Cajun Butter Steak Bites with Mushrooms: Big Flavor in Every Bite
These Cajun Butter Steak Bites with Mushrooms are packed with juicy tenderness, bold spice, and buttery goodness in every bite. Perfect for weeknights or weekend feasting, this easy air-fryer recipe delivers steakhouse-level flavor with minimal cleanup and effort.
The Cajun seasoning blend adds just the right kick, while the sizzling mushrooms soak up every drop of that seasoned butter. Whether you serve them with mashed potatoes, rice, or straight from the pan, they’re bound to be a favorite.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is the kind of recipe I keep in my back pocket for when I want maximum flavor without firing up the grill or dirtying a bunch of pans. It’s fast, hearty, and packs that irresistible Southern flair.
Plus, the air fryer keeps everything tender inside and caramelized outside, and the butter finish takes it straight into comfort food territory.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef tenderloin, cut into 1½ x 1-inch pieces
- ½ tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 3½ tablespoons oil (vegetable, avocado, or canola)
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2½ tablespoons butter, for tossing
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped parsley
- Extra Creole seasoning
- Squeeze of lemon for brightness
- Crushed red pepper for extra heat
Directions
1. Whisk the Spice Mix
In a small bowl, combine Creole seasoning, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
2. Prep the Meat and Mushrooms
Cut the beef tenderloin into bite-sized pieces (about 1½ x 1-inch each). In a large bowl, combine the beef, sliced mushrooms, seasoning blend, and 2½ tablespoons oil. Toss to coat well.
3. Marinate
Cover and refrigerate for 30–90 minutes to let those flavors soak in.
4. Air Fry in Batches
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry each batch for 8 minutes, shaking halfway through, or until cooked to your liking.
5. Toss in Butter
Immediately toss the hot steak and mushrooms in 2½ tablespoons of butter. Taste and season with additional salt or Creole seasoning if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use tender cuts: Beef tenderloin is buttery soft, but sirloin or ribeye also work well.
- Don’t skip the marinade time: Even 30 minutes makes a difference for flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding: Air fry in batches to ensure proper browning and even cooking.
- Serve hot: These are best right out of the air fryer while the butter is still melting into every nook.
Serving Suggestions
These steak bites pair beautifully with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy grits
- Steamed rice or dirty rice
- A side of sautéed greens or roasted vegetables
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo for a full Louisiana-inspired meal
- A cold beer or glass of red wine for the ultimate pairing
More Recipes You Will Love
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- How I Turned a Classic Sandwich Into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
Final Thoughts
These Cajun Butter Steak Bites with Mushrooms are the kind of dish you can whip up on a whim, but they taste like something you’d get at a Southern steakhouse. With rich umami from the mushrooms, spice from the Cajun seasoning, and melt-in-your-mouth beef, they’re total flavor bombs in every bite.
Serve them for dinner, snacks, or even as a party appetizer — just don’t be surprised when they disappear fast.
Let me know how spicy you went and what sides you paired them with! Follow along for more easy dinner wins, one-pan recipes, and bold Southern-inspired flavors.
— Jason Griffith, ChefManiac.com
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