I have a Remington 700 barreled action in stainless steel.  It has not been media-blasted.  I'd like to Cerakote it with the air-dry version.  However, I don't feel like buying a sandblasting cabinet just for this

Is there an alternative suggested way to prep the surface for the Cerakote application?  Or will the cerakote adhere without roughing up the surface first?

Your finished product will only be as good as the prep work. Blasting will provide a "tooth" for the finish to adhere to.

Micro-texturing with a high intensity laser apparatus maybe?

Although that would be MUCH more costly than just having it blasted... have you tried stopping by a blasting/paint shop to see if they would run it through the blaster quick?

I cerakote every day. You really need to get it sandblasted. I'm sure there is a shop near you that can do it $10-20 especially if you bring it with everything plugged and ready for blasting. 120grit aluminum oxide is recommended. After blasting clean with acetone or lacquer. Also, depending on how tight the action is you may neee to tap areas off like bolt lugs.
Good luck,
If you got more questions feel free to IM/email me.
-Ben
www.spartanarms.net