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Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes brings together juicy steak and crisp golden potatoes in one simple air fryer basket for an easy, cozy crowd-pleasing dinner. Each cube of steak gets a caramelized sear and every potato bite is perfectly seasoned, all finished off with a generous drizzle of garlicky melted butter that soaks into every crevice. The result is the kind of comforting meal you will want to make on repeat for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
The first time I air fried steak bites I worried they would not brown or stay tender but this method changed my mind forever. The buttery garlic drizzle really takes it over the top and it disappeared fast at our family movie night.
Ingredients
- Large potatoes: for a crispy starchy base. Choose Yukon Golds or russets with smooth, firm skins for the best texture
- Olive oil: helps the steak and potatoes crisp and adds richness. Go for extra virgin with a peppery scent if possible
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley: these blend into the potatoes for big flavor. Smoked paprika adds an extra savory note
- Strip steaks: or a well marbled cut like ribeye or sirloin for juicy results. Check the marbling in the meat section and pick pieces with visible white streaks
- Steak seasoning: for bold flavor and a satisfying crust. Look for blends with pepper and garlic
- Butter: coats and enriches everything. European style has a rich creamy taste and yellow color
- Minced garlic: for bright bold flavor. Buy whole heads and mince fresh before cooking for best results
- Dried parsley: for flecks of color and gentle herby aroma. Pick a fresh looking bottle for potent flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Wash and Prep Potatoes:
- Cut potatoes into small even cubes about three fourths inch. This size cooks fast and crisps up best in the air fryer.
- Season and Coat Potatoes:
- Toss potato cubes in a big bowl with olive oil salt pepper garlic powder paprika and dried parsley. Use your hands to ensure every piece glistens and is evenly coated.
- Air Fry Potatoes:
- Spread the cubes loosely in the air fryer basket so air circulates around each one. Set to four hundred degrees and cook for about twenty minutes, shaking the basket a few times for even crisping.
- Prep Steak Bites:
- While potatoes cook cut steak into one inch cubes. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle all sides with salt pepper garlic powder and steak seasoning. Rub to coat thoroughly.
- Air Fry Steak Bites:
- After potatoes are done, remove them and set aside. Add steak bites to the hot air fryer basket. Cook at four hundred degrees for seven minutes for a juicy medium center and crisp edges.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Melt butter gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir in minced garlic and dried parsley until fragrant. The warmth brings out the flavors.
- Combine and Finish:
- Lay potatoes on a serving platter. Top with steak bites. Drizzle all over with garlic butter sauce and serve immediately for the most luscious taste and texture.
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Butter is my favorite ingredient in this dish for how it elevates everything and makes each bite silky. I will never forget the look on my son's face when I first served this for his birthday movie night—it truly made our meal feel special.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. For best texture, return cold steak bites and potatoes to the air fryer for just a few minutes so they regain their crisp edges. To freeze for meal prep, lay on a baking sheet until solid then tip into a freezer bag—this prevents the potatoes from sticking together.
Ingredient Substitutions
Sirloin or boneless ribeye work just as well as strip steak if that is what you have. For potatoes, baby Yukon golds or little red potatoes hold up nicely in the air fryer and are easy to prep. Avocado oil substitutes for olive oil if you want a mild flavor.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve straight from the air fryer while hot and crispy. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of freshness. I like to round out the meal with a crisp salad and sometimes a dish of garlic aioli for dipping.
Cultural and Historical Context
Steak with potatoes has centuries of history as a hearty meal across many cultures. Putting them in the air fryer brings that familiarity home with less mess and a little lighter feel than pan frying. Learning to air fry steak bites is what truly sold me on this kitchen gadget and made classic comfort food even easier.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of steak works best for this dish?
Strip steak, sirloin, or boneless ribeye are ideal for bite-sized pieces that remain tender and flavorful after air frying.
- → How can I keep the potatoes crispy?
Coat evenly with olive oil and seasonings, cut into uniform cubes, and shake the air fryer basket during cooking to ensure crispiness on all sides.
- → Can I use different seasonings on the steak?
Absolutely. Feel free to experiment with spices like smoked paprika, thyme, or your preferred steak seasoning blends to vary the flavor profile.
- → How do I prevent overcooking the steak bites?
Cook at high temperature for a short duration and check frequently to reach your preferred level of doneness, aiming for a caramelized exterior with a juicy center.
- → Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps achieve an even cook and better texture for both the steak pieces and potatoes, so it is recommended.