15 Minute Air Fryer Steak and Mushrooms Restaurant Quality

Imagine biting into a perfectly seared, juicy steak paired with savory, buttery mushrooms—all made in your air fryer in just 15 minutes! Air fryer steak and mushrooms delivers restaurant-quality results without the mess of traditional pan-searing or grilling.

Fun fact: air frying steak creates an incredible crust while keeping the inside tender because the circulating hot air sears every angle simultaneously. This dish is special because it’s ridiculously simple, requires minimal cleanup, and works perfectly for busy weeknights or impressive date-night dinners.

If you loved our air fryer chicken thighs, you’ll be blown away by how the air fryer transforms steak into something extraordinary. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to cook steak—no grill required!

What is Air Fryer Steak and Mushrooms?

Ever wonder why this dish has taken the internet by storm? Air fryer steak and mushrooms is exactly what it sounds like—tender, perfectly cooked steak paired with caramelized mushrooms, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. It’s the lazy chef’s dream come true! Why the sudden obsession?

Because people discovered they could skip the smoke detector drama of stovetop searing and still get that gorgeous crust everyone craves. As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, this recipe is your shortcut straight there. Ready to become the steak master of your household? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Steak and Mushrooms

The Perfect Sear Without the Smoke

Your air fryer creates a beautiful caramelized crust on the steak while keeping the interior juicy and tender. The intense, circulating heat mimics high-temperature restaurant cooking, giving you that coveted steakhouse char. Meanwhile, the mushrooms turn golden and buttery, absorbing all the savory seasonings. No smoke filling your kitchen, no oil splatters to clean up—just pure, delicious simplicity.

Save Money While Eating Like Royalty

Restaurant steaks easily cost $30-50 per person, but you can make this air fryer steak and mushrooms at home for a fraction of the price. Buy quality steaks on sale, and you’re looking at maybe $10-12 per serving for a meal that tastes just as good (if not better) than dining out. Plus, you control exactly what goes into your food—no mystery ingredients or excessive butter.

Flavor-Packed Simplicity

The magic happens with minimal ingredients: quality steak, fresh mushrooms, garlic, butter, and simple seasonings. The air fryer intensifies these flavors, creating layers of taste you’d never expect from such a straightforward recipe. Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, and suddenly you’ve elevated this from weeknight dinner to dinner party showstopper. If you enjoyed our air fryer salmon, you’ll appreciate how the air fryer brings out natural flavors without overwhelming them. Ready to impress yourself (and everyone else)? Let’s make this happen!

How to Make Air Fryer Steak and Mushrooms

Quick Overview

This air fryer steak and mushrooms recipe is surprisingly simple and delivers incredible results. The air fryer does most of the work, creating a perfect crust while keeping your steak juicy. Rich, buttery mushrooms complement the meat beautifully.

Time Breakdown:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Steak and Mushrooms

For the Steak:

2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (8-10 oz each, about 1 inch thick)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme

For the Mushrooms:

8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

How do you prepare the steak for air frying?

Start by removing your steaks from the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking. This allows them to reach room temperature, which helps them cook more evenly. Pat the steaks completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for getting that beautiful crust. Any moisture on the surface will steam instead of sear.

In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, sea salt, and dried herbs. Mix well to create your seasoning blend. Brush both sides of each steak with olive oil, making sure to coat them evenly. The oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning.

Generously season both sides of the steaks with your spice mixture. Don’t be shy—press the seasonings into the meat so they adhere properly. Let the seasoned steaks sit for about 5 minutes while you preheat your air fryer.

How do you cook steak in the air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures your air fryer is hot enough to create that immediate sear when the steak hits the basket. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching or overlapping. If your steaks are thick, you might need to cook them one at a time.

Cook the steaks for 5-6 minutes on the first side without opening the air fryer. This initial sear is critical for developing flavor and texture. After 5-6 minutes, carefully flip the steaks using tongs. Cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness.

For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. For medium, cook to 135-145°F. For medium-well, target 145-155°F. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak to check. Remember, the steak will continue cooking slightly as it rests.

How do you make the mushrooms?

While the steak cooks (or after if your air fryer is small), prepare the mushrooms. In a bowl, toss the sliced mushrooms with melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Make sure every mushroom slice is coated.

