🥩 Air Fryer Honey Garlic Steak Sweet Pepper Bites
✨ Description
Tender chunks of marinated flank steak are air-fried to juicy perfection alongside sweet mini bell peppers, then tossed in a sticky honey garlic glaze. These protein-packed bites are perfect as a quick appetizer, game day snack, or even served over rice for a full meal. Packed with bold flavor and cooked in under 15 minutes, this recipe brings restaurant-style bites straight to your kitchen—no deep fryer needed.
📝 Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup sweet mini bell peppers, sliced into rings or chunks
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp minced garlic (fresh for best flavor)
🍳 Instructions
- Marinate the Steak (Optional but Recommended):
In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Add steak pieces and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) in the fridge. - Preheat Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes. - Cook the Steak and Peppers:
Drain the steak from the marinade (reserving the marinade). Add steak and bell peppers to the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).- Cook for 7–9 minutes, shaking halfway, until steak is browned and slightly crispy at the edges.
- Make the Glaze:
While the steak is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened slightly. - Combine and Serve:
Toss the cooked steak and peppers in the glaze or drizzle over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped scallions if desired.
🍽️ Servings
Serves 4 as an appetizer
Serves 2 as a main dish (served with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps)
💡 Notes & Tips
- Cut steak against the grain to ensure tender bites.
- If using a different cut of steak (e.g., sirloin), adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Want it spicy? Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade.
- Add pineapple chunks or snap peas for a tropical twist.
- Can be meal prepped! Just reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
🧮 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Appetizer Size)
- Calories: ~270
- Protein: ~24g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Sugars: ~16g
- Fat: ~12g
- Sodium: ~600mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients used.
🥦 Health Benefits
- Flank Steak: Lean source of protein, iron, and B-vitamins for muscle repair and energy.
- Sweet Peppers: High in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Honey (in moderation): Natural sweetener with antioxidants.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this without an air fryer?
A: Yes! You can cook the steak and peppers in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, add peppers, and stir-fry until tender.
Q: Can I use chicken instead of steak?
A: Absolutely. Chicken thighs or breast cut into bite-sized pieces work well. Adjust air fryer time to 10–12 minutes until cooked through.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or skillet for best texture.
Q: Can I make this keto-friendly?
A: Use a low-carb soy sauce substitute (like coconut aminos) and a keto-approved sweetener like monk fruit or allulose in place of honey.
Let me know if you’d like a printable version, a meal plan idea using this recipe, or even a video guide!