These Air Fryer Venison Steak Bites are juicy, tender, and packed with bold smoky flavor thanks to a simple marinade and hot air cooking. They're ready in just minutes and make a protein rich appetizer or quick dinner that's both satisfying and low carb.
I grew up eating a lot of deer meat, and venison tenderloin has always been a favorite. These air fryer steak bites remind me of the quick venison stir fries I would make after hunting season, and they pair well with hearty side dishes like Fried Cabbage Noodles or even Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes.
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Why You'll Love Air Fryer Venison Steak
Quick and flavorful: Venison steak bites cook in just 10 minutes with minimal prep.
High protein: 34 g of protein per serving.
Easy and versatile: Marinate or season simply - either way, they come out great.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The recipe was tasty and delicious. I will come to you for more recipes from now on. Thank You.
- Reginald, recipe reviewer
Ingredients You'll Need
Venison Tenderloin or Steak: The star of the recipe; tender and lean, cooks quickly in the air fryer. Beef steak or sirloin can also be used.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the rich flavor of the meat.
Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the umami and enhances the meatiness.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash gives subtle warmth and complexity.
Ground Cumin: Earthy spice that compliments the gamey flavor of venison.
Hickory Liquid Smoke: Adds that grilled smoky flavor without a grill.
Olive Oil: Helps distribute the marinade and prevent sticking.
Dried Minced Onion & Garlic Powder: Convenient flavor builders.
Balsamic Vinegar: Gives tang and depth to the marinade.
Ingredient Substitutions
Meat swap: Beef sirloin or chicken breast chunks work well if you don't have venison.
Sugar-free option: Use a monkfruit sweetener or other keto-friendly syrup in place of honey to make it a low carb recipe.
Skip the marinade and season with salt, pepper, and steak seasoning before cooking.
Recipe Variations
Garlic Butter Venison Steak Bites: Skip the marinade and toss cooked bites in melted garlic butter.
BBQ Glazed: Toss bites in barbecue sauce during the last minute of cooking for a sweet and smoky finish
Mushroom Umami: Top finished steak bites with sauteed mushrooms and a splash of balsamic.
Top Tips
- Trim off any silver skin from venison to avoid a tough or gamey texture.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cooking times vary by model. Check at the 8-minute mark for doneness.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover venison steak bites in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350 for about 5 minutes.
Serve With...
These air fryer deer tenderloin bites are perfect on their own as a hearty appetizer, but they also make a satisfying main dish. I like to pair them with simple sides like Fried Cabbage Noodles or Garlic Mashed Cauliflower for a comforting plate. I also like to pair them up with Mom' Skillet Home Fries or toss them into these Garlic Scallion Noodles.
FAQ's
Venison Tenderloin should be cooked hot and fast to keep it tender. The air fryer is perfect for this.
No, marinating adds flavor but is not necessary. A simple seasoning works just as well.
Yes, use a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and cook until browned on all sides.
Related Recipes
If you enjoy cooking with venison or using the air fryer, try these next:
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Venison Steak Bites (Tender & Juicy)
Equipment
- Gallon size storage bag
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Ingredients
- 1½ pounds venison tenderloin , cut into bite sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon hickory flavored liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper , (optional)
Instructions
- Trim any silver skin from meat and cut into bite sized pieces.
- In a large bowl whisk together the honey, Worcestershire sauce, vanilla extract, cumin, liquid smoke, olive oil, minced onion, garlic powder, and balsamic vinegar. Toss with steak bites and marinate in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Remove the steak pieces from the marinade and place in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Discard the marinade.
- Cook steak bites at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, or until venison steak bites are at desired level of doneness.
Dianne says
The cook time was perfect! Delicious tenderloin recipe!
Emily says
We made this recipe over the stove and OH MY GOODNESS it's amazing. Will never forget this recipe! We made it with mushrooms, added peach barbeque sauce, and put it all over some baked potatoes. Can't even compare to the steak tips you get at the fair because it's even better!!!
Kay says
So very good! We laid a pound of backstrap out to thaw earlier and I started looking for recipes. The first one I found, said to marinate for 4 hours so I couldn't do that. I decided to try this recipe. I didn't have honey but I did have agave nectar so I used that. I used Mesquite flavored Liquid Smoke because that was all I had. When I opened the package, the backstrap had been tenderized so I only marinated it for 45 minutes instead of an hour. I have the oven style air fryer so when it said to turn them over, I noticed, some were getting crispy on the edges so I got them out then. Served them up with asian style mixed veggies (all I had in the freezer) and it made a WONDERFUL meal! My husband is just raving over how good it is with every bite! Thank you!
Shelly says
10 minutes in the air fryer is way to long. Venison needs to be on the rare side. I did 7 and that was to long
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Shelly, in my tips I indicate that air fryers and you should check what the recommendations are for your specific air fryer as they vary. I also indicate in the instructions that you should cook to your desired level of doneness.
Steve says
I think we have a problem, Houston. You state in nutrition, serving size is 1 gram and then you state calories as 156 kcal. Please enlighten me what the serving size in ounces, and what the serving size is for 1 serving. I just came out of a heart attack, and I don't need these calories: 156,000!!!!
Thank you, I await your answer before I start to cook this.
skaybird@outlook.com
Shelby Law Ruttan says
My apologies for that! I have updated the recipe card. Hope you will enjoy the recipe!
Gwynn Galvin says
My air fryer is my new best friend in the kitchen and I cannot wait to try this delicious air fryer recipe next! Looks so good!!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Thanks Gwynn! Hope you love it! Shelby
Alexis says
Amazing! My hubby is picky and he LOVED this
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Alexis, so happy to hear this! Shelby
Melissa M says
Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Melissa, I do not preheat the airfryer. Shelby
Justen Campbell says
I've made this recipe and they're fantastic. Ill use this a bunch. Thanks!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Justen, so happy you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for coming back to rate it for me! ˜Shelby
Reginald Burden says
The recipe was tasty and delicious. I will come to you for more receipts for now on. Thank You
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Reginald, thank you for trying the recipe and letting me know!
Sara says
The setting for the airfryer, do you cook the steak on airfry or bake? Everything I use the airfry setting my food always burns
Shelby Law Ruttan says
I set it on airfryer. I have used this recipe in a basket air fryer and no burning. In an air fryer with trays, I would put the tray on the center rack or bottom rack. All air fryers are different so I would check my user manual to see what your specific air fryer recommendations are.
Randi says
Delicious, thank you! Definitely a great taste!