
Tender chunks of steak meet crispy air fried potatoes in this garlic butter steak bites and potatoes recipe. The beef is marinated with soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder to build deep flavor while the potatoes come out golden and perfectly seasoned. Finished together in a hot skillet with rich garlic butter, this dish delivers juicy steak and comforting potatoes in each bite. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that feels special but comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a restaurant worthy dinner at home.
I stumbled on this recipe experimenting with leftover steak and air fryer potatoes years ago, and now it’s a family favorite we make again and again. The blend of garlic butter and tender steak always gets everyone at the table smiling.
Ingredients
- Steak: look for ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin, well marbled cuts offer the most tender and flavorful bites. Buying from the butcher counter ensures freshness.
- Soy sauce: adds umami depth and tenderizes the steak. Low sodium is a good option to control saltiness.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: provide a savory base. Fresh ground powders pack the best flavor.
- Black pepper: lends a warm, aromatic note. Grinding fresh contributes extra punch.
- Olive oil: helps with browning. Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for taste.
- Russet potatoes: crisp up best in the air fryer and maintain their shape. Pick ones that feel heavy and have smooth skin.
- Seasoned salt: balances seasoning. Use your favorite blend or create your own.
- Butter: gives the sauce its silky, rich texture. Real unsalted butter is best for clean flavor.
- Minced garlic: infuses the whole dish with bold garlic aroma. Fresh garlic creates the most impact, so avoid pre minced jars if possible.
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak:
- Dice the steak into one to one and a half inch cubes to ensure even cooking and juicy results. Toss with olive oil, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well so each piece is coated and let it marinate for fifteen to thirty minutes while prepping the potatoes. This gives time for the flavors to seep in deeply.
- Prep the Potatoes:
- Wash and peel the russet potatoes before cutting into one inch chunks for uniform cooking. Rinse these under cold water to wash away excess starch which helps the edges crisp. Thoroughly pat them dry using a towel to prevent steaming and sogginess. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with seasoned salt so every piece carries flavor.
- Air Fry the Potatoes:
- Preheat the air fryer to four hundred degrees for a hot start. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer inside the basket. Cook for fifteen to twenty minutes total, shaking the basket every five minutes to promote even browning and avoid burning. The result should be crispy golden potatoes with tender centers.
- Sear the Steak Bites:
- As the potatoes cook, heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat until very hot. Add the marinated steak bites in a single layer, letting them cook undisturbed for two to three minutes so a flavorful crust forms. Flip and continue cooking until your preferred doneness, whether medium rare or well done.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the last minute of cooking the steak, drop in the butter along with the minced garlic. Swirl the pan gently to melt the butter and release the fragrant garlic aroma without burning it. Spoon the bubbling garlic butter over the steak bites to coat them thoroughly and infuse every piece with rich flavor.
- Combine and Serve:
- Arrange the crispy potatoes on a serving platter, then top with the hot garlic butter coated steak bites. Drizzle any extra butter from the pan over everything before serving. This dish should be enjoyed piping hot to savor the perfect mix of textures and richness.

This dish always makes weeknights feel more special and brings everyone happily to the table. I still remember my youngest sneaking extra spoonfuls of butter from the pan when no one was looking.
Storage Tips
Let any leftovers cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat instead of the microwave to maintain crispiness and avoid soggy potatoes. For longer storage, freeze steak bites and potatoes separately then thaw and crisp both again in a hot pan before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken breast or thighs can replace steak if you prefer, though cook time will be shorter and texture different. Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative to russets, providing a creamy interior with crispy outsides. For a dairy free version, substitute olive oil in place of butter in the sauce, keeping most flavors intact.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these steak bites with steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad for freshness and balance. Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor. For brightness, place the steak and potatoes on a bed of arugula or squeeze a little lemon juice over the top.

This garlic butter steak bites and potatoes recipe comes together quickly and makes a comforting, special dinner for any night of the week. Serve piping hot and enjoy.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What cuts of steak work best?
Ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin provide the most tender and flavorful steak bites when seared.
- → Can I cook the potatoes without an air fryer?
Yes, roasting diced potatoes at 400°F in an oven until golden and crispy works well as an alternative.
- → How do I keep steak bites juicy and tender?
Cook steak over medium-high heat, turning quickly and allow them to rest a few minutes after searing to retain juices.
- → What does marinating the steak do?
Marinating enhances flavor and helps the steak stay moist and tender during cooking.
- → Is this dish good for meal prep?
Leftovers can be stored for up to three days in the fridge and reheated in a skillet to maintain crispness.