Air fryer crispy chilli beef is a lighter, healthier take on a popular takeout dish. Tender strips of beef are air-fried to crispy perfection and tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce. This recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor of classic crispy chilli beef—without the deep frying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Without Deep Frying
The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy texture using minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions.
Bold, Flavorful Sauce
A sweet, spicy, and slightly tangy sauce coats every crispy piece of beef, bringing the perfect balance of flavors.
Quick and Easy
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a fast weeknight meal or a homemade takeout fix.
Customizable Heat Level
You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chilli, making it as mild or fiery as you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
the Crispy Beef
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 tablespoon oil (for coating)
the Chilli Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or red chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken)
Garnishing
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced red chillies
How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Chilli Beef
1. Prepare the Beef
- Slice the steak into thin strips and pat dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, toss the beef strips with soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Lightly spray or toss with 1 tablespoon of oil to ensure crispiness in the air fryer.
2. Air Fry the Beef
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
3. Make the Chilli Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add sesame oil and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add soy sauce, vinegar, sweet chilli sauce, honey, and sriracha. Stir well.
- Mix the cornstarch slurry and pour it into the sauce, stirring until the sauce thickens.
4. Toss and Serve
- Transfer the crispy beef to a bowl and toss with the sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and red chilli slices.
Serving Suggestions
1. With Rice
Serving crispy chilli beef over rice helps absorb the flavorful sauce, creating a satisfying meal.
- Best rice options: Jasmine rice, basmati rice, or sticky rice complement the dish perfectly.
- For extra flavor: Drizzle a little extra sauce over the rice before serving.
- Healthy alternative: Swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
2. With Noodles
Pairing the crispy beef with noodles gives the dish a takeout-style feel and adds extra texture.
- Stir-fried noodles: Toss cooked lo mein, egg noodles, or rice noodles with soy sauce, sesame oil, and vegetables.
- Cold noodle salad: Serve the crispy beef over chilled sesame noodles with cucumbers and carrots.
- Saucy option: Mix the beef with saucy noodles for a flavorful combination.
3. In a Lettuce Wrap
For a low-carb or gluten-free alternative, serve the crispy beef in lettuce cups.
- Best lettuce choices: Butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg lettuce work well.
- Crunchy add-ins: Add shredded carrots, cucumbers, or chopped peanuts for extra texture.
- Dipping sauce: Serve with extra chilli sauce or a peanut dressing for added flavor.
4. With Vegetables
Balance the crispy beef with fresh or stir-fried vegetables for a more nutritious meal.
- Roasted or steamed veggies: Broccoli, bok choy, bell peppers, or snap peas pair well.
- Stir-fried option: Sauté mixed vegetables in garlic and sesame oil for a flavorful side.
- Pickled veggies: Quick-pickled cucumbers or radishes add a tangy contrast to the dish.
5. As an Appetizer
Turn crispy chilli beef into a delicious appetizer for gatherings or parties.
- Skewer the beef: Serve as small bites on toothpicks for easy sharing.
- Mini tacos: Stuff crispy beef into mini tortillas with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of sauce.
- Dipping style: Serve crispy beef with extra chilli sauce, hoisin, or garlic aioli for dipping.
This dish is incredibly versatile, so whether you’re serving it with rice, noodles, or a fresh wrap, you’ll have a delicious and well-balanced meal!
Tips for the Best Crispy Chilli Beef
1. Use Thin Slices of Beef
- Thinly sliced beef ensures a crispy texture and quick cooking time.
- Best cuts to use: Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work well due to their tenderness.
- Pro tip: Freeze the beef for 20–30 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut thin, even strips.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer
- Overcrowding prevents the beef from crisping up properly.
- Cook in a single layer for the best results—if necessary, air fry in batches.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
3. Coat the Beef Properly
- A light, even coating of cornstarch gives the beef that signature crispy texture.
- Do not overcoat, as too much flour or cornstarch can lead to a gummy texture instead of crispiness.
