Air Fryer Cubed Steak and Potatoes

There’s something incredibly comforting about a meal that combines tender, juicy meat with perfectly seasoned, crispy potatoes. And when you can whip it up in the air fryer with minimal fuss and cleanup? Even better. This air fryer cubed steak and potatoes recipe is a weeknight lifesaver — quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor, all without heating up your entire kitchen.

Cubed steak often gets overlooked, but it’s such a budget-friendly and underrated cut of meat. Thanks to its tenderized texture, it cooks up beautifully in the air fryer, developing a golden crust on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. Pair that with crispy, seasoned potato cubes, and you’ve got a hearty dinner that feels like it took way more effort than it actually did.

What I love most about this recipe is how everything cooks together in one basket — it’s efficient and easy to prep. A quick seasoning mix, a little oil, and your air fryer does the rest. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to pull off a comforting homemade meal. This is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar with barely any work.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just need a no-brainer dinner option, this cubed steak and potatoes combo has you covered. It’s cozy, flavorful, and done in less than 30 minutes — and yes, the potatoes are as crisp as you’d hope for!

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy: Everything cooks up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
• Minimal cleanup: Since both the cubed steak and potatoes cook in the air fryer, you won’t be left with a sink full of pans to scrub afterward.
• Budget-friendly: Cubed steak is an affordable cut of meat, so this recipe is great when you’re trying to feed the family without stretching your wallet.
• Crispy and flavorful: The air fryer works its magic to give the potatoes a golden crunch while keeping the steak juicy with a lightly crispy edge.
• Customizable: You can play around with your favorite spices or toss in some veggies to switch things up — it’s a flexible, go-to recipe.

Ingredient List

For the Cubed Steak:

• 1 lb cubed steak (about 2–3 pieces)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Potatoes:

• 3 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes

• Cubed steak: This is usually a tenderized round steak. It cooks fast and stays juicy in the air fryer. No need to pound it—it’s already prepped!
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth to both the steak and potatoes. Regular paprika works too, but smoked really enhances the flavor.
• Yukon gold potatoes: These hold their shape well and crisp up beautifully. Russets are great too, but they’re a bit softer inside.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and ensures everything gets golden and crispy. Don’t skip it!
• Italian seasoning: A simple blend that adds herby flavor without needing multiple spice jars. You can use dried thyme, oregano, or rosemary if that’s what you have.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Air fryer – The star of the show! It crisps up the steak and potatoes perfectly with minimal oil. I love using my Ninja or Cosori basket-style fryer for even cooking.
• Mixing bowls – Great for tossing the steak and potatoes with oil and seasoning.
• Tongs – Makes it easy to flip or remove the steak without breaking it apart.
• Cutting board & knife – For dicing the potatoes into even chunks so they cook evenly.
• Meat thermometer (optional) – Helps ensure your steak reaches a safe internal temp without overcooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Cube the potatoes

• Wash and peel (if desired) 3 medium potatoes.
• Cut into roughly 1-inch cubes for even cooking.

Season the potatoes

• Add the diced potatoes to a mixing bowl.
• Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Toss everything together until all pieces are well coated.

Prep the cubed steak

• Pat the steak dry with paper towels — this helps it sear better in the air fryer.
• Cut the cubed steak into halves or thirds if pieces are large.
• Add to a separate bowl.
• Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Rub or toss to coat evenly on all sides.

Pro Tip: Let the seasoned steak sit for 5–10 minutes while the air fryer preheats. It helps the flavor soak in a bit more.

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Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.

Pro Tip: Preheating helps both the steak and potatoes develop a nice crust instead of steaming.

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Step 3: Start Cooking the Potatoes

• Once preheated, add the potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
• Shake the basket halfway through to promote even browning.

Pro Tip: If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the potatoes in two batches so they crisp instead of steaming.

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Step 4: Add the Cubed Steak

• After the potatoes have cooked for 10 minutes, open the basket and gently place the cubed steak pieces on top or beside the potatoes (if there’s room).
• Continue cooking everything together at 400°F for another 10–12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through.

Pro Tip: Use tongs to flip the steak carefully so the coating stays on. Avoid overcrowding the basket.

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Step 5: Check for Doneness

• The potatoes should be fork-tender and crispy on the edges.
• The cubed steak should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (medium) or higher.
• If needed, cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.

Pro Tip: For extra crispy edges, let the steak rest in the hot air fryer basket (turned off) for 2 minutes before serving.

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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Plate the steak and potatoes while hot.
• Sprinkle with a little extra salt or fresh herbs if you’d like.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cut potatoes evenly: Keep the potato cubes roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate and don’t end up under- or overcooked.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give your ingredients space to breathe. Crowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
• Flip halfway through: This helps both the steak and potatoes brown evenly on all sides.
• Use a meat thermometer: Especially helpful if you’re not sure when the steak is done — aim for 145°F for medium.
• Let it rest: Giving the steak a couple of minutes to rest after cooking keeps it juicy and helps lock in the flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Swap cubed steak with sirloin tips or thinly sliced flank steak if you can’t find cubed steak — just adjust cooking time slightly.
• Try sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more colorful twist.
• Add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini during the last 10 minutes of cook time for an all-in-one meal.
• Use Cajun or taco seasoning in place of the Italian blend for a totally different flavor profile.
• Make it cheesy! Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or cheddar over the potatoes in the last 2 minutes for a melty finish.

Serving Suggestions

• With a side of garlic green beans – A quick sauté or air fryer green beans tossed in garlic and olive oil adds a fresh, flavorful veggie.
• Drizzled with gravy or a creamy sauce – A little country-style gravy on the cubed steak? So good, especially when you want extra comfort vibes.
• Paired with a fresh salad – I love serving this with a crisp green salad with cucumbers and vinaigrette—it balances the heartiness perfectly.
• With dipping sauces – Serve alongside ketchup, spicy mayo, or BBQ sauce for dunking both the steak and potatoes.
• Topped with chopped herbs and a squeeze of lemon – A touch of brightness at the end really lifts the dish up, especially if you’re skipping sauces.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store cooled steak and potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer: Pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
• Microwave option: Heat in 30-second bursts, but note the steak and potatoes won’t stay crispy.
• Avoid freezing: The texture of both steak and potatoes can get mushy after thawing, so it’s best eaten fresh or within a few days.
• Keep sauces separate: If you’re using gravy or dips, store those in a separate container to keep things from getting soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen cubed steak in the air fryer?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first for even seasoning and cooking. If you’re in a pinch, add a few extra minutes and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

How do I keep the steak from drying out?

Make sure not to overcook it! Stick to around 10–12 minutes, flip halfway, and let it rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. The olive oil also helps lock in moisture.

Can I make this with sweet potatoes instead?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes are a great alternative and cook up similarly. They’ll add a slightly sweet, earthy flavor that pairs nicely with the savory steak.

What’s the best air fryer for this recipe?

Any basket-style air fryer with at least a 4-quart capacity works great. I personally love the Ninja and Cosori models—they cook evenly and have roomy baskets.

Can I marinate the cubed steak beforehand?

Totally! A quick 30-minute marinade with soy sauce, Worcestershire, and garlic gives it even more flavor. Just pat it dry before air frying so it still gets crispy.

Do I need to flip the steak and potatoes?

Yes—flipping halfway through cooking helps both get that golden, crispy texture. It’s worth the quick pause!

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub_ or use the hashtag #tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!