How to Cook Steak and Potatoes Together in an Air Fryer

The key is the timing gap between potatoes (18–22 min) and steak (10–14 min for medium-rare to medium). The gap is approximately 8–10 minutes. Method: preheat to 400°F. Place oiled, seasoned potato halves cut-side down in the basket. Cook for 9 minutes. Pause, push potatoes to the sides, place the steak in the center. Continue at 400°F. Flip steak at 5–6 minutes into its cook time (14–15 minutes total). Check steak temperature (130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium); check potato tenderness with a fork. Both should be done at around 20–24 minutes total from start.

Potatoes: use baby potatoes halved, or Yukon Gold cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss in 1 tsp oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional rosemary. Steak: choose 1–1.5 inch ribeye or New York strip. Pat dry, coat lightly in oil, season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The complementary seasoning creates a cohesive flavor when they share the basket. For extra flavor, add 3–4 whole garlic cloves to the basket at the start — they will roast alongside the potatoes and can be squeezed over the steak after cooking.

If you want to avoid the stagger complexity: microwave potato cubes (1-inch) for 4–5 minutes in a covered microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water — they will be partially cooked but firm. Then place potatoes and steak in the air fryer simultaneously at 400°F. Both will need 12–16 minutes from this point. Shake potatoes at 8 minutes; flip steak at 7 minutes. This produces slightly less-crispy potato exteriors than the pure air fry method but is simpler and reduces total time to under 20 minutes.

Always rest steak for 3–5 minutes before slicing — this is non-negotiable for juicy results. Use the rest time to check and shake the potatoes one last time at a high temperature (425°F for 2–3 minutes) for maximum crispiness. Plate together: the potatoes' starch and the steak's resting juices pair naturally. A compound butter (herb butter or garlic butter) melted on the resting steak adds an excellent finishing note that also flavors the potato when plated together.

Can you cook steak and potatoes together in an air fryer?

Yes, with a staggered start. Baby potatoes or potato cubes take 18–22 minutes at 400°F; a 1-inch steak takes 10–14 minutes at 400°F. Start the potatoes first for 8–10 minutes, then add the steak. Both will finish around the same time. Alternatively, par-boil potatoes for 8 minutes before placing in the air fryer — they then cook in 12–15 minutes alongside the steak. Toss potatoes in oil and season both before cooking.