Garlic Butter Steak & Potatoes

This recipe for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes is my secret weapon for getting a steakhouse-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It's the ultimate one-pan wonder that delivers crispy, tender potatoes and perfectly juicy steak bites, all drenched in an irresistible garlic butter sauce.

I first made this on a hectic Tuesday when I had zero energy but was craving something truly satisfying. The speed and flavor were so impressive that it's now a permanent fixture in our weekly meal rotation.

Ingredients

• Baby potatoes: Yukon gold or red varieties are best as their waxy texture helps them hold their shape and get wonderfully creamy on the inside
• Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for helping the potatoes and steak brown beautifully
• Smoked paprika: This optional spice adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the steak perfectly
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: These are the foundation of flavor so use a coarse sea salt and crack your pepper fresh for the best results
• Sirloin steak: A great choice for its balance of tenderness and beefy flavor without breaking the bank. Ribeye or NY strip also work wonderfully
• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level in the final dish
• Fresh garlic: Please use fresh cloves not the preminced kind in a jar. The flavor is so much more vibrant and aromatic
• Italian seasoning: A simple blend that adds a touch of herbs to the garlic butter
• Crushed red pepper flakes: A little pinch adds a gentle warmth to the sauce but you can leave it out if you prefer
• Fresh parsley: It brings a pop of color and fresh, clean flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter and steak

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare and Cook the Potatoes:

First, wash and quarter your baby potatoes. There's no need to peel them. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with one tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and the smoked paprika if you're using it. Make sure every piece is lightly coated. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Getting it hot first is key to a crispy exterior. Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. About halfway through, give the basket a good shake to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. They're done when they are golden brown, crispy, and easily pierced with a fork. Transfer them to a clean bowl and set aside.

Season and Sear the Steak:

While the potatoes are cooking, prepare your steak. The most important step is to pat the steak cubes completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for getting a great sear instead of just steaming the meat. Toss the dry steak cubes with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Once the potatoes are done, place the steak cubes in the hot air fryer basket in a single layer. You might need to do this in two batches to avoid overcrowding, which would prevent browning. Air fry at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway through. This timing is for a perfect medium-rare. Once cooked, transfer the steak to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a tender bite.

Create the Garlic Butter Sauce:

While the steak is resting, it's time to make the magic sauce. In a small microwave-safe bowl or a saucepan on the stove, melt the butter. Stir in the finely minced fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and the chopped fresh parsley. The residual heat from the butter will gently cook the garlic, releasing its incredible aroma without it becoming bitter.

Combine and Serve:

In the large bowl where you set aside the cooked potatoes, add the rested steak bites. Pour the glorious garlic butter sauce all over the steak and potatoes. Gently toss everything together until each piece is coated in that buttery, garlicky goodness. Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley for a final touch of freshness and color, and serve immediately while it's hot and sizzly.

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The fresh garlic in the butter sauce is, for me, the heart of this dish. It transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular. I'll never forget the first time my kids tried it; their eyes lit up, and they immediately asked if we could have "those buttery steak things" again the next night.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own. If you don't have sirloin, a good flank steak or even chuck steak will work, just be mindful of cook times. For the potatoes, sweet potatoes cut into one-inch cubes are a fantastic alternative. You can also bulk up the meal by tossing in some vegetables with the potatoes, like bell pepper strips, sliced mushrooms, or onion wedges. They’ll soak up all that delicious flavor from the garlic butter.

Perfecting Your Air Fryer Technique

The two golden rules of air frying are preheating and not overcrowding the basket. Preheating your air fryer is just like preheating an oven; it ensures that the food starts cooking immediately at the right temperature, leading to a crispier result. Overcrowding the basket will steam your food instead of "frying" it. If you have to, cook in batches. It's worth the extra few minutes to get that perfectly browned, crispy texture on both the potatoes and the steak.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. While you can use a microwave, the best way to reheat this dish is right back in the air fryer. A few minutes at around 350°F will bring the potatoes' crispiness back and warm the steak through without overcooking it, making your leftovers taste almost as good as they did on day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best type of steak to use?

Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip all work well in this dish. Choose your favorite cut, just be sure to cut it into 1-inch cubes.

→ Can I use different potatoes?

Yes! Yukon gold or red potatoes are recommended, but any baby potatoes will work. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ How do I ensure the steak is cooked to the right doneness?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C). Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly as it rests.

→ What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can substitute with a blend of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. Combine equal parts of each herb for a similar flavor.

→ Can I add vegetables to this?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions would be great additions. Add them to the air fryer along with the potatoes, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.