Name: Air Fryer Honey Glazed Steak Strips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak (cut into strips); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

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There’s something magical about that sweet-and-savory combo on a tender bite of steak—and let me tell you, these air fryer honey glazed steak strips are downright crave-worthy. I first whipped these up on a whim for a movie night snack platter, and they were gone before the opening credits. They’re sticky, juicy, with a crispy-edged caramelization that only the air fryer can pull off this perfectly. Whether you’re tossing them into a rice bowl, tucking them into lettuce wraps, or skewering them for appetizers, they’re endlessly versatile and ridiculously easy.

Let’s make these bite-sized beauties your new favorite weeknight trick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sticky-sweet glaze meets savory, peppery steak—yes please
Ready in just 15 minutes (no marinating time required)
Made entirely in the air fryer—no greasy mess
Great for meal prep, bowls, or party bites
Kid-friendly and totally crowd-pleasing
Naturally gluten-free with easy swaps

Recipe Snapshot

Category	Cuisine	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Yield	Skill Level
Main Dish	American	10 mins	8 mins	18 mins	2–3 servings	Easy

Ingredients

Sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into strips
Tender and juicy—choose well-marbled cuts for the best texture.
Soy sauce
Adds depth and umami to balance the sweetness.
Honey
The star of the glaze—brings a beautiful caramelized finish.
Garlic (minced)
Fresh garlic boosts the savory profile.
Black pepper
A little bite to cut through the glaze.
Olive oil
Helps coat the steak and crisp it up in the air fryer.
Smoked paprika (optional)
Adds warmth and just a touch of smokiness.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Preheat your air fryer

Get that basket hot at 400°F while you prep—it helps the steak caramelize on contact.

Toss the steak in the glaze

In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, garlic, pepper, olive oil, and smoked paprika. Add the steak strips and toss until glossy and coated. No need to marinate unless you’ve got the time.

Cook in a single layer

Air fry the steak strips for 7–8 minutes, shaking halfway. They should be golden at the edges, juicy in the center, and sticky-sweet all over.

Let them rest a minute

Pull them from the basket and give them just a minute to rest. That little pause keeps the juices inside where they belong.

Pro Tips for Success

Cut evenly: Slice the steak strips about the same size so they cook at the same rate.
Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
Use parchment with holes: Keeps cleanup easy without blocking airflow.
Double the glaze: If you love extra sauce, simmer a bit more on the stovetop to drizzle afterward.
Adjust sweetness: You can cut the honey slightly if you prefer a more savory glaze.

Flavor Variations

Spicy kick: Add a squeeze of sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze.
Garlic butter twist: Skip the honey and toss the cooked steak in melted garlic butter.
Herby finish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or thyme for a fresh pop.
Asian-style bites: Sub in hoisin sauce for a deeper, more complex sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over jasmine rice or noodles with steamed broccoli
Pile onto skewers with grilled bell peppers for party apps
Tuck into warm tortillas for steak tacos
Toss into a salad with arugula and a sesame vinaigrette

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prep the glaze and slice your steak strips ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then toss and cook when ready.

Leftovers

Chop up leftovers and toss into a stir fry, grain bowl, or even scrambled eggs. These honey-glazed steak bites play nice with everything.

Freezing

Not ideal for freezing after cooking due to the glaze, but you can freeze the raw marinated steak strips. Freeze flat in a zip bag, then thaw and air fry as needed.

Reheating

Best in the air fryer or a hot skillet—just 2–3 minutes to warm through and crisp the edges. Avoid the microwave, or you’ll lose that lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Flank, skirt, or New York strip all work well—just slice against the grain for tenderness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just sub tamari for the soy sauce to keep things gluten-free.

Can I make these steak bites spicy?
Absolutely—add chili garlic sauce, cayenne, or your favorite hot sauce to the glaze.

Do I need to marinate the steak first?
Nope! The glaze coats and flavors beautifully in minutes. If you want to marinate, 30 minutes is plenty.

Final Thoughts

If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself making these air fryer honey glazed steak strips more than once a week. They’re a total lifesaver when dinner needs to happen fast but still feel special. Whether you’re after a new weeknight favorite or something fun for your next get-together, these little steak bites check every box. Don’t be surprised when folks start asking for the recipe.