Classic Air Fryer Steak & Mashed Potatoes

Here’s a Classic Steak and Mashed Potatoes recipe fully adapted for the air fryer, complete with timing, temperature, and preparation steps. This meal brings juicy steak and creamy mashed potatoes together—comfort food at its finest.

Servings: 2

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Steak:

2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (1 to 1½ inches thick)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

3 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 tbsp butter

¼ cup milk (warm) or cream for richer mash

Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional: 2 cloves roasted garlic or ¼ cup shredded cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes (Start First)

Since air fryers don’t boil, we’ll cook the potatoes in the air fryer like a baked potato method, then mash them.

Preheat Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in an air fryer-safe baking dish (or wrap in foil with a few holes poked).

Spray or brush with olive oil lightly and season with salt.

Air fry for 20–22 minutes, shaking halfway, until fork-tender.

Remove and immediately mash with butter, warm milk, and seasoning. Add roasted garlic or cheese if desired.

Prepare the Steak (While Potatoes Cook)

Pat steaks dry with paper towels.

Brush with olive oil on both sides.

Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Optional: Add fresh rosemary or thyme on top.

Air Fry the Steak

After potatoes are done, lower temp to 400°F (200°C).

Place steaks in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap.

Cook according to your preferred doneness:

Rare: 7–8 minutes (flip halfway)

Medium-rare: 9–10 minutes

Medium: 11–12 minutes

Well-done: 13–14 minutes

Let rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep juices in.

 To Serve

Spoon mashed potatoes onto a plate.

Slice steak and place alongside or on top.

Optional: Drizzle with garlic butter or sprinkle chopped parsley.

 Pro Tips

Use a meat thermometer:

Rare: 125°F

Medium-rare: 130–135°F

Medium: 140–145°F

Well-done: 150°F+

Add steamed greens or roasted veggies for a complete meal (can air fry alongside potatoes if room allows).

Use foil or a small baking dish in the air fryer for the potatoes to prevent sticking.