Can I use frozen steak or potatoes for this recipe?

Fresh is definitely best for this recipe. Frozen steak won't get the same beautiful sear, and frozen potatoes will release too much moisture in the air fryer. If you're in a pinch, thaw your proteins completely before using, and par-cook frozen potatoes separately before combining with the steak.

My air fryer is small - can I still make this recipe?

Absolutely! Just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook the potatoes first for about 10 minutes, then add the steak bites and continue cooking until everything is done. The potatoes need longer cooking time anyway, so this method works well.

Can I prepare this without an air fryer?

Yes! You can use a hot cast iron skillet or bake everything on a sheet pan in a 425°F oven for about 20-25 minutes. The air fryer gives the best texture, but these alternative methods still yield delicious results.

How can I tell when my steak bites are done?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium. Visually, medium-rare pieces will be pink in the center but browned on the outside. Remember they'll cook a bit more in the hot butter sauce.

Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless ribeye steaks, cut into bite-sized pieces; 6 gold Yukon potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 3 Tablespoons salted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 Tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

This mouthwatering Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights! Tender, juicy steak and crispy golden potatoes cook together in your air fryer in just 15 minutes, then get tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that takes this dish to the next level. It’s the perfect combination of convenience and restaurant-quality flavor that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From prep to plate in just 25 minutes! This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Minimal Cleanup: The beauty of air fryer cooking means less mess and fewer dishes to wash afterward. Everything cooks in one basket, and you’ll just need one skillet for the butter sauce.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of seasoned steak, crispy potatoes, and that buttery garlic sauce creates layers of flavor that taste like you spent hours cooking.
Customizable: Easily adjust the doneness of your steak to please everyone at the table, and the seasonings can be tweaked to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ribeye Steak: The star of the show! Ribeye gives you the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor thanks to its beautiful marbling. Cut it into uniform bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, while still getting wonderfully crispy in the air fryer. Their thin skins don’t need peeling, saving you even more time.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon helps everything crisp up beautifully and allows the seasonings to adhere to the steak and potatoes.
Salt & Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of both the steak and potatoes. Fresh cracked pepper makes a noticeable difference here.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor that makes this dish taste like it came straight off the grill. It also contributes to that beautiful color on the finished dish.
Butter: Creates the base for our luxurious sauce. The richness of butter pairs perfectly with steak and potatoes – some things are classic for a reason!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the butter with incredible flavor. There’s no substitute for fresh garlic in this recipe – it makes all the difference.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh, bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish. It’s not just garnish; it actually contributes to the overall taste profile.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try using sirloin, New York strip, or even chicken thighs if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly – chicken may need a few extra minutes.

Vegetable Mix-Ins

Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes in the last 5 minutes of air frying for a more complete meal with extra vegetables.

Flavor Twists

Herb Lover’s Version: Add rosemary and thyme to the butter sauce
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter
Steakhouse Style: Include a splash of Worcestershire sauce in the initial seasoning mix

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. While it’s heating, cut your steak and potatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces – about 1 inch cubes work perfectly.

Step 2: Season Everything

In a large bowl, combine the steak bites, potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss everything well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Arrange the seasoned steak and potatoes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t worry about spraying the basket – there’s enough oil in the mixture already. Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The steak should reach your desired doneness and the potatoes should be golden brown and fork-tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

While everything is air frying, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds – be careful not to brown the garlic as it can become bitter. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

When the steak bites and potatoes are done, transfer them directly to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together for about a minute, allowing the butter sauce to coat each piece. Serve immediately to enjoy at peak deliciousness!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Sizing: Cut both the steak and potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook in batches rather than piling everything into the air fryer. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of that desirable crispy texture.
Temperature Matters: For medium-rare steak bites, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F. Remember that they’ll continue cooking slightly when tossed in the hot butter sauce.
Butter Timing: Don’t prepare the butter sauce too far in advance – you want it warm and fresh when the steak and potatoes are ready.
Cutting the Steak: Slice against the grain for the most tender bites, and try to keep the pieces roughly the same size.

How to Serve

Main Course Magic

Serve these steak bites and potatoes as a complete meal with a simple green side salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.

Family Style

Present the dish in a large serving platter with small forks for easy sharing as an appetizer or part of a larger spread.

Elegant Plating

For a more upscale presentation, serve in small individual dishes with a sprig of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top.

Perfect Pairings

A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon
Roasted asparagus or green beans
Crusty bread to soak up any extra garlic butter

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making this a great meal prep option.

Freezing

While you can freeze the cooked steak bites and potatoes, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat in a skillet with a splash of butter to revive the sauce. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may result in less crispy potatoes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen steak or potatoes for this recipe?

Fresh is definitely best for this recipe. Frozen steak won’t get the same beautiful sear, and frozen potatoes will release too much moisture in the air fryer. If you’re in a pinch, thaw your proteins completely before using, and par-cook frozen potatoes separately before combining with the steak.
My air fryer is small – can I still make this recipe?

Absolutely! Just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook the potatoes first for about 10 minutes, then add the steak bites and continue cooking until everything is done. The potatoes need longer cooking time anyway, so this method works well.
Can I prepare this without an air fryer?

Yes! You can use a hot cast iron skillet or bake everything on a sheet pan in a 425°F oven for about 20-25 minutes. The air fryer gives the best texture, but these alternative methods still yield delicious results.
How can I tell when my steak bites are done?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium. Visually, medium-rare pieces will be pink in the center but browned on the outside. Remember they’ll cook a bit more in the hot butter sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes recipe proves that incredible meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and the magic of air frying, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite steakhouse. The combination of tender steak, crispy potatoes, and that irresistible garlic butter sauce is pure comfort food elevated to new heights. Give it a try tonight – your family will think you’ve been cooking all day!