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
Scale
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