These Air Fryer Venison Steak Bites are juicy, tender, and packed with bold flavor. Marinated in a sweet and savory blend of Worcestershire sauce, honey, and hickory liquid smoke, they cook up in under 10 minutes for a quick, high-protein wild game dinner or appetizer.
I grew up eating a lot of deer meat, and venison tenderloin has always been one of my absolute favorites. These quick air fryer steak bites remind me of the venison stir fries I used to whip up after hunting season. The secret to keeping them tender and juicy every time comes down to this quick, flavorful marinade.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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: Cut into 1-inch bite sized cubes. Beef sirloin or tenderloin works if you don't have venison.
Honey: Balances out the rich flavor of wild game. (If you follow a strict keto or low carb diet, swap this for sugar-free maple or monk fruit syrup.)
Worcestershire Sauce & Hickory Liquid Smoke: Gives the meat that deep savory taste and outdoor grill flavor right in your air fryer.
Vanilla Extract: Just a tiny splash adds a little warmth to the marinade that ties everything together.
Spices & Oil: Ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
How to Make Air Fryer Venison Steak Bites
- Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together the honey, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, vanilla, spices, and olive oil. Add the cubed venison and toss to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours)
- Preheat: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 3 minutes.
- Air Fry: Place the marinated bites in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Pull them out when they reach medium-rare to medium (130°F-135°F).
- Rest: Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes so the juices settle before serving.
Top Tips
- Trim the silver skin: Always trim off any silver skin before cubing your venison so your bites aren't tough or chewy.
- Don't crowd the air fryer basket: Give the bites space in the air fryer so they sear instead of steam - cook in batches if needed.
- Keep an eye on the time: Air fryers cook differently. Check them at 5 to 6 minutes so you don't overcook them.
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 tender deer bites are delicious on their own, but they're even better paired with a few simple sides. I like to serve them with Cabbage Noodles with Bacon or Garlic Mashed Cauliflower for a cozy lower carb dinner. If you want something heartier, you can't go wrong with Mom's Skillet Home Fries or a bowl of Garlic Scallion Noodles.
More Venison Recipes to Try
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!