Quick & Easy Air Fryer Pepper Steak: A 20-Minute Meal

We all need those go-to meals that are quick, simple, and still taste amazing.

This air fryer pepper steak checks all the boxes. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal prep, you can pull together a hearty, flavorful dish in no time. No fuss, no fancy techniques—just straightforward, good food that’s ready in under 20 minutes. If you’re craving something easy but satisfying, this one’s got you covered.

Pepper steak is a classic stir-fry dish that originated in Chinese-American cuisine. Traditionally, it’s made with thinly sliced beef, bell peppers, and onions, all cooked in a savory soy-based sauce. The dish gets its name from the use of bell peppers, which add a nice balance of sweetness and crunch, while the steak provides rich, tender bites. It's a popular choice because it’s quick to cook and easy to adapt with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

What You’ll Need for This Recipe:

1. Beef: Sirloin or flank steak works best for tender, flavorful strips.

2. Bell Peppers: Any color will do—red, green, yellow, or a mix for extra color and sweetness.

3. Onion: A basic yellow or white onion adds great flavor to the dish.

4. Soy Sauce: This is the base for the savory sauce. Dark soy sauce is a great option if you want a richer, darker color.

5. Olive Oil: Helps with cooking and adds a touch of flavor.

6. Garlic Powder: Simple seasoning to amp up the flavor without fuss.

7. Black Pepper: Essential for that signature "pepper" flavor!

8. Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce if you want a silky finish.

9. Beef Broth (optional): A little broth enhances the richness of the sauce.

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Air-Fryer Pepper Steak

Yield 4

Author Kim Alexander

Prep time

10 Min

Cook time

10 Min

Total time

20 Min

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 large bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water
• 1/4 cup beef broth (or water for a lighter option)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss the steak in the mixture and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
2. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
3. While the steak marinates, slice the bell pepper and onion. Toss with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the steak and veggies to the air fryer basket.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of water. After air frying, remove the steak and veggies, and heat the remaining marinade (if you used an air fryer basket) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and let it thicken for 2-3 minutes.
7. To make your own Marinade (SKIP STEP 6): While the steak and veggies are cooking, whisk together 1/4 cup beef broth (or water), 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1 tbsp soy sauce.
8. Heat the mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (2-3 minutes).
9. Drizzle the sauce over the air-fried steak and vegetables. Serve over rice, noodles, or as a low-carb option with a salad.

Notes

• Slice the Steak Thinly: For best results, slice the steak thinly against the grain. This helps keep the beef tender, especially when using leaner cuts like sirloin or flank steak.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Make sure the steak and veggies have enough space to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches so everything gets a nice sear.
• Shake or Stir Halfway: About halfway through the cooking time, give the air fryer basket a good shake (or stir) to ensure even cooking.
• For Extra Flavor: Marinate the steak longer (up to 30 minutes) if you have time, or toss in a bit of ginger for extra zing.
• Storage: This pepper steak keeps well for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the microwave or air fryer.
• Low-Sodium Version: If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to keep the flavors balanced but lighter.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

225.58

Fat

9.4 g

Sat. Fat

2.91 g

Carbs

8.09 g

Fiber

1.75 g

Net carbs

6.33 g

Sugar

3.09 g

Protein

26.58 g

Sodium

623.24 mg

Cholesterol

68.04 mg

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! While sirloin or flank steak is ideal, you can also use skirt steak or even ribeye for a fattier, more flavorful option.

What can I serve with pepper steak?

This dish goes great with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles. For a low-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or a side salad.

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Absolutely. You can cook the steak and veggies in a hot skillet or wok on the stovetop for similar results. Just cook the steak until browned, remove it, then stir-fry the veggies before adding the steak back in.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then add it to the sauce in a saucepan and stir over medium heat until it thickens.

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