Are you craving a juicy steak with tender potatoes, but don’t want to fire up the grill? Look no further! With an air fryer, you can achieve the perfect Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes that are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, all in a fraction of the time it takes on the grill. Let’s dive into this delicious and simple recipe that will make your taste buds dance.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Steak Bites?
An air fryer isn’t just for crispy snacks; it’s a fantastic tool for cooking steak bites too. The air fryer circulates hot air to cook food quickly, giving it that perfect sear and tender inside without the need for excessive oil. This is especially beneficial when making steak bites, where you want a crispy outside and a juicy interior, all while keeping the meal lighter and quicker than traditional methods.
Air fryer steak bites offer several benefits over grilling or pan-frying:
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Quick cooking time – The air fryer can cook steak bites in just 10 minutes, much faster than using a grill.
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Minimal cleanup – No need for grills or stovetop pans.
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Even cooking – The circulating hot air ensures each bite cooks uniformly.
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Healthier – Using less oil means fewer calories and less fat.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To make this easy yet flavorful Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes, you’ll need:
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1 ½ pounds boneless ribeye steaks, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
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¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
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3 tablespoons salted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
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1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, cut into small cubes or wedges
Why These Ingredients Matter:
The combination of these simple yet flavorful ingredients is what makes Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes irresistible. The smoky paprika enhances the steak’s depth, while the garlic butter sauce brings everything together with its rich, savory flavors. The potatoes provide a satisfying side that soaks up the flavors from the garlic butter sauce, making every bite a heavenly experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepping the Steak and Potatoes
Start by preparing your ingredients:
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Steak: Cut the ribeye steaks into bite-sized pieces, making sure each piece is roughly the same size for even cooking.
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Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into small cubes or wedges, ensuring they are small enough to cook quickly in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season the Steak and Potatoes
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In a large bowl, toss the steak pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Make sure every piece is coated evenly.
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For the potatoes, drizzle a little olive oil over them, adding salt and pepper. Toss them so that they are coated well.
Step 3: Air Frying the Steak Bites and Potatoes
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
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Place the seasoned steak bites into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry them for 4-6 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. For medium steak bites, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
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In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the potato cubes to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are also evenly spread out. This will allow the potatoes to cook while absorbing the flavors from the steak.
Step 4: Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the steak bites and potatoes are cooking, prepare the garlic butter sauce:
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In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
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Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
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Stir in fresh parsley and continue cooking for another minute. You can also add a splash of lemon zest for added freshness if desired.
Step 5: Tossing Steak Bites in Garlic Butter
Once the steak bites are cooked to your liking and the potatoes are crispy and golden, transfer the steak bites to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss them in the sauce for about 1-2 minutes to ensure each piece is coated and infused with flavor.
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
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Toss steak pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a large bowl.
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Season the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper and toss until evenly coated.
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Place the steak bites into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 4-6 minutes or until desired doneness (135°F for medium).
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In the last 2-3 minutes, add the potatoes to the air fryer basket.
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While steak and potatoes cook, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in parsley.
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Once steak is done, transfer steak bites to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce for 1-2 minutes.
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Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 465 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 36g |
| Sodium | 448mg |
| Fiber | 0.2g |
| Sugar | 0.1g |
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes
Now that your Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes are ready, it’s time to think about presentation and pairing. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Here are some ideas on how to serve and enjoy this meal:
Serving Ideas:
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Plated with Steamed Vegetables: Serve the steak bites alongside fresh steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or asparagus. The mild flavors of the veggies will balance out the richness of the garlic butter sauce, making it a well-rounded meal.
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Serve with Rice: If you want to make it a more filling meal, consider serving the steak bites and potatoes over a bed of garlic butter rice. The rice soaks up the delicious butter sauce, adding more flavor to each bite.
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Side Salad: A green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette would also pair nicely. The freshness of the salad complements the savory richness of the steak and potatoes, providing a lighter contrast to the hearty main dish.
Plating the Dish:
When plating, arrange the steak bites in a neat pile or spread them out on the plate with the potatoes. Drizzle some extra garlic butter sauce on top for added flavor, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. You can even add a few lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
How to Store Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store them and keep them fresh:
Refrigerating Leftovers:
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Allow the steak bites and potatoes to cool down to room temperature before storing them.
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Place the steak and potatoes in an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This ensures that the garlic butter sauce stays flavorful while preventing any bacteria growth.
Reheating Leftovers:
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The best way to reheat the leftovers is by using a skillet. Gently warm them over medium heat until heated through. This will help maintain the crispy edges of the potatoes and ensure the steak stays juicy.
