Garlic Herb Steak Bites

This hearty meal combines tender garlic herb steak bites with perfectly loaded twice baked potatoes and roasted broccoli for a restaurant-quality dinner right at home. The steak is seared to juicy medium rare in the air fryer, while the loaded potatoes bring creamy, cheesy comfort alongside bright steamed broccoli. It’s a complete, satisfying plate that feels special enough for company but easy enough for any night of the week.

The first time I made this, I was hesitant about cooking such good steak in an air fryer. It turned out so well that it soon became a favorite go-to dinner, especially on busy weeknights when I want a meal that feels indulgent but comes together quickly.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes: Look for firm whole potatoes with smooth skin for an ideal baked potato texture
• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen steamed broccoli adds a nutritious green pop and balances richness
• Garlic Cloves: Adds aromatic depth and savory kick to both the potatoes and the garlic butter sauce
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for maximum control over seasoning in both the loaded potatoes and garlic butter sauce
• Sour cream: Provides creaminess and tang to make the twice baked potato filling rich and smooth
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting quality and flavor in the potatoes
• New York strip steak or similar tender cut: Choose cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or filet for quick cooking without toughness
• Olive oil: Helps coat steak bites for even cooking and flavor absorption
• Soy sauce: Adds umami and depth to the steak marinade
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the steak and potatoes to taste
• Garlic and herb spice blend: A mix of garlic and herbs enhances the steak seasoning with extra flavor
• Parsley: Fresh parsley gives the garlic butter sauce a bright, fresh finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Twice Bake the Potatoes:

First wash your potatoes and use a fork to poke several holes all over the skin. Rub them thoroughly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to help crisp the skin. Wrap each potato in foil and bake in a 400 degree oven for about 60 minutes. Start checking around 45 minutes because ovens differ. You want the flesh soft and tender all the way through. Let them cool enough to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop the soft insides into a large bowl.

Prepare the Potato Filling:

Add steamed broccoli, minced garlic, melted butter, sour cream, and most of the grated sharp cheddar cheese to the potato flesh. Use a fork to gently mash and mix the ingredients, leaving some chunks for texture. Spoon this mixture back evenly into the potato skins. Top each with the remaining sharp cheddar cheese.

Finish the Loaded Potatoes:

Place the stuffed potatoes in your air fryer and cook at 400 degrees just long enough for the cheese to melt and bubble – usually a few minutes. If you prefer, you can finish them in the oven under the broiler but the air fryer works perfectly and crisps the skin a bit more.

Prepare the Garlic Herb Steak Bites:

Trim any excess fat from your steak and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. Drizzle the chunks with olive oil and soy sauce. Sprinkle generously with a garlic and herb seasoning blend, plus salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything well to coat and allow the steak bites to come to room temperature before cooking.

Cook the Steak Bites:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. Spread the steak bites evenly in the basket so they are in a single layer. Cook for about 8 minutes total, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. Aim for medium rare unless you prefer otherwise.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

Melt 1/2 stick of butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in 3 to 4 minced garlic cloves and a handful of fresh parsley for color and brightness. There is no need to measure the parsley precisely; just a sprinkle for visual appeal is fine.

Serve It Up:

Place a few steak bites over your loaded baked potato and drizzle generously with the warm garlic butter sauce. The rich garlic herb notes complement the beef perfectly and elevate the whole meal.

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My favorite part is the garlic butter sauce that ties it all together. I remember the first time I poured it generously over the sizzling steak bites and potatoes and how the smell filled the kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in. It truly feels like a special meal even on an ordinary evening.

Storage Tips

Store leftover steak bites and potatoes separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat steak bites gently in a skillet or air fryer to avoid overcooking. Reheat potatoes in the oven or air fryer to retain crisp skin and melty cheese topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap New York strip steak for ribeye or sirloin if you prefer a different cut but keep it tender for quick air frying. Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream in the potato mix for a lighter touch. Try a mix of cheeses such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella if sharp cheddar is unavailable.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner. A glass of red wine or your favorite beer pairs well with the steak bites. Garnish the finished dish with extra parsley or chives for freshness and color.

Cultural Context

Twice baked potatoes originated as a way to use leftover baked potatoes by scooping, mixing, and refilling them. This recipe takes that comforting classic and pulls in steak bites inspired by popular steakhouse appetizers, serving them together for a homestyle elevated meal.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of steak works best for steak bites?

Tender cuts like New York strip, ribeye, sirloin, or filet are ideal to ensure juicy and flavorful bites that cook quickly.

→ How do you get the baked potatoes crispy on the outside?

Rubbing the potatoes with olive oil and baking at 400°F for about an hour helps achieve a crispy, golden skin while keeping the inside fluffy.

→ Can the steak bites be cooked in the oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook the steak bites in an oven at a high temperature, but using an air fryer cooks them quickly and evenly while keeping them juicy.

→ What adds flavor to the loaded baked potatoes?

A mixture of steamed broccoli, minced garlic, melted butter, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a rich and savory filling.

→ How is the garlic butter sauce prepared?

Melt butter and stir in minced garlic and parsley until fragrant, then drizzle over the cooked steak bites for a rich finish.