Air Fryer Steak Bites and Mushrooms
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) sirloin steak, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, cleaned and quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the steak bites, mushrooms, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure even coating.
- Place the steak and mushroom mixture in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is not large enough to hold everything in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook the steak and mushrooms in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the mixture halfway through. This will ensure even cooking and browning.
- Check the steak for doneness. The cooking time might vary depending on your air fryer’s model and the size of the steak bites. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare steak, aim for around 135°F (57°C), and for medium, aim for around 145°F (63°C).
- Once the steak is cooked to your preferred doneness, carefully remove the air fryer basket. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the steak and mushroom mixture.
- Serve the air-fried steak bites and mushrooms hot as a delicious low-carb snack or with a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes:
- Ensure that your air fryer is preheated before placing the steak and mushrooms in it. Preheating helps achieve better cooking results and browning.
- You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Feel free to add other herbs and spices that you enjoy.
- If you prefer your steak more well-done, you can cook it for a few minutes longer, but be careful not to overcook it to maintain its tenderness.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and thickness of the steak bites. It’s a good idea to check for doneness by using a meat thermometer.
- You can also customize this recipe by adding some diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and variety.
Enjoy your delicious and low-carb air fryer steak bites and mushrooms!
Air Fryer Steak Bites and Mushrooms – Tips and Variations
Tips:
- Choosing the Right Steak: While the recipe suggests using sirloin steak, you can also use other cuts like ribeye, tenderloin, or New York strip. Just make sure to trim off excess fat to prevent excessive smoke in the air fryer.
- Even Sizing: Try to cut the steak into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly and at the same rate.
- Marinating: If you have time, you can marinate the steak bites before cooking. A simple marinade with olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and your favorite herbs and spices can add extra flavor.
- Preventing Overcrowding: If your air fryer is smaller, cook the steak and mushrooms in batches. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking.
- Shaking or Stirring: Shake the air fryer basket or stir the steak and mushrooms halfway through the cooking time. This promotes even cooking and browning on all sides.
- Checking Doneness: The suggested internal temperatures for medium-rare and medium steak are just guidelines. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferences. A meat thermometer is a handy tool to ensure your steak reaches the desired level of doneness.
Variations:
- Sauce Variation: After cooking, you can drizzle the steak and mushrooms with a balsamic glaze, garlic butter sauce, or a creamy mushroom sauce for added flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mixture.
- Cheesy Finish: In the last couple of minutes of cooking, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or melted mozzarella over the steak and mushrooms for a cheesy twist.
- Herb Swap: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different dried herbs. Thyme and rosemary are great choices, but oregano, basil, or even a pinch of dried chili flakes can create a unique flavor profile.
- Veggie Mix: Along with mushrooms, try adding other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and texture.
- Steak Salad: Use the air-fried steak and mushrooms as a topping for a fresh green salad. Add some crumbled feta or blue cheese and your favorite dressing for a satisfying meal.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and tailoring recipes to your taste. Feel free to adapt the recipe and make it your own by incorporating your favorite flavors and ingredients. Enjoy your culinary adventure with the air fryer!