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If you’re in a rush, you can reheat in the microwave, but note that the texture of the steak might become slightly less tender.
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Avoid reheating the steak bites in the air fryer again, as the high butter content can cause them to become too greasy.
Freezing Leftovers:
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You can store the steak bites and potatoes in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container and label it with the date for easy reference.
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When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating in the skillet for the best results.
Air Fryer Cooking Tips
While making Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes is easy, a few tips can help you perfect your cooking process and achieve the best results:
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket:
For even cooking, it’s crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Ensure there’s enough space between the steak bites and potatoes for the hot air to circulate freely. This will allow each bite to get that perfect crisp on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer:
To ensure your steak bites are cooked to perfection, always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Depending on your preferred doneness, follow this guide:
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Rare: 120-125°F
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Medium-rare: 125-135°F
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Medium: 135-140°F
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Medium-well: 145-150°F
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Well-done: 150°F and higher
3. Choose the Right Cut of Steak:
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. While ribeye is the most popular choice for its marbling and flavor, you can experiment with other cuts like filet mignon, flank steak, or top sirloin. Each cut offers a slightly different texture, so feel free to try what works best for you and your family.
4. Season Generously:
Don’t shy away from seasoning the steak bites well. The smoked paprika, salt, and pepper create a base flavor that enhances the richness of the garlic butter sauce. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, adding more heat with cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you enjoy a spicy kick.
Notes
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Alternative Steak Cuts: Top sirloin, tri-tip, filet mignon, or flank steak work well.
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Adjusting for Doneness: For well-done steak, increase air fry time and use a meat thermometer.
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Fresh Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; jarred garlic doesn’t compare.
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Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy version.
Enhancing the Recipe with Variations
While the base recipe is absolutely delicious, here are a few ways you can elevate Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes to suit your taste preferences or experiment with new flavors:
1. Add Cheese:
For a creamy twist, sprinkle some shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese over the steak bites during the last minute of cooking. The cheese will melt beautifully and add a rich, cheesy layer to the dish.
2. Make It Spicy:
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle some hot sauce into the garlic butter sauce. This will infuse the steak bites with an extra layer of spice, perfect for those who love bold flavors.
3. Try Herb Variations:
If you’re not a fan of parsley, try fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a different herbal flavor profile. These herbs complement the richness of the garlic butter and give your dish an aromatic twist.
4. Incorporate Other Vegetables:
Feel free to add other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips to the air fryer basket along with the potatoes. The hot air circulates around the veggies, crisping them up while keeping them tender inside.
FAQs on Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes
1. Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
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Yes! While ribeye is our top recommendation for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use top sirloin, filet, NY strip, or flank steak. Each cut will offer a slightly different texture and flavor, but they all work well for this recipe.
2. What if I prefer my steak well-done?
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If you prefer well-done steak, increase the air frying time by an additional 2-3 minutes. Be sure to monitor the internal temperature of the steak using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
3. Can I use a different seasoning mix?
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Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends such as Cajun seasoning, Montreal steak seasoning, or BBQ seasoning. Just remember, some seasonings may already contain salt, so adjust the amount accordingly.
4. Can I make this recipe spicy?
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To add a kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili flakes onto the steak before air frying. You can also add hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of heat.
5. How can I store and reheat leftovers?
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the steak bites and potatoes in a skillet to maintain their texture. Avoid reheating in the air fryer due to the high butter content, which can make the steak bites greasy.
Conclusion on Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes
The Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes recipe is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that can be whipped up in no time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress. The air fryer does all the hard work, delivering perfectly cooked steak bites and crispy potatoes without the need for a grill or stovetop.
With the garlic butter sauce bringing all the flavors together and the flexibility to customize the seasoning, you can make this dish your own. Don’t forget to serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort!
Delicious Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless ribeye steaks cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes cut into small cubes or wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, toss the steak pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Toss the potato cubes in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the seasoned steak to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 4-6 minutes or until the steak reaches your desired doneness (135°F for medium).
- In the last 2-3 minutes, add the potatoes to the air fryer basket.
- While the steak and potatoes cook, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in parsley.
- Add the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve immediately with the crispy potatoes.
Notes
- Other steak cuts: Feel free to use top sirloin, tri-tip, or flank steak for this recipe.
- Spicy option: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix or the butter sauce for a spicy kick.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
4. Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 465 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 36g
- Sodium: 448mg
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 0.1g
