If you’re searching for a quick, flavorful, and impressive appetizer or meal, these Air Fryer Honey Garlic Steak Sweet Pepper Bites are a must-try. Tender cubes of steak are tossed in a sticky honey garlic glaze and paired with colorful sweet peppers for a perfectly balanced bite — savory, sweet, and just a little smoky from the air fryer. I made these the first time as a party snack, and they disappeared before I could even plate the second batch. They’re effortless to prepare yet taste like something straight off a restaurant menu. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, over rice, or skewered for game night, these bites will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These steak and pepper bites bring together everything great about air fryer cooking — quick, crispy edges with juicy, tender centers. The honey garlic glaze caramelizes beautifully, coating each bite in sticky-sweet, garlicky goodness. The sweet peppers add vibrant color and a hint of natural sweetness that complements the savory steak perfectly. Best of all, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
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Air Fryer Honey Garlic Steak Sweet Pepper Bites
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Air Fryer Honey Garlic Steak Sweet Pepper Bites are juicy, caramelized, and bursting with flavor. Tender chunks of steak are tossed with colorful sweet peppers and coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze — all cooked perfectly crisp in the air fryer for a quick and delicious meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups sweet mini bell peppers, sliced into chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil (if using), black pepper, and red pepper flakes to make the marinade.
- Add steak cubes to the bowl, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 20–30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place steak cubes and sweet pepper chunks in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until steak is browned and peppers are slightly charred.
- For a sticky glaze, transfer the cooked bites to a pan, pour in remaining marinade, and simmer for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Toss everything together, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ribeye or New York strip steak for extra tenderness.
- Adjust honey for desired sweetness.
- Great served over rice, noodles, or as a high-protein snack.
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 mins (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Course / Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank)
The star of the dish — tender, flavorful cuts that cook beautifully in the air fryer. Cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
Sweet mini peppers
Bright, colorful, and naturally sweet, they balance the richness of the steak and caramelize beautifully in the air fryer.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic infuses the glaze with bold, aromatic flavor.
Honey
Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, sticky coating on the steak bites.
Soy sauce
Brings salty umami depth that complements the sweetness of the honey.
Olive oil
Used to coat the steak and peppers before cooking, ensuring they crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.
Black pepper
Adds a subtle kick and enhances the steak’s natural flavor.
Salt
Essential for seasoning and balance.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For a little heat to balance the sweet glaze.
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional garnish)
Add texture, color, and a touch of freshness to finish the dish.
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the steak: Add the steak cubes to the mixture and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while preparing the peppers.
- Prepare the peppers: Cut the sweet mini peppers into bite-sized pieces or rings. Lightly toss them with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Assemble: Place the marinated steak bites and peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
- Cook: Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the steak is browned and cooked to your desired doneness and the peppers are slightly charred.
- Thicken the glaze (optional): While the steak cooks, simmer any leftover marinade in a small saucepan for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Toss the cooked bites in this glaze before serving.
- Serve: Transfer to a plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and enjoy immediately.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2–4 servings, depending on portion size.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the steak tough.
Variations and Customizations
Teriyaki-Style Steak Bites
Swap honey and soy sauce for teriyaki sauce and garnish with sesame seeds for a classic Asian-inspired flavor.
Spicy Honey Garlic Version
Add sriracha or chili paste to the glaze for a sweet and spicy combination.
Garlic Butter Glaze
Skip the honey and toss cooked steak bites in melted garlic butter for a rich, savory twist.
Sweet and Smoky BBQ Bites
Replace soy sauce with BBQ sauce and add a dash of smoked paprika for smoky depth.
Vegetarian Option
Use cubed tofu or tempeh in place of steak for a plant-based alternative that still shines in the honey garlic glaze.
Skewered Presentation
Thread steak and pepper pieces onto skewers before air frying for a fun party-style serving option.
Asian Fusion Touch
Add a splash of rice vinegar and a drizzle of sesame oil to the glaze for tangy balance.
FAQs
What kind of steak works best?
Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak all work beautifully — choose a tender cut that cooks quickly.
Do I need to marinate the steak?
A short marination helps infuse flavor, but if you’re in a rush, even 5 minutes makes a difference.
Can I use bell peppers instead of mini sweet peppers?
Yes, any color of bell pepper works — just cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes, cook the steak and peppers in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for about 6–8 minutes.
How do I prevent the steak from drying out?
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket and avoid overcooking — aim for medium to medium-well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
Can I add onions or other veggies?
Absolutely — red onions, zucchini, or mushrooms pair perfectly with the honey garlic glaze.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to maintain crispness and even cooking.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the honey garlic sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What can I serve these with?
Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Steak Sweet Pepper Bites are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tender — a quick yet impressive dish that works for any occasion. The caramelized honey garlic glaze clings to each juicy bite of steak, while the sweet peppers add freshness and color. It’s fast, easy, and utterly satisfying — proof that big flavor doesn’t have to take hours in the kitchen. Once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat for weeknights, parties, and everything in between.
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