Pepper Steak

This air fryer pepper steak recipe offers a healthier twist on a classic dish by using minimal oil while achieving a crispy exterior and tender interior. The beef is perfectly cooked and paired with a savory pepper sauce, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests. With lean cuts of beef and colorful vegetables, this dish is both flavorful and nutritious. Quick to prepare and easy to cook, this pepper steak is a crowd-pleaser for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without the extra calories.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Beef Recipe, Pepper Steak

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 13

Total Time: 23

Servings: People

Calories: 107kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

1 lb sirloin or flank steak thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil or as needed
1 bell pepper any color, thinly sliced
1 medium onion thinly sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce low-sodium preferred
2 teaspoons black pepper freshly ground
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1 teaspoon cornstarch optional, for thickening the sauce
1 tablespoon water optional, for cornstarch slurry

Instructions

Prepare the Steak: Slice the steak into thin strips against the grain. This helps to ensure the beef is tender and cooks evenly in the air fryer. In a bowl, toss the steak strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Allow it to marinate for 5-10 minutes.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the steak cooks evenly and gets a nice, crispy texture.
Air Fry the Steak: Arrange the marinated steak strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the steak is golden brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the steak is cooking, slice the bell pepper and onion into thin strips. Set them aside to be cooked with the steak in the next step.
Cook the Vegetables: After the steak is done, remove it from the air fryer and set it aside. In the same air fryer basket, add the bell peppers and onions. Lightly drizzle them with a little olive oil and cook for 4-5 minutes, until tender and slightly charred.
Combine and Serve: Once the vegetables are cooked, return the steak to the air fryer basket with the peppers and onions. Stir everything together, making sure the steak is well-coated in the pepper sauce. Serve immediately over a bed of rice or alongside a fresh salad.

Video

Notes

You can swap out the beef for chicken or tofu for a lighter version or a plant-based alternative.
Feel free to use other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli to enhance the dish.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir into the pan with the vegetables after cooking. Let it simmer for a minute or two to thicken.

Nutrition