How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes

This Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes recipe is the perfect combination of savory flavors and delightful textures. Tender steak bites paired with crispy potatoes, all enhanced by a rich garlic butter sauce, make for a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients

For the Steak and Potatoes:

1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces

1 lb baby potatoes, quartered
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that the air fryer reaches the optimal temperature for crisping the potatoes and perfectly searing the steak.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

In a large bowl, add the quartered baby potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and spices.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there’s space between the pieces for air circulation. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The potatoes should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside when done.

Step 4: Prepare the Steak Bites

While the potatoes are cooking, season the steak pieces generously with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic until well combined. Set the garlic butter aside.

Step 5: Add Steak to Air Fryer

After the potatoes have cooked for 10-12 minutes, add the seasoned steak bites to the air fryer basket with the potatoes. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the steak and potatoes.

Step 6: Cook the Steak and Potatoes Together

Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The steak bites should reach your desired level of doneness—6 minutes for medium-rare and 8 minutes for medium-well. The potatoes should be golden brown and crispy at this point.

Cooking Note

The key to perfectly cooked steak bites is avoiding overcrowding the air fryer basket. If the pieces are too close together, they’ll steam instead of sear, affecting the texture and flavor of the steak. Using a high-quality cut of steak, like sirloin or ribeye, will ensure the bites stay tender and juicy. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste and experiment with different spices like cumin or chili powder for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Pair it with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus to balance the richness of the garlic butter. Alternatively, a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette would also complement the meal well, cutting through the richness of the butter. For a more hearty meal, serve the steak bites and potatoes with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious garlic butter. You can also sprinkle a little parmesan cheese over the potatoes before serving for added flavor.

Tips

Marinate the Steak: If you have time, marinate the steak bites in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This adds even more depth of flavor.
Crispier Potatoes: For extra crispy potatoes, soak the quartered potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before tossing them with oil and seasoning. This helps remove excess starch and results in a crispier texture.
Use Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley adds a bright flavor that complements the richness of the garlic butter. Experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for different flavor profiles.
Rest the Steak: Allow the steak bites to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and flavorful.

Prep and Cooking Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 400 mg (varies based on added salt)

FAQs

Q1: Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Yes, while sirloin and ribeye are excellent choices, you can also use other tender cuts like filet mignon or strip steak. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different cuts may require adjustments for your desired doneness.

Q2: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. Toss them in olive oil and season them similarly to the potatoes, adding them to the air fryer at the same time as the steak bites for a balanced meal.

Q3: Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook the potatoes and steak bites in a regular oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the potatoes for about 20 minutes, then add the steak bites and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired doneness.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steak and potatoes in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Q5: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! To make this recipe dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes recipe is a simple yet indulgent meal that packs a punch in both flavor and texture. The combination of tender steak, crispy potatoes, and rich garlic butter creates a dish that’s satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or even a weekend treat, this recipe proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make a delicious meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these steak bites are sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy them with your favorite sides and revel in a meal that’s both easy and packed with flavor!