Garlic Butter Steak Bites Potatoes

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

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.

Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:08:32 GMT
A pan of garlic butter steak bites and potatoes. Save
A pan of garlic butter steak bites and potatoes. | lilicooks.com

Garlic butter steak bites and potatoes make an irresistible weeknight meal when you want something hearty and restaurant-worthy with minimal fuss. Tender steak cubes and golden potatoes come together in one pan with rich garlicky butter, filling the house with the best comfort food aroma.

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

Step-by-Step 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.
A dish of garlic butter steak bites and potatoes. Save
A dish of garlic butter steak bites and potatoes. | lilicooks.com

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.

A dish of garlic butter steak bites and potatoes. Save
A dish of garlic butter steak bites and potatoes. | lilicooks.com

A Little Context

Garlic butter steak and potatoes is pure comfort food inspired by both American diners and French bistro plates. Steak pommes de terre is a classic bistro meal the garlic butter twist takes it over the top and makes it easy for busy home kitchens. This dish has always brought my family together around the table with big smiles and full bellies.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cuts of steak work best?

Choose ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin for the most tender and flavorful bites.

→ Can I cook the potatoes without an air fryer?

Yes, roast the diced potatoes in an oven at 400°F until golden and crispy, turning occasionally.

→ How do I prevent steak bites from overcooking?

Cook over medium-high heat and turn the steak pieces quickly to keep the inside tender and juicy.

→ What is the benefit of marinating the steak?

Marinating adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist and tender during cooking.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best served fresh, but you can prep the steak and potatoes ahead and cook just before eating.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Potatoes

Tender steak bites and crispy potatoes tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce make a hearty, quick dinner.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Dinner

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Steak

01 2 pounds Ribeye, NY Strip, or sirloin steak, diced
02 2 tablespoons soy sauce
03 1 teaspoon onion powder
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
06 1 teaspoon olive oil

→ Potatoes

07 2 large russet potatoes, diced
08 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
09 1 teaspoon olive oil

→ Garlic Butter

10 6 tablespoons butter
11 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Steps

Step 01

Dice the steak into 1-1 ½ inch pieces. Place the steak bites into a large mixing bowl and add olive oil, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss until each piece is coated with the seasoning, then set aside to marinate for 15-30 minutes.

Step 02

Wash and peel the potatoes, then dice them into 1-inch pieces. Rinse with cold water, then pat dry with a paper towel. Place the diced potatoes into a small bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with seasoned salt. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 03

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Add the seasoned potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender, tossing them every 5 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 04

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak bites and cook for 2-3 minutes before flipping. Continue cooking to your preferred doneness.

Step 05

In the skillet with the steak, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic. Toss the steak bites to coat in garlic butter. Serve alongside the cooked potatoes.

Tips

  1. For best results, use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to sear the steak evenly.

Required Tools

  • Air fryer
  • Large skillet (cast iron preferred)

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains soy.
  • Contains dairy (butter).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 905
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~