Air-Fryer Crispy Chilli Beef – 30-Minute Fake-Away
Skip the takeout and make this restaurant-quality crispy chilli beef at home! Tender beef strips get perfectly crispy in the air fryer, then tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce that’ll have you licking the plate clean. Ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
– 500g beef sirloin or rump steak, cut into thin strips
– 2 tbsp cornflour
– 1 tbsp plain flour
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
– 3 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
– 1-2 red chillies, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
– 1 tsp sesame oil
To Serve:
– 2 spring onions, sliced
– 1 tbsp sesame seeds
– Fresh coriander
– Steamed rice or noodles
Method:
Prep the Beef (10 mins):
1. Cut beef into thin strips, about 1cm wide
2. In a bowl, mix cornflour, plain flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
3. Dip beef strips in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture
4. Drizzle with vegetable oil and toss to coat evenly
Air Fry the Beef (12 mins):
1. Preheat air fryer to 200°C (400°F)
2. Place beef strips in air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed)
3. Cook for 6 minutes, shake the basket, then cook another 6 minutes until golden and crispy
Make the Sauce (5 mins):
1. While beef cooks, whisk together soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, sliced chillies, and sesame oil
2. Heat in a small pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened
Finish & Serve (3 mins):
1. Toss the crispy beef in the warm sauce until well coated
2. Garnish with spring onions, sesame seeds, and fresh coriander
3. Serve immediately over rice or noodles
Pro Tips
– Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches for maximum crispiness
– Pat beef dry before coating for better adhesion
– Double coat for extra crunch – dip in egg and flour mixture twice
– Serve immediately while the coating is still crispy
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Serves: 4.
