015: AIR FRYER STEAK BITES

🥩 Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites — Fire & Ember

Archetype: The Hearth Warrior — fast-seared morsels of beef, smoky edges, molten center; a primal feast made weeknight-simple.

🥣 What It Is

Juicy steak cubes air-fried to a sizzling crust, then tossed in garlic butter and herbs. Ready in 10 minutes, keto-friendly, endlessly snackable, or plated with sides for a full meal.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 2–3)

• Steak: 1 lb (450 g) sirloin, ribeye, or NY strip, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Season: 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp sea salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Garlic Butter Toss: 2 tbsp butter • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• Optional finish: pinch chili flakes • squeeze of lemon

✍️ Method (15 min)

1. Prep: Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
2. Preheat: Heat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
3. Air fry: Arrange steak cubes in a single layer (batch if needed). Cook 8–10 minutes, shaking basket at 5 min, until edges are browned and center hits preferred doneness (135°F medium-rare, 145°F medium).
4. Butter toss: While steak rests 2 minutes, melt butter in small pan with garlic until fragrant. Toss steak bites in garlic butter + parsley.
5. Serve: Plate hot with chili flakes or lemon if desired. Perfect with roasted veggies, rice, or skewers as party bites.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Cut size counts: Keep cubes uniform (about 1 inch) for even cooking.
• No crowding: Overlap = steaming, not searing.
• Resting time: Just 2 minutes locks in juices before tossing in butter.
• Flavor riffs: Add rosemary sprigs to the butter, or swap paprika for chili powder.

📜 Lore / Origin

Steak bites echo the primal fire feast — quick-seared meat for warriors and travelers. The air fryer mimics the flame’s kiss in minutes, turning sirloin into a molten, buttery indulgence.

🌺 Benefits

• Protein-rich: satisfying, muscle-nourishing
• Air fryer method: crisp sear without oil splatter
• Garlic & parsley: antioxidants, brightness, and balance

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Flavor & Juiciness: 20/20
• Ease & Speed: 20/20
• Texture (sear + tenderness): 20/20
• Versatility (meal or snack): 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Fire-seared, butter-finished perfection.