I still remember the first time I discovered the magic of air frying, and it wasn’t in my kitchen—it was during a family trip to a small lakeside cabin nestled in the heart of Michigan. The place had a tiny kitchenette and a modest selection of gadgets, including a brand-new air fryer, which neither my family nor I had ever used before. With limited supplies and an appetite sparked by a day full of fishing and swimming, I decided to give it a try. The stars of the dinner that night were some simple steak bites and mushrooms we had on hand. As I prepped, a little unsure about how the meal would turn out, my daughter sat nearby, watching with curiosity. She asked me all sorts of questions about the “weird little machine” and how it could possibly cook food with air.
To my amazement, the air fryer didn’t just cook the meal—it transformed it. The steak came out tender, with a perfectly seared crust, while the mushrooms retained their earthy bite, absorbing all the savory goodness of the seasoning. I drizzled a bit of melted butter over the top and added a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat. We sat together at the small cabin table, the cool evening breeze coming in through the windows, and dug into the meal. The steak bites were juicy, the mushrooms full of flavor, and the simplicity of the whole experience made it one of those unforgettable dinners where everything just clicked.
Since that evening, this recipe for Air Fryer Steak Bites & Mushrooms has become a staple in our home. It’s a dish that not only brings back memories of that cozy cabin but also serves as a reminder of how a few basic ingredients, when treated right, can turn into something extraordinary. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make, requiring minimal prep and cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want to whip up something quick but special. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining guests, this dish delivers on flavor without the fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see how an air fryer can transform your kitchen, too.
How to Make Air Fryed Steak Bites & Mushrooms
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Ingredients
- 1 lb. steak (cut into 1” cubes and dried)
- 8 oz. mushrooms (cleaned, washed, and sliced in half)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or oil)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Minced parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: melted butter (for finishing)
- Optional: chili flakes (for finishing)
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the steak cubes and mushrooms, ensuring they are cut uniformly for even cooking. Drizzle with melted butter, then season with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 4 minutes. This helps achieve a proper sear on the steak bites.
- Arrange the steak and mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 10-18 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the ingredients every few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Check the steak for your preferred doneness. If you prefer it more well-cooked, add 2-5 minutes to the cooking time.
- For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with freshly minced parsley. Optionally, drizzle with additional melted butter and sprinkle with chili flakes. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve hot.
Storing Suggestion
Leftover steak bites and mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through to retain the crispness.
Cooking Tips
For best results, use a cut of steak like ribeye or sirloin, which will stay tender and juicy. To enhance the flavors, you can marinate the steak cubes in the Worcestershire sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking. You can also add a touch of soy sauce for extra umami.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these steak bites with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used as substitutes. You can also swap butter for olive oil for a lighter version. For added heat, use smoked paprika or cayenne instead of chili flakes.
Seasonal Variations
During fall, you can replace the mushrooms with seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or Brussels sprouts. In spring, add asparagus or baby potatoes to the mix for a fresh, vibrant twist.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy in the form of butter. If you’re dairy-sensitive or vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil. The Worcestershire sauce may also contain anchovies, so use a vegan version if needed.
FAQ:
Can I cook the steak bites to medium or well-done?
Yes, you can adjust the cooking time based on your preferred doneness. For medium, aim for around 12-14 minutes, and for well-done, cook for up to 18 minutes or add a few extra minutes as needed.
What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Button or cremini mushrooms are ideal for this recipe as they hold their texture well during air frying, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
How do I prevent the steak bites from drying out?
To prevent the steak from drying out, avoid overcooking, and make sure to shake or flip the ingredients during cooking to evenly distribute heat. Adding melted butter at the end also helps lock in moisture.
Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed steak for even cooking. If using frozen steak, ensure it is fully thawed before starting the recipe.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat the steak bites without losing their crispiness, use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, you can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for more variety.
Air Fryer Steak Bites & Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 1 lb. steak cut into 1” cubes and dried
- 8 oz. mushrooms cleaned, washed, and sliced in half
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Minced parsley for garnish
- Optional melted butter for finishing
- Optional chili flakes for finishing
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the steak cubes and mushrooms, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Coat with melted butter, then season with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F for 4 minutes to ensure a good sear on the steak.
- Place the seasoned steak and mushrooms into the air fryer basket or on the rack, spreading them out in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 10-18 minutes, shaking and flipping the ingredients about 3 times during the cooking process. The exact time may vary depending on the steak's thickness and desired doneness.
- Check the steak's doneness and adjust the cooking time if you prefer it more well-done by adding 2-5 extra minutes.
- (Optional) Garnish with minced parsley and drizzle with optional melted butter and/or chili flakes. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm.