Transfer the mushrooms to the air fryer basket or a small air fryer-safe pan. If you cooked your steak first, reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Cook the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should be golden brown and tender with slightly crispy edges.

Once done, toss the mushrooms with fresh chopped parsley. The residual heat will release the herb’s aroma, adding a fresh finish to the dish.

How do you rest and serve the steak?

This step is non-negotiable! Once your steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5 minutes minimum. During this time, the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.

If you cut into the steak immediately, all those precious juices will run out onto your cutting board instead of staying in the meat. Trust the process—those 5 minutes make all the difference between a good steak and an exceptional one.

After resting, you can slice the steak against the grain or serve it whole. Top with the buttery garlic mushrooms and serve immediately while everything is hot and delicious.

What to Serve Air Fryer Steak and Mushrooms With

This hearty main course pairs beautifully with various sides that complement the rich, savory flavors:

Classic Steakhouse Sides:

Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter smashed potatoes
Air fryer roasted asparagus or green beans
Caesar salad with homemade croutons
Loaded baked potatoes or air fryer potato wedges

Lighter Options:

Arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette and shaved parmesan
Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
Grilled or roasted vegetables medley
Cauliflower mash for a low-carb alternative

Carb-Lovers’ Choices:

Buttery dinner rolls or garlic bread
Creamy polenta or risotto
Mac and cheese (because why not?)
Air fryer sweet potato fries

Beverage Pairings: For wine lovers, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complements the rich beef perfectly. Prefer beer? Try a malty amber ale or stout. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon or a robust iced tea.

Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Steak and Mushrooms

How do you choose the best steak?

Select steaks that are at least 1 inch thick—thinner cuts cook too quickly and can become tough. Look for good marbling (those white fat streaks throughout the meat), which adds flavor and keeps the steak juicy. Ribeye, New York strip, and sirloin work best in the air fryer. Avoid very thick cuts (over 1.5 inches) as they may not cook evenly.

Should you let steak come to room temperature?

Absolutely! Cold steak straight from the fridge cooks unevenly—the outside overcooks while the inside stays too rare. Let your steak sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking. This simple step ensures more consistent doneness throughout.

How do you prevent steak from drying out?

Pat the steak completely dry before seasoning, but do brush it with oil. The oil creates a barrier that helps retain moisture while promoting browning. Don’t overcook—use a meat thermometer rather than guessing. Always let the steak rest after cooking to lock in those juices.

Can you cook frozen steak in the air fryer?

While you can, I don’t recommend it for best results. Frozen steak won’t develop the same crust and often cooks unevenly. If you must cook from frozen, add 5-7 minutes to the cooking time and expect a less impressive sear. For optimal results, always thaw your steak in the refrigerator overnight.

How do you avoid overcooking?

Invest in an instant-read meat thermometer—it’s your best friend for perfect steak. Start checking the temperature 2 minutes before the minimum cooking time ends. Remember that steak continues cooking during the resting period (called carryover cooking), so remove it from the air fryer when it’s 5 degrees below your target temperature.

What if your mushrooms release too much water?

Mushrooms naturally contain lots of moisture. To prevent sogginess, don’t overcrowd them in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed. Also, don’t add salt until after cooking, as salt draws out moisture. If they seem watery, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.

Can you add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini all work beautifully. Just remember that different vegetables have different cooking times. Add harder vegetables like potatoes earlier, and delicate ones like tomatoes in the last few minutes.

Storing and Reheating Tips

How do you store leftover steak and mushrooms?

Let the steak and mushrooms cool to room temperature, but don’t leave them out for more than 2 hours. Store the steak and mushrooms separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the mushrooms from making the steak soggy. Properly stored, both will last 3-4 days in the fridge.

For longer storage, wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze mushrooms in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label everything with the date so you remember when you made it.

What’s the best way to reheat steak?

Never microwave steak unless you enjoy rubbery, gray meat! Instead, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the steak in the basket and heat for 3-4 minutes, just until warmed through. You want to warm it, not cook it further, or it will become tough and dry.

Alternatively, let the steak come to room temperature, then sear it quickly in a hot skillet for 1 minute per side. This reheats it while adding a fresh crust. For sliced steak, warm it gently in a covered skillet with a splash of beef broth.

Can you reheat mushrooms in the air fryer?

