Tender, juicy steak cubes seared to perfection in the air fryer, smothered in fragrant garlic butter, and served over crispy golden potatoes. This one-tray meal delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup—ideal for weeknights, date nights, or when you want restaurant-quality dinner fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish brings the richness of a steakhouse dinner straight to your kitchen—with no grill required. The air fryer locks in flavor while giving both steak and potatoes that crave-worthy crispness. With just 20 minutes of hands-off cooking, you get juicy beef, fluffy-on-the-inside potatoes, and a luxurious garlic butter sauce that ties it all together. It’s simple, satisfying, and feels indulgent without the fuss.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- 3 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and cubed (1-inch pieces)
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley
For the Steak Bites
- 2 strip steaks (10 oz each), trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Kinder’s Prime Steak Seasoning (or substitute: 1 tsp onion powder + ½ tsp mustard powder + pinch of cayenne)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 tbsp dried parsley (or 2 tbsp fresh, chopped)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Fresh rosemary or thyme
- Sliced mushrooms (tossed with potatoes)
- Grated Parmesan (sprinkled on potatoes after cooking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the potatoes:
Wash and peel (optional) potatoes. Cut into even 1-inch cubes so they cook uniformly. Pat dry with a towel.Season and air fry potatoes:
In a bowl, toss potato cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried parsley.
Spread in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 7–8 minutes for even browning. Remove when golden and fork-tender. Set aside and keep warm.Prepare the steak bites:
While potatoes cook, pat steak cubes dry and place in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Kinder’s seasoning. Toss gently to coat.Cook the steak bites:
Wipe out air fryer basket if needed. Add seasoned steak bites in a single layer.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and cooked to medium (135°F internal temp) or longer for well-done.Make the garlic butter sauce:
While steak cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in minced garlic and parsley. Warm gently—do not boil (to avoid burning garlic).Assemble and serve:
Place crispy potatoes on plates or a platter. Top with hot steak bites. Drizzle generously with garlic butter. Serve immediately.
You Must Know
- Cut potatoes evenly — prevents some from burning while others stay raw.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket — steaming ruins crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.
- Pat steak dry — wet meat won’t brown properly.
- Use high heat — essential for searing in the air fryer.
- Let steak rest 2 minutes — keeps juices inside (especially important for small pieces).
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Microwave will soften texture.
- Garlic butter can be made ahead and refrigerated; re-warm before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad, sautéed green beans, or roasted asparagus.
- Top with extra cracked black pepper and flaky sea salt.
- Pair with red wine, beer, or sparkling water with lemon.
- Great for meal prep—reheat individual portions quickly.
Cultural Context
Born from modern home cooking trends, this recipe reflects the rise of the air fryer as a tool for fast, flavorful meals without deep frying. Inspired by classic steak and potatoes but streamlined for today’s busy kitchens, it honors tradition while embracing convenience. Often seen on weeknight tables and social media feeds alike, it’s comfort food evolved.
Pro Tips
- Double the garlic butter — it’s delicious over rice or bread too.
- Add veggies — toss broccoli or carrots in with the potatoes during last 8 minutes.
- For rare/medium-rare steak: Reduce time to 5–6 minutes total.
- Keep steak warm — tent with foil while finishing other components.
- Use a meat thermometer — ideal doneness: 125°F (rare), 135°F (medium), 145°F+ (well done).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen steak?
A: Yes, but thaw first for best texture and even cooking.
Q: Why were my potatoes soggy?
A: Likely due to overcrowding or excess moisture. Dry them well and don’t stack.
Q: Can I make this in the oven?
A: Yes! Roast at 425°F on two separate trays—potatoes first (25 mins), then steak (10–12 mins).
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Yes, if using GF seasoning. Always check labels on pre-made blends like Kinder’s.
Q: Can I marinate the steak?
A: Absolutely! Marinate 30 minutes in olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and Worcestershire for deeper flavor.
Allergy Information
Contains: dairy (butter).
Gluten-free option: Use certified GF seasoning.
Nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Always verify ingredient labels—especially spice blends and butter substitutes.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
Based on 4 servings
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 480mg
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion size. Not intended as medical advice.
Final Thought: This isn’t just dinner—it’s proof that fast doesn’t have to mean boring. One bite of sizzling steak, crispy potato, and garlicky richness, and you’ll wonder why you ever thought “easy” meant “ordinary.”