4. Adjust the Spice Level
- If you prefer milder spice, reduce the sriracha or red chilli flakes.
- For extra heat, try these options:
- Add fresh chopped red chillies into the sauce.
- Use hotter chilli varieties like Thai red chillies or bird’s eye chillies.
- Sprinkle extra crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
5. Serve Immediately
- For the crispiest results, toss the beef in the sauce just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- If you need to reheat, use the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
6. Enhance the Sauce for Extra Flavor
- A good balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy makes the sauce irresistible.
- Customize the sauce by adding:
- A splash of rice vinegar for more tang.
- Honey or brown sugar for a slightly sweeter taste.
- A teaspoon of sesame oil for a richer, nutty aroma.
Following these tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality crispy chilli beef at home, packed with bold flavors and the perfect crunch!
Creative Variations
1. Sticky Orange Chilli Beef
- Why try it? This version adds a tangy, citrusy brightness that pairs beautifully with the crispy beef.
- How to make it:
- Replace sweet chilli sauce with ¼ cup fresh orange juice and 1 teaspoon orange zest.
- Add 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar for a perfect sweet-tangy balance.
- Garnish with thin orange slices or toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.
2. Teriyaki Chilli Beef
- Why try it? A fusion twist that combines crispy beef with the rich umami flavors of teriyaki sauce.
- How to make it:
- Swap sweet chilli sauce for ¼ cup teriyaki sauce.
- Add 1 teaspoon grated ginger for extra depth.
- Sprinkle with chopped scallions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Pro tip: Serve with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
3. Extra Crunchy Version
- Why try it? If you love ultra-crispy beef, this method ensures a crunchier bite.
- How to make it:
- After coating the beef in cornstarch, let it rest for 5 minutes to absorb the coating.
- Dip the coated beef in a beaten egg, then coat it in cornstarch again for a double layer of crispiness.
- Air fry for an extra 2–3 minutes, shaking the basket to ensure even cooking.
4. Honey Garlic Chilli Beef
- Why try it? A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy with a sticky glaze.
- How to make it:
- Add 2 tablespoons honey to the sauce mixture.
- Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic for extra depth.
- Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for an aromatic touch.
5. Low-Carb & Keto Version
- Why try it? A great option for those looking to enjoy crispy chilli beef with fewer carbs.
- How to make it:
- Replace cornstarch with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for the coating.
- Use a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol instead of sugar.
- Serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps instead of regular rice.
With these creative variations, you can easily customize your crispy chilli beef to match different flavors and dietary needs while keeping it crispy and delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Crispy Chilli Beef
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work best, but you can also use thinly sliced rump steak.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the beef and sauce separately. Reheat the beef in the air fryer and toss it in the sauce before serving.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp it up again.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Air fryer crispy chilli beef is a game-changer for takeout lovers who want a healthier, homemade version of this classic dish. It’s quick, flavorful, and so easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Try this recipe today for a crispy, saucy, and satisfying meal!
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Air Fryer Crispy Chilli Beef
- Total Time: 21 minutes
Description
Air fryer crispy chilli beef is a lighter, healthier take on a popular takeout dish. Tender strips of beef are air-fried to crispy perfection and tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce. This recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor of classic crispy chilli beef—without the deep frying!
Ingredients
the Crispy Beef
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 tablespoon oil (for coating)
the Chilli Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or red chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken)
Garnishing
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced red chillies
Instructions
Prepare the Beef
- Slice the steak into thin strips and pat dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, toss the beef strips with soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Lightly spray or toss with 1 tablespoon of oil to ensure crispiness in the air fryer.
2. Air Fry the Beef
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
3. Make the Chilli Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add sesame oil and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add soy sauce, vinegar, sweet chilli sauce, honey, and sriracha. Stir well.
- Mix the cornstarch slurry and pour it into the sauce, stirring until the sauce thickens.
4. Toss and Serve
- Transfer the crispy beef to a bowl and toss with the sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and red chilli slices.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 16