Name: Air Fryer Tangy Honey BBQ Steak Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-491268H42M59S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand); 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste; Olive oil spray

Description

These Air Fryer Tangy Honey BBQ Steak Bites are juicy, caramelized pieces of sirloin or ribeye steak, marinated in a flavorful mix of BBQ sauce, honey, and spices, then air-fried to perfection. They make a quick, protein-packed main dish or a delicious appetizer with a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and smoky depth.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Marinade

1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

Additional

Olive oil spray

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
Marinate the Steak Bites: Add the 1-inch steak cubes to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator to infuse maximum flavor.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Air Fry the Steak Bites: Place the marinated steak bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and caramelization.
Check for Doneness: The steak bites should be browned on the edges and cooked to your preferred doneness. For extra char, increase the temperature to 410°F during the last 1-2 minutes.
Serve: Serve the steak bites hot, optionally with extra BBQ sauce for dipping, or paired with rice, fresh salad, or roasted vegetables as a wholesome meal.

Notes

For extra char, increase the temperature to 410°F for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
Swap honey for maple syrup for a slightly different flavor twist.
This recipe works great as an appetizer or a protein-packed main course.