Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love steak but want a quick, flavorful, and effortless way to prepare it, these air fryer honey glazed steak strips are perfect. The combination of savory steak with a sweet and slightly sticky honey glaze creates an irresistible dish. Plus, using an air fryer ensures a crispy yet juicy texture without the excess oil from traditional frying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin or flank steak, cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a medium bowl, mix together soy sauce, olive oil, honey, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Add the steak strips to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
- Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Steak Strips
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the marinated steak strips in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the steak is caramelized and slightly crispy on the edges.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
- In a small pan over medium heat, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Pour in any leftover marinade and bring to a simmer, stirring continuously until it thickens into a glaze.
Step 5: Coat the Steak and Serve
- Toss the cooked steak strips in the thickened glaze.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha.
- Garlic Butter Twist: Drizzle melted garlic butter over the steak before serving.
- Teriyaki Style: Swap honey for teriyaki sauce for a different depth of flavor.
- Low Carb Option: Replace honey with a sugar-free substitute.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3
- Prep Time: 35 minutes (including marination)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the steak strips from drying out?
Avoid overcooking by monitoring the air fryer time and keeping the strips in a single layer for even cooking.
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Ribeye, New York strip, or even skirt steak work well.
What sides go well with honey glazed steak strips?
Steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, mashed potatoes, or even a simple salad pair beautifully.
Can I marinate the steak overnight?
Yes! Marinating overnight enhances the flavor, but make sure to store it in the fridge.
What can I use instead of cornstarch for the glaze?
Arrowroot powder or flour can work as a thickening substitute.
Can I cook this in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
Let it simmer a little longer while stirring, or add more cornstarch slurry.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but for best texture, reheat in the air fryer rather than a microwave.
What other seasonings can I add?
Try adding ginger, chili powder, or Worcestershire sauce for more complexity.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Conclusion
Air fryer honey glazed steak strips are a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish perfect for weeknights. The balance of sweet and savory with a touch of smokiness makes it a crowd-pleaser. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
PrintAir Fryer Honey Glazed Steak Strips
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
Make deliciously sweet and savory air fryer honey glazed steak strips in under 45 minutes! Juicy steak strips caramelized in a sticky honey glaze with hints of garlic, smoked paprika, and soy sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin or flank steak, cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, mix soy sauce, olive oil, honey, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add steak strips and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3 minutes.
- Cook the Steak Strips: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange steak in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until caramelized and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Make the Glaze: In a small pan over medium heat, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add any leftover marinade, bring to a simmer, and stir continuously until thickened.
- Coat and Serve: Toss cooked steak strips in the glaze. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the steak to maintain juiciness.
- Marinate overnight for enhanced flavor.
- To thicken the glaze, simmer longer or add extra cornstarch slurry.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: air fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: Air fryer steak strips, honey glazed steak, air fryer beef recipe, quick steak recipe, Asian-inspired steak