Air Fryer Garlic Steak and Potato Foil Packets
These garlic steak and potato foil packets are a quick and delicious meal, perfect for the air fryer. The juicy steak, tender potatoes, and flavorful garlic blend together to create a savory meal that’s simple to prepare and cook. Plus, the foil packets make cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless ribeye steaks (or your preferred cut of steak, about 6 oz each)
- 4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh rosemary if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Aluminum foil (enough for wrapping 2 packets)
Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Steak: Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
- Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes (optional). Slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If you want smaller bites, you can also cube them.
- Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Prepare the Foil Packets:
- Cut two large pieces of aluminum foil, each about 12-14 inches long.
- On each piece of foil, place half of the sliced potatoes. Drizzle each portion with half of the garlic butter mixture, ensuring the potatoes are well-coated.
- Place one steak on top of the potatoes in each foil packet.
- Seal the Packets:
- Fold the edges of the foil over the potatoes and steak, creating a tight packet. Be sure to seal the edges well to keep the steam inside, which helps cook everything evenly.
- Air Fry the Packets:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the foil packets into the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping the packets halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and potato slices. You can check for doneness by carefully opening one packet and using a meat thermometer. The steak should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or higher for your desired level of doneness.
- Finishing Touches:
- Once cooked, carefully remove the foil packets from the air fryer (they’ll be hot, so use tongs or oven mitts).
- Open the foil packets carefully, being cautious of the steam that will escape.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve the steak and potatoes directly from the foil packets, or transfer everything onto a plate. Enjoy the juicy steak with the garlic-infused potatoes!
Tips for Success:
- Steak Thickness: Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your steaks. Thicker steaks will need a bit more time, while thinner ones may cook quicker.
- Potato Slices: Make sure the potato slices are evenly cut so they cook evenly. If your slices are thicker, they may need a little extra time to become tender.
- Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce to the steak and potatoes for an added burst of flavor.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the packets for a more well-rounded meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q/A):
Q1: Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?
- A: Fresh potatoes work best for this recipe because they cook faster and more evenly. Frozen potatoes might not hold up as well in the air fryer and can become mushy, so it’s recommended to use fresh potatoes.
Q2: How do I know if my steak is cooked to the right temperature?
- A: The best way to check if your steak is cooked to your desired doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Here are the internal temperatures for steak doneness:
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Medium-well: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
- Well done: 160°F (71°C) or higher
Q3: Can I use another type of meat instead of steak?
- A: Yes! You can easily swap out steak for chicken breasts, pork chops, or fish fillets. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you use. For example, chicken may need a few more minutes, while fish fillets will cook faster.
Q4: Can I make the foil packets ahead of time?
- A: Yes! You can prepare the foil packets up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. Just pop them in the air fryer when you’re ready for a quick and easy dinner.
Q5: Can I cook more than two packets at once in the air fryer?
- A: It depends on the size of your air fryer. You don’t want to overcrowd the basket, as the hot air needs to circulate around the packets for even cooking. If your air fryer is large enough, you can cook multiple packets in batches, but make sure they aren’t stacked on top of each other.
Q6: What can I serve with this recipe?
- A: This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or a serving of rice or bread to round out the meal.
Conclusion:
These Air Fryer Garlic Steak and Potato Foil Packets are a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that combines juicy steak and tender potatoes, all infused with the delicious aroma of garlic and herbs. The foil packets make cleanup a breeze, and the air fryer ensures everything cooks quickly and evenly. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy!