Air Fryer Steak Bites and Peppers (Pepper Steak )

Last time I whipped up air fryer beef tips with whole sweet potatoes, it was an absolute hit and hands down the best Whole30 dinner I’ve had in a long time! Today, I’m thrilled to share my easy and flavorful recipe for air fryer steak bites with you. This simple, keto-friendly dish combines steak bites with vibrant bell peppers, purple onions, herbs, and spices — all cooked in under 15 minutes in the air fryer. Trust me, this is the yummiest air fryer steak bites recipe you’ll find online!

These air-fried steak bites and peppers burst with flavor, color, and juiciness. Think crispy edges, tender centers, and a juicy, glossy finish that makes your taste buds sing. Plus, this recipe fits perfectly with keto, gluten-free, Whole30, and sugar-free diets — a real win-win!

Honestly, this recipe is a family favorite in our house. Everyone loves these air fryer steak bites, right up there with my go-to air fryer sausage and veggie combo!

What Makes This Recipe Great

Air frying steak bites is a total game-changer. First up, cube your steak and peppers. Next, season or marinate your steak — don’t ever skip seasoning, okay? Then air fry the steak to your desired doneness, whether you like them rare, medium, or well done. The whole process is quick, straightforward, and foolproof.

You can enjoy these steak bites solo or pair them with sides like cauliflower rice or sweet potatoes for a full meal. I love sharing these air fryer steak bites with family and friends — they always get raves and may just become a new favorite at your table too. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep so you can have a quick protein grab anytime.

There’s no secret marinade needed here. Use what you’ve got on hand, or stick with the simple dry rub I’ve detailed in the recipe card below.

Ingredients and Seasonings

• 1 lb. steak, any cut you prefer
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• ½ large red bell pepper
• ½ large yellow bell pepper
• ½ green bell pepper
• 1/3 cup purple onion, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt to taste (about 1/8 to ¼ teaspoon)

Step-by-Step Method

1. Cut steak into evenly sized bite-sized cubes; cut red, yellow, and green bell peppers into pieces and chop purple onion if using.
2. Place steak cubes in a bowl, add 1 tablespoon avocado oil or EVOO and the steak seasoning (onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper), and toss to coat.
3. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
4. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (optional).
5. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and arrange the marinated steak bites in a single layer.
6. Air fry the steak bites at 350°F for 8 minutes, checking for desired doneness.
7. Carefully remove the parchment paper from the basket.
8. Add the bell peppers and onions to the basket, sprinkle with bell pepper seasoning (paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, salt), and gently toss with a spatula to combine.
9. Lightly spritz the peppers and onions with oil (optional) to help them crisp.

10. Air fry everything for an additional 5 minutes, until peppers are tender and steak is cooked to preference.

11. If you want the steak bites more well done or crisp, air fry an extra 2–3 minutes.

Maximize Flavor and Texture

1. Pick the right steak. Luckily, most steaks work well in the air fryer. My favorites include strip steak, top sirloin, T-bone, filet mignon, and ribeye. Today, I’m using beef chuck steak because that’s what I had on hand.
2. Cut steak bites evenly. Consistent sizes help the steak cook evenly so you don’t get a mix of under- and overcooked pieces.
3. Never skip seasoning. Well-seasoned steak bites are juicy and bursting with flavor.
4. Don’t overcook. Cook to your preferred doneness. If you’re cooking over a pound, expect cooking times to increase.
5. Check your air fryer. Every model is different — keep an eye on your steak bites and adjust times to get the best results.
6. Don’t cook frozen steak bites. Cut your meat after it’s thawed for easier, safer preparation.
7. Try other proteins. You can swap out steak for chicken, pork, or fish if you want a change.

8. Cook steak first. When making air fryer steak bites and peppers, always cook the steak alone first. This keeps the peppers vibrant and juicy, not mushy.

Serving Ideas and Swaps

These simple air fryer steak bites and peppers (aka pepper steak) make a fantastic snack or appetizer. Imagine enjoying a few with an ice-cold glass of sweet iced tea on a warm day—pure bliss! Or, pair them as a side dish to create a full meal. For example, they go wonderfully with baked whole potatoes or sweet potatoes.

If you want to keep it low-carb or keto-friendly, serve these steak bites over cauliflower rice, alongside green beans, or with sautéed cabbage. Personally, I love them with beet puree — so flavorful and comforting. This recipe serves 3 to 4 people, with about 4 ounces of steak per serving plus veggies.

Absolutely delicious served with baked sweet potato like this!

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

To keep your air fryer steak bites juicy and safe to eat, store and reheat them properly. After cooking, let them cool at room temperature for no more than 2 hours, then put them in an airtight container.

• Refrigerate leftovers: Keep in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
• Freeze cooked or raw: You can freeze cooked steak bites (with peppers) in a freezer-safe container or zip bag for 2 to 3 months. You can also freeze raw, seasoned, or marinated steak bites for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
• Label and date: Mark containers with the date so you can use older portions first. Avoid refreezing steak once thawed and cooked.

Make-ahead tips:

• Marinate your steak ahead of time — anywhere from 30 minutes up to 24 hours in the fridge gives great flavor.
• For meal prep, cook the steak bites and store the peppers separately if you like your peppers crisp. Pack everything into meal containers for quick reheating.

Reheating methods:

1. Air fryer (best texture): Preheat to 350°F and heat for 3–5 minutes, tossing halfway through. If your peppers are stored separately, add them in the last 1–2 minutes to keep them from overcooking.
2. Skillet: Warm a little oil over medium heat and sauté for 2–4 minutes, turning to re-crisp the outsides while keeping the insides juicy.
3. Oven: Spread out on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
4. Microwave (fastest, least crisp): Heat in short 30–45 second bursts, stirring in between. Cover and add a few drops of water or broth to keep moist.

Always reheat until the steak bites are steaming hot. When meal prepping, storing steak and veggies separately and reheating quickly will keep everything tasting fresh.

Common Questions Answered

Can you air fry steak tips?

Definitely! Air frying steak tips is quick, easy, and mess-free — a real joy for busy cooks.

What cut of meat should I use?

Most steaks work wonderfully for air fryer steak bites. I recommend strip steak, sirloin, T-bone, filet mignon, ribeye, and beef chuck steak — all delicious choices!

Are steaks good cooked in an air fryer?

Yes! The air fryer cooks steak bites perfectly, delivering juicy, tender results every time.

Can you cook vegetables and meat together in an air fryer?

You sure can! However, I prefer cooking steak first, then adding peppers so the veggies stay vibrant and crisp.

Why is pepper steak sometimes tough?

Meat with more muscle can be tougher. If you’re using beef chuck steak like I did, marinate well and avoid overcooking. Choosing a less muscular cut, like sirloin, can also help.

What air fryer do you use?

I use the Instant Vortex Plus air fryer (6 quarts) for my family of four. It’s a fantastic kitchen tool that’s totally worth the investment!