I made these on a weeknight when I needed something quick but still packed with flavor. I had a few colorful sweet peppers in the fridge and some steak tips thawed and ready to go—and that’s when the idea hit. Toss them in a quick honey garlic marinade and pop them into the air fryer? Yes, please.
The result was better than I imagined. The steak came out tender and juicy, with that irresistible sweet and savory glaze, and the peppers? Perfectly roasted with just the right amount of char. It’s one of those recipes that looks fancy but is secretly super easy—and now it’s a regular on our dinner rotation.
Short Description
These Air Fryer Honey Garlic Steak Sweet Pepper Bites are a quick and flavorful dish featuring juicy steak and roasted sweet peppers coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or main course!
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1½ cups sweet mini peppers, sliced into rings or chunks
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
Tools Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Tongs
- Small saucepan (optional for thickening sauce)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Set aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Add the steak cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes (or longer if you have time).
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Steak & Peppers
Toss the sweet pepper pieces into the bowl with the marinated steak. Mix well. Arrange everything in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if needed).
Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the steak is browned and the peppers are slightly charred.
Step 5: Optional Sauce Glaze
If you’d like a thicker glaze, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Heat until bubbling, then stir in 1 tsp of cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until thickened, then drizzle over the cooked bites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
- Sweet & Savory – That honey garlic glaze is next-level.
- Perfect Texture – Juicy steak and tender, roasted peppers.
- Versatile – Great as an appetizer, party snack, or dinner over rice or noodles.
Tips & Variations
- Swap the Protein – Chicken or shrimp work great too!
- Make it Low-Sodium – Use low-sodium soy sauce.
- More Veggies – Add zucchini, mushrooms, or onions for more variety.
- Spice It Up – Add sriracha or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or until warmed through.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked bites for up to a month. Reheat straight from frozen.
FAQs
Can I use frozen steak?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating for best results.
Can I cook this without an air fryer?
Definitely! Sauté in a hot skillet or roast on a baking sheet at 425°F for about 15 minutes.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the steak and peppers a day in advance and cook them when ready.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Honey Garlic Steak Sweet Pepper Bites are everything I love in a dish—bold flavor, quick prep, and minimal cleanup. They’re perfect when you want something fun and satisfying without fussing over the stove. Whether you’re making them for guests, game night, or just a lazy dinner at home, this recipe will hit the spot every time.