Introduction
Air fryer steak bites with garlic butter potatoes are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines tender steak cubes with crispy, seasoned potatoes. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal at home. With minimal prep and cook time, the air fryer ensures the steak is juicy and the potatoes are perfectly crispy, all while infusing them with a rich garlic butter finish.
Ingredients
To make this dish, you’ll need sirloin steak cut into cubes, baby potatoes quartered, olive oil, butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and a blend of seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Optional lemon wedges can be added for a fresh, zesty garnish. These simple ingredients come together to create a meal that’s both hearty and full of flavor.
Instructions
Start by preheating the air fryer and tossing the potatoes with olive oil and seasonings. Cook them until they’re golden and crispy. While the potatoes cook, season the steak cubes with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Once the potatoes are partially cooked, add the steak to the air fryer basket and cook everything together until the steak reaches your desired doneness.
While the steak and potatoes cook, prepare the garlic butter by combining melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. This simple sauce adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the dish. Once the steak and potatoes are done, toss them in the garlic butter until evenly coated.
Serve the steak bites and potatoes hot, garnished with fresh parsley and optional lemon wedges. The lemon adds a bright, tangy contrast to the savory flavors of the steak and potatoes, making every bite a delight.
How to Make
To make this dish, begin by prepping the potatoes and seasoning them generously. The air fryer will crisp them up beautifully while infusing them with smoky paprika and garlic powder. As the potatoes cook, take the time to season the steak cubes, ensuring they’re well-coated with olive oil, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor.
Once the potatoes are partially cooked, add the steak to the air fryer basket. The high heat of the air fryer will sear the steak, locking in its juices while keeping the interior tender. The potatoes and steak cook together, allowing their flavors to meld.
While everything cooks, whip up the garlic butter sauce. This step is quick but essential, as the butter, garlic, and parsley create a rich, aromatic coating that ties the dish together. Toss the cooked steak and potatoes in the sauce, and your meal is ready to serve.
Variations
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the steak seasoning. This will give the dish a subtle kick that pairs well with the smoky paprika and garlic butter. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to add depth to the flavor profile.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap the potatoes for vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. These veggies cook quickly in the air fryer and absorb the garlic butter sauce beautifully. For a low-carb alternative, use cauliflower florets instead of potatoes.
For a different protein, try using chicken breast or shrimp instead of steak. Both options cook well in the air fryer and pair nicely with the garlic butter potatoes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked but still tender.
Tips
To achieve the best results, make sure the steak cubes are evenly sized. This ensures they cook uniformly and prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others remain underdone. Pat the steak dry before seasoning to help it sear properly in the air fryer.
When cooking the potatoes, shake the air fryer basket halfway through to ensure even crisping. If your air fryer has a smaller capacity, cook the potatoes and steak in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
For the garlic butter, use freshly minced garlic rather than pre-minced or powdered garlic. Fresh garlic has a more vibrant flavor that enhances the dish. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, reduce the amount of garlic or sauté it lightly before adding it to the butter.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the potatoes and the tenderness of the steak.
Avoid freezing this dish, as the potatoes may become mushy upon thawing and reheating. If you have extra garlic butter, store it separately in the fridge and use it within a week for other dishes like roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
Conclusion
Air fryer steak bites with garlic butter potatoes are a versatile and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The combination of tender steak, crispy potatoes, and rich garlic butter makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With its simple ingredients, quick cook time, and endless customization options, it’s a dish that delivers both convenience and satisfaction. Enjoy!