Yes! Reheat mushrooms at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They may lose some of their original texture but will still taste delicious. Add a small pat of butter before reheating to refresh their flavor.

How do you prevent reheated steak from drying out?

The key is gentle, quick reheating. Never bring steak above its original cooking temperature. Brush it lightly with butter or olive oil before reheating to add moisture. If using the air fryer, check it after just 2 minutes—you might be surprised how quickly it warms up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I cook steak in the air fryer?

Cook steak at 400°F (200°C) for best results. This high temperature creates a beautiful crust while keeping the interior juicy. For thicker cuts over 1.5 inches, you might start at 400°F to sear, then reduce to 375°F to finish cooking through.

How long does it take to cook steak in an air fryer?

For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10-12 minutes total at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Cooking time varies based on thickness and desired doneness. Medium-rare takes about 10 minutes, medium needs 11-12 minutes, and medium-well requires 13-14 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to be sure.

Do I need to flip steak in the air fryer?

Yes, flipping ensures even cooking on both sides. Flip the steak exactly once, halfway through cooking time. Use tongs rather than a fork to avoid piercing the meat and losing those precious juices.

Can I cook steak and mushrooms together in the air fryer?

It depends on your air fryer size. If you have a large basket with room for both without crowding, you can cook them together. However, mushrooms cook faster than steak, so add them during the last 5-7 minutes of the steak’s cooking time. For best results, cook them separately.

Why is my air fryer steak tough?

Common causes include overcooking, not letting the steak rest before cutting, or using a lean cut without enough marbling. Always use a meat thermometer, let it rest 5 minutes after cooking, and choose well-marbled cuts like ribeye. Also, make sure your steak isn’t too cold when it goes into the air fryer.

How do I know when my steak is done without a thermometer?

While a thermometer is most accurate, you can use the finger test. Touch your thumb to your index finger—the fleshy part below your thumb feels like rare steak. Thumb to middle finger = medium-rare. Thumb to ring finger = medium. Thumb to pinky = well-done. Press the steak and compare the resistance.

Can I marinate the steak before air frying?

Yes, but pat the steak dry before cooking. Excess marinade can cause smoking and prevent proper browning. Marinate for 2-8 hours in the refrigerator, then remove, pat dry, and let come to room temperature before cooking. Oil-based marinades work better than watery ones.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Yes! Preheating for 3-5 minutes ensures the air fryer reaches the proper temperature for immediate searing. This creates that restaurant-quality crust. A preheated air fryer also cooks more evenly and predictably.

What’s the best cut of steak for air frying?

Ribeye is the most forgiving and flavorful due to its marbling. New York strip offers great flavor with less fat. Sirloin is leaner and more budget-friendly. Filet mignon works beautifully but costs more. Avoid very thin cuts under 3/4 inch—they overcook easily.

Can I use frozen mushrooms?

Fresh mushrooms work best for texture and flavor. Frozen mushrooms release too much water and become mushy in the air fryer. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely, pat very dry, and expect a softer texture. Fresh is always worth it for this recipe.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 steak + mushrooms)
Calories	520
Protein	48g
Fat	34g
Saturated Fat	13g
Carbohydrates	6g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	3g
Cholesterol	155mg
Sodium	680mg
Potassium	920mg
Iron	4.5mg

Nutritional values are approximate and based on an 8oz ribeye steak with mushrooms. Values may vary based on specific cuts and ingredients used.

Bonus: Flavor Variations to Try

Herb Butter Topping: Mix softened butter with fresh rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic. Place a dollop on hot steak after cooking for extra richness.

Peppercorn Crusted: Press crushed black, pink, and green peppercorns onto the steak before cooking for a classic steakhouse flavor.

Asian-Inspired: Season with ginger, five-spice powder, and soy sauce. Top with sesame seeds and scallions.

Mediterranean Style: Use oregano, lemon zest, and crumbled feta cheese. Serve with kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes.

Spicy Cajun: Season with cayenne, paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Top with a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Ready to transform your dinner routine? This air fryer steak and mushrooms recipe proves you don’t need a grill or fancy equipment to make restaurant-quality food at home. The air fryer does the heavy lifting while you enjoy tender, flavorful steak with golden, buttery mushrooms. Whether it’s a special occasion or Tuesday night, this recipe delivers every single time. Give it a try tonight—your taste buds will thank you!