I remember staring into my fridge one Tuesday night, feeling completely uninspired. The thought of a full-blown steak dinner seemed like a mountain I wasn’t ready to climb. All the pans, the timing, the mess… no thank you.
But the craving for a juicy, savory steak and crispy potatoes was real. That’s when I turned to my trusty air fryer. I wondered if I could get that steakhouse quality without the steakhouse effort.
Spoiler alert: you absolutely can. This recipe for Air Fryer Garlic Steak and Potatoes is the answer to those busy-night cravings. It delivers a perfectly cooked meal with minimal cleanup, all in under 30 minutes. It’s a true game-changer.
What You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simple, powerful ingredients. You likely have most of these on hand already.
- Sirloin Steak: About 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes. Sirloin is lean but tender enough for this quick-cooking method.
- Baby Potatoes: 1 pound of baby gold or red potatoes, halved or quartered. Their waxy texture holds up great in the air fryer.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, divided.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon for seasoning the meat and potatoes.
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons for that rich finishing sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced. This is for the sauce, where fresh garlic truly shines.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Tools Required
You don’t need a professional kitchen for this. Just a few basics will do the trick.
- Air Fryer (a 5-quart or larger is ideal)
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small Microwave-Safe Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Tongs
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Steak and Potatoes
Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal. The key is to cook the potatoes first since they take a little longer than the steak bites.
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the cut potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure they’re evenly coated. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Step 2: Season the Steak
While the potatoes are getting a head start, pat your steak cubes completely dry with a paper towel. This is crucial for getting a good sear. In the same bowl, toss the steak cubes with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the rest of the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Combine and Air Fry
After the potatoes have cooked for 10 minutes, add the seasoned steak cubes to the air fryer basket. Give it all a good shake to distribute everything. Cook for another 6-8 minutes at 400°F, shaking once or twice, until the steak is cooked to your liking and the potatoes are golden and crisp.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
While the steak and potatoes are finishing, melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced fresh garlic and chopped parsley.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Transfer the hot steak and potatoes from the air fryer into a large serving bowl. Pour the garlic parsley butter all over the top and toss gently to coat everything. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips
These little tricks I’ve learned along the way make a big difference in the final result.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: For the crispiest potatoes and best-seared steak, the hot air needs to circulate. If your air fryer is small, it’s better to cook in two batches than to pile everything in at once.
- Dry Steak is Key: I can’t stress this enough. Use paper towels to pat the steak cubes completely dry before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear; it will steam the meat instead of browning it.
- Let the Steak Rest (Briefly): Even though these are small bites, letting them sit in the garlic butter for a minute or two after tossing allows the juices to settle. Every bite will be more tender and flavorful.
- Cut Evenly: Try to cut your steak and potato pieces into similar sizes. This ensures everything cooks evenly, so you don’t end up with some overcooked bits and some undercooked ones.
| Doneness | Total Cook Time for Steak | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Medium-Rare | 5-6 Minutes | 130-135°F |
| Medium | 6-8 Minutes | 140-145°F |
| Medium-Well | 8-10 Minutes | 150-155°F |
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to get creative! This recipe is a fantastic base for experimenting.
- Different Cuts of Steak: Ribeye or New York strip work wonderfully. Just make sure to cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes.
- Try Other Vegetables: Add 1-inch chunks of bell pepper or onion to the air fryer along with the steak for a Philly cheesesteak vibe. Broccoli or asparagus are also great additions.
- Herb Swaps: If you’re not a fan of parsley, try fresh rosemary or thyme in your garlic butter. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick of heat.
- Potato Varieties: Russet potatoes will give you a fluffier interior, while sweet potatoes add a nice sweetness that contrasts with the savory garlic.
Nutritional Information and Meal Prep
This meal is a great balance of protein, carbs, and fat. Here is a rough breakdown per serving (assuming 4 servings).
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 25g |
Diet-Friendly Swaps
A few simple changes can make this recipe fit different dietary needs.
| Diet | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Low-Carb / Keto | Swap potatoes for radishes or cauliflower florets. |
| Dairy-Free | Use a dairy-free butter alternative or more olive oil for the sauce. |
| Whole30 | Use clarified butter or ghee instead of regular butter. |
Meal Pairing and Efficiency
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette or some steamed green beans or asparagus complements the richness perfectly.
To be extra efficient, chop your potatoes and steak and mix your seasonings ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, you can just toss and go, cutting down on prep time.
Leftovers and Storage
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I highly recommend using the air fryer again. Pop them back in at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes. This will bring back the crispiness of the potatoes and warm the steak without overcooking it. Microwaving will work, but you’ll lose that lovely texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. My potatoes came out soggy, not crispy. What went wrong?
Ans: This usually happens for a few reasons. You might have overcrowded the air fryer basket, not used enough oil, or not cooked them long enough initially. Make sure they are in a single layer and give them that first 10 minutes alone to start crisping up.
Q2. Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?
Ans: It’s best to use thawed steak. Cooking from frozen will result in uneven cooking and a steamed, grayish exterior instead of a nice brown sear. Thaw it completely in the fridge overnight for the best results.
Q3. Do I really need to preheat my air fryer?
Ans: While not always mandatory, preheating for a few minutes ensures the cooking starts immediately at a high temperature. This helps create that crispy exterior on the potatoes and a better sear on the steak. Most air fryers preheat in just 3-5 minutes.
Q4. Can I cook everything together from the start to save time?
Ans: You could, but you might not love the results. Potatoes take longer to cook through than 1-inch steak cubes. If you cook them together from the start, you’ll likely end up with perfectly cooked steak but underdone potatoes, or perfectly cooked potatoes and overcooked, tough steak.
Wrapping Up
This Air Fryer Garlic Steak and Potatoes recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a way to bring a little bit of luxury to any night of the week. It’s proof that you don’t need a lot of time or a sink full of dishes to eat incredibly well.
I really hope you give this one a try. It has become a staple in my home, and I think it will in yours too. When you make it, drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out. I’d love to hear about any fun variations you try.
