Description
These Air Fryer Tangy Honey BBQ Steak Bites are juicy, flavorful cubes of sirloin steak cooked to perfection in the air fryer and coated with a sweet and tangy homemade honey BBQ sauce. Perfect as a tasty appetizer, snack, or main dish, this recipe combines the convenience of air frying with a rich, smoky sauce that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak or your preferred cut of steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tangy Honey BBQ Sauce:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Bites: Cut the sirloin steak into bite-sized cubes and season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
- Coat with Olive Oil: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the seasoned steak cubes and toss them well to ensure each piece is evenly coated, which helps in browning during air frying.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure the steak bites cook evenly and achieve a good sear.
- Cook the Steak Bites: Place the steak bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking and browning to your preferred doneness.
- Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce: While the steak bites are cooking, combine BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring often to prevent burning. Remove the saucepan from heat once desired thickness is achieved.
- Toss Steak Bites in Sauce: Transfer the cooked steak bites to a large bowl. Pour the warm tangy honey BBQ sauce over the steak cubes and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
- Serve: Serve the honey BBQ steak bites immediately as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, use a high-quality sirloin or your preferred steak cut.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred heat level or omit for a milder sauce.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and browning.
- The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the steak cubes and the air fryer model.
- Leftover steak bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer or stovetop.
