Air Fryer Crispy Chilli Beef is a fantastic and healthier way to enjoy this popular dish without deep frying. The air fryer gives the beef a crispy texture while the chili sauce adds the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Here’s a quick and easy recipe for you!
Air Fryer Crispy Chilli Beef
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil (for coating)
For the Chilli Sauce:
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
1 tbsp honey or sugar
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp chili paste or sambal oelek (for heat, adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Beef:
Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain. This will ensure the beef is tender.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
In another bowl, whisk the egg and soy sauce together.
Dip each piece of beef into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the cornstarch-flour mixture, making sure it’s coated well.
Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Air Fry the Beef:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Place the coated beef strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s okay if they are slightly overlapping, but avoid overcrowding for crispy results.
Air fry the beef at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The beef should be golden brown and crispy. If you need to cook in batches, repeat with the remaining beef.
Make the Chilli Sauce:
While the beef is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, ketchup, chili paste, garlic powder, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
In a skillet over medium heat, add the sauce mixture and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to bubble and thicken slightly.
Combine and Serve:
Once the beef is crispy, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot chilli sauce over the crispy beef and toss until the beef is evenly coated.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve:
Serve your Air Fryer Crispy Chilli Beef hot with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or stir-fried veggies on the side for a complete meal.
This Crispy Chilli Beef will be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with the perfect sweet and spicy sauce to complement the texture. The air fryer makes it much lighter than the deep-fried version but equally satisfying!