Air Fryer Crispy Chilli Beef
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Crispy Beef
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 egg
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray
For the Chilli Sauce
- 3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
- Extra chilli flakes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Large skillet or wok
How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Chilli Beef
Step 1: Slice the Beef
Thinly slice the steak against the grain into strips. Cutting against the grain helps create tender beef.
Place the beef strips into a bowl and add soy sauce and sesame oil. Toss well and let marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
In another bowl, whisk the egg.
In a separate shallow dish, combine cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Dip each piece of beef into the egg, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
This coating helps create the crispy texture that makes this dish so delicious.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Air Fry the Beef
Arrange the coated beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket.
Spray the beef lightly with cooking spray.
Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, then flip the beef and cook another 5 to 7 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 5: Make the Chilli Sauce
While the beef cooks, heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ketchup, and red pepper flakes.
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Cook the Vegetables
Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet.
Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
The vegetables add freshness, crunch, and vibrant color to the dish.
Step 7: Toss Everything Together
Add the crispy air-fried beef into the skillet with the sauce and vegetables.
Toss everything together until the beef is fully coated in the sticky chilli sauce.
Cook for 1 additional minute to combine all the flavors.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra chilli flakes if desired.
Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for the Best Crispy Chilli Beef
Slice the Beef Thinly
Thin slices cook quickly and become extra crispy in the air fryer.
Do Not Overcrowd the Basket
Air fryers need space for proper air circulation. Cooking in batches ensures crispier beef.
Use Cornstarch
Cornstarch is key to achieving that classic crispy coating found in restaurant-style chilli beef.
Serve Immediately
Crispy beef tastes best fresh while the coating is crunchy and the sauce is sticky.
Recipe Variations
Extra Spicy Version
Add additional red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chillies to increase the heat level.
Low-Carb Option
Replace the flour and cornstarch with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version.
Sweet and Spicy Beef
Increase the honey slightly for a sweeter sauce balance.
Chicken Version
Swap beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or chicken tenders.
What to Serve with Crispy Chilli Beef
This flavorful beef pairs well with many side dishes.
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Fried rice
- Lo mein noodles
- Cauliflower rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Egg rolls
- Asian cucumber salad
For a lighter option, serve the beef over lettuce wraps or shredded cabbage.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze the cooked beef separately from the sauce for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to help restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving if possible because the coating may soften.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 760mg
