If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and hassle-free dinner, you’ve come to the right place. This air fryer steak and potatoes recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or even lazy weekends. With minimal prep and just 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal that’s crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s healthier than traditional frying methods—thanks to the magic of air frying. Let’s dive in!
Why Air Frying is the Best Way to Cook Steak and Potatoes
Air fryers have taken the cooking world by storm, and for good reason. They use hot air circulation to cook food evenly, giving you that perfect crispy texture without drowning your food in oil. This means fewer calories and less guilt while still enjoying your favorite fried foods.
For steak, the air fryer locks in moisture, creating a juicy interior with a slightly crispy exterior. Potatoes come out golden and crunchy, just like they’ve been deep-fried—but with a fraction of the oil. It’s a win-win for taste and health!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy air fryer steak and potatoes recipe. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you might already have them on hand:
- 1 pound of steak (ribeye, sirloin, or your favorite cut)
- 2 medium-sized potatoes (russet or Yukon gold work great)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh parsley or rosemary for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect air fryer steak and potatoes:
1. Prep the Potatoes
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients.
- Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes or wedges. Try to keep them evenly sized so they cook at the same rate.
- In a bowl, toss the potato pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Mix until the potatoes are evenly coated.
2. Prep the Steak
- Pat the steak dry with a paper towel. This helps it sear better in the air fryer.
- Rub the steak with the remaining olive oil. Then, season both sides with the rest of the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Feel free to add your favorite steak seasoning if you have one.
3. Cook the Potatoes
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly.
- Air fry the potatoes for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. They should be golden and crispy when done.
4. Cook the Steak
- Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the air fryer and set them aside.
- Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket. For medium-rare, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust the time based on your preferred doneness:
- Rare: 6-8 minutes
- Medium: 10-12 minutes
- Well-done: 12-14 minutes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done.
5. Rest and Serve
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak tender and flavorful.
- While the steak rests, you can pop the potatoes back into the air fryer for a minute or two to re-crisp if needed.
Tips for Success
- Steak Doneness: If you’re new to cooking steak, a meat thermometer is your best friend. It takes the guesswork out of achieving your preferred doneness.
- Potato Crispiness: For extra-crispy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning. This removes excess starch and helps them crisp up better.
- Seasoning Ideas: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or swap thyme for rosemary for a fragrant twist.
- Air Fryer Size: If your air fryer is small, cook the steak and potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer steak and potatoes recipe is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple sides:
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the steak.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any juices from the steak.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a healthy touch.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 2 servings):
- Calories: 500-600
- Protein: 40-50g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
Keep in mind that these numbers can vary depending on the cut of steak and the amount of oil used.
Conclusion
This air fryer steak and potatoes recipe is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a delicious, satisfying meal. With minimal prep and just 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a dinner that’s crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. Plus, air frying makes it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your air fryer and give this recipe a try tonight. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen potato wedges or cubes. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, and skip the oil since they’re usually pre-seasoned.
2. What other cuts of steak work well in the air fryer?
Ribeye, sirloin, and New York strip are great options. Thinner cuts like flank steak or skirt steak also work but will cook faster.
3. Can I cook the steak and potatoes together?
It’s best to cook them separately to ensure both are cooked perfectly. However, if you’re short on time, you can place the steak on top of the potatoes, but the potatoes may not get as crispy.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your seasoning blends to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten.
There you have it—a simple, delicious, and healthy air fryer steak and potatoes recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. Happy cooking!
