These tasty Cajun butter steak bites with mushrooms are a quick and flavorful meal! The air fryer makes them crispy and juicy without all the fuss of frying.
Who doesn’t love steak that cooks in a flash? I love pairing them with a side salad or some rice. It’s like a mini feast in no time—my family can never get enough of these! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: I recommend using sirloin or flank steak for this recipe. Both cuts are tender and flavorsome. If you’re after a leaner option, try tenderloin or even chicken breast for a different twist.
Mushrooms: Cremini are my favorite for their rich flavor, but you can totally use button mushrooms or even portobellos if you want a meatier texture. If you’re not a mushroom fan, feel free to skip them or substitute with bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch.
Cajun Seasoning: The key to that spicy kick! If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, use a mix of paprika, cayenne, and dried herbs like oregano or thyme for a similar effect. If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne or use Italian seasoning instead.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the way to go, as it lets you control saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, olive oil or a vegan butter substitute works just fine too!
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Steak Bites?
Cooking steak bites in an air fryer is quick and easy, but you need to watch the timing for the best results. Here’s how to manage it:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking.
- Marinate the steak for at least 15 minutes, but don’t go longer than 1 hour to avoid tough meat from the acid.
- Cook in a single layer in the basket to allow the hot air to circulate around every bite. If you overfill the basket, some pieces may be undercooked.
- Check the doneness around the 8-minute mark. Use a meat thermometer if you can; aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
Shaking the basket halfway through not only mixes things up but also boosts the cooking process. Enjoy those flavorful bites these little tips bring!
How to Make Air Fryer Cajun Butter Steak Bites with Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 pound steak (sirloin or flank steak), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 15 minutes marinating the steak and mushrooms, and then about 10 minutes cooking them in the air fryer. It’s quick and super tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This helps the steak bites cook evenly and get a nice, tasty sear.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it well until everything is nicely mixed into a flavorful marinade. This will add a great kick to your steak bites!
3. Marinate the Steak:
Add the bite-sized steak pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Toss them around until all the steak is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up the delicious flavors.
4. Add the Mushrooms:
After the steak has marinated, gently add the sliced mushrooms to the bowl. Carefully mix them in with the steak, ensuring they are also coated in the marinade. Mushrooms love these flavors too!
5. Air Fry the Steak and Mushrooms:
Place the steak bites and mushrooms in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket; if you have a lot, it’s best to cook them in batches. This way, everything will cook evenly.
6. Cooking Time:
Cook the steak bites and mushrooms in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes. Halfway through cooking, give the basket a shake to ensure even cooking. The steak is done when it reaches your desired level of doneness—check and adjust cooking time as needed!
7. Serve the Dish:
Once cooked, carefully remove the steak bites and mushrooms from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. They will be hot, so be cautious!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them hot and enjoy your fabulous Air Fryer Cajun Butter Steak Bites with Mushrooms!
Can I Use a Different Type of Steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak work great, you can use other cuts like ribeye or tenderloin. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly based on the thickness of the steak pieces.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own Cajun seasoning by mixing equal parts paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and thyme. Adjust the spices to your heat preference. Alternatively, use another seasoning blend you love!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through, ensuring the steak bites stay juicy!
Can I Add Vegetables or Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the mushrooms for even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the type and amount of veggies you add.
