Air-Fried Pepper Steak: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make a quick, tasty, and healthy meal with minimal cleanup. You can make pepper steak in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. This dish is made with beef and bell peppers and can be served with rice, noodles, or as a sandwich. You can also add your own twist by adjusting the spice level or swapping in different vegetables.

Choosing the right cut of steak

Thickness and Size:

Start by choosing a steak that is at least one inch thick. Thinner steaks are more prone to overcooking and may not get a chance to brown properly. Look for steaks that are around 8-10 ounces in size, or go for a larger cut if you prefer. Remember, if your steak is thicker or larger, you may need to increase the cooking time accordingly.

Type of Steak:

When it comes to the type of steak, you have multiple options that work well in an air fryer. Here are some recommended cuts:

• Sirloin: A leaner option that is commonly used in air fryer recipes.
• Porterhouse: Similar to sirloin, porterhouse steaks require minimal attention during cooking.
• New York Strip: A versatile option that can be cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Ribeye: A juicy and flavorful option that works great in the air fryer.
• T-bone: Offers a combination of tender and flavorful meat.
• Top Sirloin: A good choice for even cooking and browning.
• Filet Mignon: A tender and juicy option for your pepper steak.

Marbling and Fat Content:

Consider the marbling and fat content of the steak, as this can impact the juiciness and flavor of your pepper steak. Look for steaks with a good amount of marbling, which are the thin threads and flecks of fat within the meat. This fat will melt during cooking, adding flavor and moisture to your steak.

Freshness and Quality:

Always opt for high-quality, fresh steaks from a reputable source. Look for steaks with a bright red color and avoid those with excessive moisture on the surface, as this may indicate aging or improper storage. Choose steaks with a firm texture and avoid those that feel mushy or slimy.

Bone-in or Boneless:

You can choose between bone-in or boneless steaks for your pepper steak. Bone-in steaks may have a more intense flavor as the bone can add moisture and enhance the taste during cooking. However, boneless steaks are easier to work with and ensure even cooking.

Remember, the key to choosing the right cut of steak is to select one that suits your taste preferences and cooking style. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cuts to find your favorite for air fryer pepper steak!

Preparing the steak

Choosing the steak

Selecting the right cut of meat is important when making pepper steak. Some recommended options include strip steaks, top sirloin, T-bone, filet mignon, ribeye, and beef chuck steak.

Cutting the steak

Cut the steak into equal-sized pieces, preferably cubes. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly, so you don't end up with some pieces overcooked and others undercooked.

Marinating the steak

Place the steak pieces in a bowl and add oil (such as avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil) and your choice of seasonings. Mix well and set aside to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Marinating the steak helps to tenderize and flavour the meat. For even more flavour, you can let it marinate overnight or for a few hours.

Preheating the air fryer

Set your air fryer to 350–400°F for 15 minutes to preheat. Preheating is not always necessary, but it can help the steak develop a nice sear.

Cooking the steak

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil. Place the marinated steak pieces in a single layer in the basket and cook for 8–10 minutes for a rare to medium-rare steak. For a well-done steak, you may need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

Resting the steak

Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

Cooking the steak

To cook the perfect pepper steak in an air fryer, you should follow these steps:

Firstly, choose your steak. It is recommended to go for a cut such as sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon, with a thickness of at least one inch. This will ensure the steak cooks evenly and has a chance to brown.

Next, prepare your steak. Remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. This will enhance the flavour and texture. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel, and rub with a little oil to help it brown. You can then season the steak with salt and pepper, or a dry rub of your choice.

Now you are ready to cook the steak. Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. While this is heating up, prepare your vegetables. Cut your peppers and onions into slices or cubes, and toss in olive oil, shaking the basket so the oil distributes evenly.

Place the vegetables in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, open the basket and shake, then cook for another 4 minutes.

Now it's time to add the steak. Place the steak on top of the vegetables and cook for 5 minutes. Check the steak is cooked to your liking. If you would like it more well done, simply add a couple more minutes to the cooking time.

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

And there you have it! A delicious, juicy, and tender pepper steak cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Cooking the vegetables

Now that you've prepared your steak, it's time to cook the vegetables! For this recipe, you will need bell peppers and onions. You can use any colour of bell pepper you like, but for a colourful dish, it is recommended to use a variety of colours such as red, yellow, and green.

First, cut your peppers and onions into slices or cubes. You want to make sure they are cut into even sizes so they cook evenly. You can also add other vegetables of your choice, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may have different cooking times.

Next, place the vegetables in a large bowl and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Toss the vegetables to coat them evenly in the oil. You can also add any desired spices or seasonings to the vegetables at this point.

After the steak has been air-fried for 8 minutes, it's time to add the vegetables. Remove the steak from the air fryer and place the vegetables in the basket. Set the timer for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the timer goes off, open the air fryer basket and give the vegetables a good shake. Add another 4 minutes of cooking time.

Now, place the steak back on top of the vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Check the steak for doneness; if you prefer it more well done, you can add a couple more minutes of cooking time.

And that's it! Your pepper steak is now ready to be served. Enjoy the juicy steak and crispy, flavourful vegetables!

Serving suggestions

As a Main Course

• Serve it with rice, noodles, or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Enjoy it with steamed or roasted vegetables on the side.
• For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice, green beans, cabbage, or beet puree.
• For a heartier meal, pair it with baked, smashed, or mashed potatoes.
• Make it a sandwich with your favourite bread.
• Wrap the pepper steak in a tortilla with your choice of toppings and sauces.

As a Snack or Appetizer

• Enjoy the pepper steak as bite-sized pieces, perfect for snacking.
• Serve it with a chilled glass of sweet iced tea on a hot summer day.
• Pair it with a dip like sour cream or salsa.

Frequently asked questions