes in a hot skillet with butter for 2 to 3 minutes per side as an alternative to the air fryer.
What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Sirloin and ribeye both work well for this garlic butter steak bites recipe, offering good flavor and tenderness for quick cooking.
Can I make the pasta ahead of time?
The cream sauce is best made fresh, since it can separate when reheated, but the steak bites reheat reasonably well.
How do I know when the steak bites are done?
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy — about 130°F for medium-rare, or check that the cubes are browned on the outside with your desired level of pink inside.