If you’ve ever wished for a restaurant-worthy steak-and-potatoes feast that comes together in a flash—no grill or stovetop fuss required—this Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes Recipe is the weeknight hero you need. Each bite is perfectly browned and juicy, with garlicky, buttery flavors that soak into tender chunks of steak and crispy-edged baby potatoes. Even better, it all happens right in your air fryer, meaning less mess and more flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, this dish brings big steakhouse vibes straight to your kitchen, all in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes Recipe are straightforward but essential. Think of every item as a key player—each one has a role, from building the foundation of flavor to adding color and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Sirloin or ribeye steak (1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes): These cuts give you the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor; cube them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Baby potatoes (1 lb, halved or quartered): Their thin skins get beautifully crisp in the air fryer, and their sweet, creamy flesh pairs beautifully with savory steak.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp, divided): This helps the seasonings stick and ensures both steak and potatoes get golden and flavorful in the air fryer.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Provides deep, mellow garlic flavor that infuses every bite.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Adds a subtle smokiness and a gorgeous red hue to the potatoes.
- Dried thyme (1/2 tsp): Gives a light, herbal note that brightens the dish.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors in both the steak and potatoes.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): For just enough heat and classic steakhouse appeal.
- Fresh minced garlic (1 tbsp): Stirred in at the very end, this brings bursts of fresh, aromatic flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 tbsp): Melts over everything in the final minutes for buttery richness and a lovely sheen.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A must for a pop of fresh herby color right before serving.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer and Ingredients
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F—this ensures everything starts cooking instantly and gets crispy. While the air fryer heats up, halve or quarter your baby potatoes and cube the steak into bite-sized pieces. Getting everything cut evenly makes sure each piece cooks at the same rate, giving you those perfect steak bites and golden potatoes.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the prepped potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half of the garlic powder, all the smoked paprika, dried thyme, half the salt, and half the black pepper. Give them a thorough mix to coat every piece. These spices work magic, creating a savory, slightly smoky crust that pairs so well with the steak.
Step 3: Cook Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Lay the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook them for 12–14 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through. When they’re golden brown and fork-tender, you’re ready to move to the next step. This step gives you potatoes with crispy edges and creamy centers—the ideal base for your steak bites.
Step 4: Season and Add the Steak
While the potatoes cook, toss your steak bites with the remaining olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. When the potatoes are nearly done, simply pop the seasoned steak bites right on top of or beside the potatoes in the air fryer basket. Let everything cook together for 5–7 more minutes, shaking once in between, until the steak is perfectly browned and cooked how you like it.
Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter Finish
In the final minute or two of cooking, add the minced garlic and a tablespoon of butter directly into the air fryer basket. Shake or toss everything together so the butter melts and coats the steak and potatoes in a mouthwatering, garlicky glaze. This quick finish deepens all the flavors and gives each bite a glossy, irresistible sheen.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is hot and fragrant, transfer to your serving plates and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. The herbs add freshness and a splash of color that truly makes this Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes Recipe look as beautiful as it tastes!
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A scatter of freshly chopped parsley is just the start! Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a few curls of shaved Parmesan for a little salty finish. A squeeze of lemon over the top can also lift all the flavors and add a hint of brightness.
Side Dishes
Balance this hearty dish with something green, like a crisp side salad, sautéed green beans, or roasted asparagus. The steak and potatoes are filling on their own, but fresh veggies add color and crunch that round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the steak bites and potatoes on a large wooden board for a casual, family-style dinner, or serve in shallow bowls for a bistro feel. For parties, you can skewer steak and potato bites with toothpicks as irresistible appetizers—watch them disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of your Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes Recipe keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container so they stay moist and don’t pick up odors from other foods—making it easy to enjoy a quick, delicious lunch or dinner later.
Freezing
Steak and potatoes can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze them separately in airtight containers, for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick meal that tastes almost as good as fresh.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes until heated through. This helps retain the crispy texture of the potatoes and the juiciness of the steak. Alternatively, a quick sauté in a hot skillet works well, too.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are classic choices, strip steak or tenderloin work beautifully, too. Just make sure to cut your steak into even, 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No need! The skins of baby potatoes get deliciously crisp in the air fryer and add extra flavor and nutrients. Just give them a good scrub before cutting.
Can I marinate the steak in advance?
Yes! For even more flavor, marinate the steak cubes for up to an hour in olive oil, a splash of soy sauce, and a bit of minced garlic. This makes the Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes Recipe extra savory.
What’s the best way to measure doneness for steak bites?
The quickest way is to cut into a piece and check! For medium rare, aim for a warm pink center; for medium, make sure there’s just a touch of pink left. Air fryers can vary, so a quick check is always smart.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely, but work in batches so the air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded. Overcrowding can keep your steak and potatoes from browning as nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen: it’s fast, fuss-free, and so incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re a weeknight cook or hosting a special gathering, give this dish a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat! Enjoy every garlicky, buttery bite.
Print
Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy tender, flavorful Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes for a satisfying meal. This easy recipe combines succulent steak bites with perfectly roasted baby potatoes, all seasoned with garlic and herbs, cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 1 pound baby potatoes (halved or quartered)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Prepare the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 12–14 minutes.
- Season the Steak: Season the steak bites with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss with olive oil.
- Cook the Steak and Potatoes: Add the steak to the air fryer basket with the potatoes and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Add minced garlic and butter to the basket in the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust steak doneness based on air fryer model.
- Marinate steak in olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or green beans for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
