For a quick and delicious dinner that packs a punch, try this Air Fryer Crispy Chilli Beef. With tender strips of steak coated in a flavorful marinade and cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, this dish is a weeknight winner. The crispiness of the beef combined with a tangy, spicy sauce makes it irresistible. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for impressing your family or guests without much fuss.

Prep Time:15 minutes  

Cook Time: 15 minutes  

Total Time: 30 minutes  

Serves: 2

Ingredients

For the Marinade

- ½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder

- 2 tsp soy sauce

- 1 tsp sesame oil

- 1 tsp caster sugar

For the Beef

- 250g thin-cut minute steak, thinly sliced into strips

- 2 tbsp cornflour

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus a drizzle

For the Sauce

- 2 garlic cloves, crushed

- Thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and cut into matchsticks

- 1 red chilli, thinly sliced

- 1 red pepper, cut into chunks

- 4 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

Method

1. Marinate the Beef  

  In a bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients: Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce, sesame oil, and caster sugar. Add the steak strips and toss to coat thoroughly. For the best flavor, let the beef marinate in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If you're short on time, you can proceed to the next step immediately.

2. Prepare the Beef for Air Frying

  Sprinkle the cornflour over the marinated steak and mix until each piece is coated with a thin layer of flour. Arrange the beef strips on a plate, and drizzle each piece with a little vegetable oil. Preheat the air fryer to 220°C (if your air fryer has a preheat setting).

3. Air Fry the Beef

  Place the beef strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes until the beef is crispy and golden brown.

4. Prepare the Sauce

  While the beef is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Stir-fry the garlic, ginger, red chilli, red pepper, and the white parts of the spring onions for 2-3 minutes until the pepper softens. Be careful not to burn the garlic or ginger. Add the vinegar, soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, and tomato ketchup. Mix well and cook for another minute until the sauce starts to bubble.

5. Combine and Serve

  Add the crispy beef to the wok and toss to coat with the sauce. Continue cooking for another minute until everything is piping hot. Serve the crispy chilli beef sprinkled with the green parts of the spring onions and a little extra sauce on the side.

Enjoy this flavorful and crispy dish straight from the air fryer to your plate—it's sure to become a new favorite for your weeknight meals!