Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Tender chunks of steak are pan-seared and tossed with crispy air-fried potatoes, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. The beef is marinated in soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder to build deep, savory flavors, while the potatoes come out perfectly golden and seasoned. This dish balances juicy, flavorful steak with the comforting crispness of roasted potatoes, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying. It can easily become a go-to weeknight dinner that impresses without demanding too much time.

I first discovered this combo when I experimented with air fryer potatoes and leftover steak. Now my family eagerly asks for it every time they see steak on the counter, making it a regular in our meal rotation.

Ingredients

• Steak: choose ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin well marbled cuts provide tender, juicy bites and look for steak at your butcher counter for freshness
• Soy sauce: enhances umami and tenderizes the steak low sodium is ideal if you prefer less salt
• Onion powder and garlic powder: build a savory flavor base use fresh ground powders for more brightness
• Black pepper: adds a warming note freshly ground boosts flavor intensity
• Olive oil: is essential for browning use a good quality extra virgin olive oil
• Russet potatoes: crisp up best in the air fryer and hold their shape select ones that feel heavy and smooth
• Seasoned salt: balances flavors pick your favorite blend or homemade seasoning
• Butter: creates a silky, rich sauce unsalted butter gives the cleanest flavor
• Minced garlic: infuses deep aroma and flavor always opt for fresh garlic rather than pre minced

Instructions

Prepare the Steak:

Dice your steak into one to one and a half inch cubes so they cook evenly and retain juiciness. In a bowl, toss the cubes with a splash of olive oil, a drizzle of soy sauce, a sprinkle of onion powder, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to coat every piece. Marinate for fifteen to thirty minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate while you work on the potatoes.

Prep the Potatoes:

Wash and peel russet potatoes then cut into one inch chunks to ensure even cooking. Rinse the cubed potatoes under cold water to wash away excess starch, which helps them get extra crispy. Pat dry thoroughly using paper towels to prevent steaming. Toss the dried potatoes with olive oil and seasoned salt until evenly coated.

Air Fry the Potatoes:

Preheat your air fryer to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit until it’s nice and hot. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer in the basket to avoid overcrowding. Cook for fifteen to twenty minutes, shaking the basket every five minutes. This encourages even cooking and develops a golden, crisp exterior without burning.

Sear the Steak Bites:

As the potatoes finish cooking, heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add the marinated steak cubes in a single layer, letting them cook undisturbed for two to three minutes so a crust forms. Flip the pieces and cook to your desired doneness whether medium rare or well done.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

In the last minute of cooking, add the butter and minced garlic to the pan. Swirl the pan gently so the butter melts and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma without burning. Use a spoon to coat the steak bites with this garlic butter sauce as it bubbles.

Combine and Serve:

Plate the golden crispy potatoes on a serving dish. Top with the hot succulent steak bites and drizzle any leftover garlic butter sauce from the pan over everything. Serve immediately while piping hot to enjoy the full richness and contrast in textures.

My favorite part is the way the garlic butter mingles with the steak bites making every mouthful rich and memorable. I still chuckle remembering my youngest sneaking extra spoonfuls of butter from the pan when no one was watching. Meals like these bring a cozy feeling and family closeness especially on busy weeknights.

Storage Tips

Cool the leftovers before storing them in an airtight container to keep for up to three days in the refrigerator. When reheating, warm them in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispness and avoid soggy potatoes that can happen with microwaves. For longer storage, freeze steak bites and potatoes separately and thaw before crisping again in a hot pan.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken breast or thighs can replace steak reduce cooking time accordingly. Yukon Gold potatoes work well too offering creamier centers and crispy outsides. To make it dairy free swap butter for olive oil when making the sauce

Serving Suggestions

Pair these steak bites with steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad to bring balance. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives just before serving. Serving over a bed of arugula or adding a squeeze of lemon brightens and cuts through the richness.

This garlic butter steak bites with crispy potatoes is an easy weeknight favorite that feels special without the fuss. Serve it hot to enjoy the full contrast of textures and rich flavors.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ Which cuts of steak work best for this dish?

Ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin are ideal choices as they provide tender, flavorful bites perfect for searing.

→ Can I cook the potatoes without an air fryer?

Yes, roasting diced potatoes in a 400°F oven until golden and crispy works well as an alternative method.

→ How do I keep steak bites tender and juicy?

Cook over medium-high heat and turn steak cubes quickly to form a crust while preserving juiciness inside.

→ Why marinate the steak before cooking?

Marinating enhances flavor depth and helps keep the steak moist and tender during searing.

→ Can this meal be prepared ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed freshly cooked, though you can prep ingredients earlier and cook just before serving.