Go Back
Air fryer pepper steak with a juicy seared steak, sautéed green bell peppers, and red onions, served on a dinner plate for a quick and flavorful meal.
Print Recipe

Air Fryer Pepper Steak - Quick, Flavorful, and Weeknight Friendly

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1.25 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin for sweeter flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar or honey
  • 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado, canola, or grapeseed)
  • Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, extra black pepper

Instructions

  • Prep the steak: Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
  • Make the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon oil until smooth.
  • Marinate: Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Let sit 10–20 minutes while you prep the peppers and onion.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. A hot basket helps sear the meat.
  • Toss the veggies: In a separate bowl, toss bell peppers and onion with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Cook the beef: Shake off excess marinade and arrange beef in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway, until browned on the edges and just cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and cover to keep warm.
  • Cook the veggies: Add peppers and onions to the basket. Air fry 5–7 minutes, shaking once, until crisp-tender with light char.
  • Combine and gloss: Return beef to the basket (or a skillet) with the veggies. If you have leftover marinade, pour it into a small microwave-safe bowl and heat until it bubbles and thickens slightly (or simmer 1–2 minutes in a saucepan). Toss everything together so the sauce coats the steak and peppers.
  • Season and serve: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds. Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.