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Air Fryer Steak Bites and Peppers Recipe

4.6 from 78 reviews

This Air Fryer Steak Bites and Peppers recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender marinated steak cuts cooked to perfection alongside vibrant bell peppers and onions. Perfect for a healthy, protein-packed meal, this recipe uses an air fryer for a fast, oil-light cooking method that retains juicy flavors and delivers a satisfying texture. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual snacking, it combines bold seasoning with simple preparation for a delicious and wholesome dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Marinade

  • 1 lb. steak of choice
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dry thyme
  • ½ teaspoon Maggi cube seasoning (or Knorr Bouillon Chicken Seasoning)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red peppers
  • A dash of salt (1/8 – ¼ teaspoon, adjust to preference)

Vegetables

  • ½ big red bell pepper, sliced
  • ½ big yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • ½ green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/3 cup purple onion (or any color), sliced (optional)

Garnish (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Cut the meat and vegetables: Begin by cutting the steak into bite-sized pieces. Slice the red, yellow, and green bell peppers into strips. If using onions, slice them as well.
  2. Marinate the steak: Place the steak bites in a bowl. Add one tablespoon of avocado oil or EVOO and all the seasoning ingredients including onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, dry thyme, Maggi cube seasoning, black pepper, paprika, crushed red peppers, and salt. Mix thoroughly to coat all the pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor.
  3. Preheat and start air frying: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Optionally, skip preheating and cook directly. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the marinated steak bites in a single layer inside the basket.
  4. Cook the steak bites: Air fry the steak bites for 8 minutes. Check the doneness at this point—cook less for rare or medium-rare according to preference.
  5. Add peppers and onions: Remove the parchment paper, and add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the basket. Sprinkle a little seasoning if desired and toss with a spatula to mix well. Optionally spray a light mist of avocado oil for shine and moisture. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the steak is cooked through.
  6. Serve: For a crispier or more well-done texture, cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Serve your steak bites and peppers immediately, either as a main dish paired with sides like cabbage, potatoes, lettuce wraps, or cauliflower rice, or enjoy as a protein-rich snack. Garnish with chopped parsley if using.

Notes

  • Marinating for at least 30 minutes is essential to tenderize the steak and infuse it with rich flavors.
  • Adjust seasoning quantities to your taste preferences, especially the salt and spicy components like crushed red pepper.
  • If an air fryer is not available, you may use a stovetop skillet to cook the steak bites and peppers, though the texture will differ.
  • Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper that is safe for air frying to avoid sticking and ease cleanup.
  • Use steak cuts suitable for quick, high heat cooking such as sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak.
  • To keep vegetables crisp, avoid overcrowding the basket during the final cooking stage.

Keywords: air fryer steak bites, steak and peppers, quick steak recipe, air fryer dinner, steak marinated recipe, healthy steak bites