Prep the steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat and cut into 1-inch cubes. Dry meat browns better, so don’t skip this step.

Season: In a bowl, toss steak bites with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Coat evenly.

Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps the steak sear quickly.

Load the basket: Lightly spray the basket if needed. Spread steak bites in a single layer with some space between pieces. Work in batches if necessary.

Cook, then flip: Air fry for 4 minutes. Shake the basket or flip the bites. Cook another 2–4 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. For medium, aim for an internal temp of about 135°F–140°F.

Glaze with BBQ sauce: Transfer cooked bites to a bowl. Add BBQ sauce and butter (if using). Toss until glossy. If you like a stickier finish, return them to the air fryer for 1 minute to set the sauce.

Rest and serve: Let the bites rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.