
Tender chunks of steak are pan-seared and tossed with crispy air-fried potatoes, all coated in a luxurious garlic butter sauce. The beef is marinated with soy sauce, onion, and garlic powder for deep flavor, while potatoes come out golden and seasoned. Finished in a hot skillet, the steak bites stay juicy and perfectly cooked. This balanced dish pairs juicy, flavorful steak with the comfort of roasted potatoes, making it a satisfying meal after a busy day. Best enjoyed fresh, this combination delivers robust garlic notes and buttery richness in every bite.
I discovered this flavor-packed combo years ago when experimenting with air fryer potatoes and leftover steak bits my family now begs for it every time they spot steak on the counter.
Ingredients
- Steak: look for ribeye NY strip or sirloin well marbled steak delivers the most tender bites try to buy steak at the butcher counter for freshness
- Soy sauce: deepens the umami and helps tenderize the steak choose low sodium if preferred
- Onion powder and garlic powder: work together for a savory base go for fresh ground powder for the best flavor
- Black pepper: gives a warming note grind fresh for more punch
- Olive oil: enhances browning use a good quality extra virgin olive oil
- Russet potatoes: they crisp up best and hold shape in the air fryer pick potatoes that feel heavy and smooth
- Seasoned salt: brings balanced flavor opt for your favorite blend or make your own
- Butter: makes the sauce silky use real unsalted butter for the cleanest taste
- Minced garlic: infuses everything with deep flavor use fresh garlic for the most impact avoid pre-minced if possible
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak:
- Dice the steak into pieces about one inch to one and a half inch cubes so they cook evenly and stay juicy. Toss them in a bowl with a splash of olive oil a drizzle of soy sauce and a sprinkle of onion powder garlic powder and black pepper. Coat well and let the steak marinate for anywhere from fifteen to thirty minutes so the flavors have time to soak in while you prep the potatoes.
- Prep the Potatoes:
- Wash and peel your russet potatoes then cut them into one inch chunks for even cooking. Rinse the diced potatoes under cold water to remove extra starch which gets you crispier edges. Pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel to prevent steaming. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with seasoned salt ensuring each piece is coated in seasoning.
- Air Fry the Potatoes:
- Preheat your air fryer to four hundred degrees for a good hot start. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer and cook for fifteen to twenty minutes shaking the basket about every five minutes so they cook golden on all sides and never burn.
- Sear the Steak Bites:
- While the potatoes finish sizzling up grab a large cast iron skillet and set it over medium high heat. Add the marinated steak bites to the hot pan and let them cook undisturbed for two or three minutes so that delicious crust forms. Flip and cook until just the way you like it from medium rare to well done.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the final minute of steak cooking drop in the butter and minced garlic. Swirl it around so the butter melts and garlic turns fragrant. Spoon the bubbling garlic butter over the steak to infuse every piece with flavor.
- Combine and Serve:
- Layer the crispy air fried potatoes on a platter and top with the hot buttery steak bites. Drizzle any extra garlic butter from the pan over everything and serve right away while it is all piping hot.

My favorite part is definitely the garlic butter streaking through the steak bites it just brings the whole meal together I still remember my youngest sneaking extra spoonfuls of butter from the pan when no one was looking Family meals like this make weeknights feel a bit more special.
Storage Tips
Cool leftovers and store in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. To reheat use a skillet over medium heat to keep everything crisp and avoid sogginess from the microwave. For longer storage freeze steak bites and potatoes separately and thaw before crisping again in a hot pan.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in chicken breast or thigh for steak just reduce cook time. Yukon Gold potatoes also work they give creamier centers with crispy outsides. If you are looking to make it dairy free try olive oil instead of butter for the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These steak bites are perfect alongside steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad for balance. For a fancier touch sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives just before serving. Try serving on a bed of arugula to offset the richness or with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. It makes a simple, satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What cuts of steak work best?
Ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin are ideal for tender, flavorful steak bites.
- → Can I cook the potatoes without an air fryer?
Yes, roasting diced potatoes in a 400°F oven until golden and crispy works well too.
- → How do I prevent steak bites from overcooking?
Cook over medium-high heat, turning quickly to keep the inside tender and juicy.
- → What is the benefit of marinating the steak?
Marinating adds depth of flavor and helps keep the meat moist and tender during cooking.
- → Can I prepare the steak and potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep ahead but it’s best to cook just before serving to maintain crispness and juiciness.