Crispy Air Fryer Chilli Beef

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chilli Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 250 g thin-cut minute steak thinly sliced into strips; 2 tbsp cornflour; 2 tbsp vegetable oil plus a drizzle; 2 clove Garlic; 1 piece thumb-sized piece of ginger peeled and cut into matchsticks; 1 piece red chilli, thinly sliced; 1 piece red pepper cut into chunks; 4 piece spring onions sliced, green and white parts separated; 4 tbsp rice wine vinegar or white wine vinegar; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce; 2 tbsp tomato ketchup; 1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp Caster sugar (for buttercream)

Enjoy a healthier, homemade version of the classic Chinese takeaway favorite. This air fryer recipe delivers perfectly crispy beef strips tossed in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce that's ready in just 30 minutes.

Servings2 Portions

Prep Time15 Mins

Cook Time15 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

thin-cut minute steak thinly sliced into strips
250 g
cornflour
2 tbsp
vegetable oil plus a drizzle
2 tbsp
Garlic
2 clove
thumb-sized piece of ginger peeled and cut into matchsticks
1 piece
red chilli, thinly sliced
1 piece
red pepper cut into chunks
1 piece
spring onions sliced, green and white parts separated
4 piece
rice wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
4 tbsp
soy sauce
1 tbsp
sweet chilli sauce
2 tbsp
tomato ketchup
2 tbsp
Chinese five-spice powder
0.5 tsp
sesame oil
1 tsp
Caster sugar (for buttercream)
1 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Chinese five-spice, sesame oil, caster sugar, and soy sauce to create a marinade. Add the steak strips and toss until thoroughly coated. For the best flavor, let the beef marinate in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or proceed immediately if you are in a hurry.

Sprinkle the cornflour over the marinated beef and mix well until each strip is coated in a thick, floury paste. Separate any clumped strips and arrange them on a plate. Lightly drizzle the beef with a little vegetable oil to help it crisp up. Preheat your air fryer to 220°C if a preheat setting is available.

Carefully place the beef strips onto the air fryer cooking rack in a single layer. Cook for 6 minutes, then turn the strips over and cook for an additional 4–6 minutes until the beef is dark brown and very crispy.

While the beef is air-frying, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, sliced chilli, red pepper, and the white parts of the spring onions. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the pepper softens, being careful not to burn the aromatics.