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Air fryer garlic steak and potatoes with a juicy seared steak, roasted baby potatoes, garlic butter, and fresh parsley, served in a rustic wooden bowl.
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Air Fryer Garlic Steak and Potatoes - Fast, Flavorful, and Satisfying

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 to 1.25 pounds steak (sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 pound baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red), halved or quartered to 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1.5 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
  • Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. A hot basket helps the potatoes crisp and the steak sear.
  • Prep the potatoes. In a bowl, toss the potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Coat evenly so every piece roasts well.
  • Start the potatoes. Add the potatoes to the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. They should be starting to brown but not fully tender yet.
  • Season the steak. While the potatoes cook, pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme. Dry steak browns better, so don’t skip the patting step.
  • Make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
  • Add the steak to the basket. When the potatoes have cooked 10–12 minutes, shake to one side or create space, then add the steak cubes in a single layer. Avoid crowding for the best sear.
  • Air fry to finish. Cook at 400°F for 6–8 minutes more, shaking once halfway. For medium steak, aim for an internal temp of 135°F (57°C). Add a minute or two for more doneness.
  • Toss with garlic butter. Immediately transfer steak and potatoes to a bowl. Pour the garlic butter over the top and toss gently to coat. The heat will bloom the garlic and coat everything in flavor.
  • Finish and serve. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve right away with lemon wedges if you like a bright finish.