Air Fried Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef in the Air Fryer

If you love indulging in Chinese restaurant-style crispy chilli beef, you’ll be thrilled to know you can recreate this flavorful dish at home with ease. This recipe delivers all the essentials: the perfect crunch, a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, and just the right amount of heat—all with fewer calories thanks to the air fryer. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this step-by-step guide ensures success every time.

Choosing the Right Beef for Crispy Chilli Perfection

The foundation of this recipe lies in selecting the ideal cut of beef. Opt for tender options such as sirloin, rump, or skirt steak. Slice the beef thinly into strips, ensuring uniformity for even cooking. Pro tip: Always slice against the grain to maximize tenderness.

The Secret to an Irresistible Crunch

The hallmark of crispy chilli beef is its golden, crunchy coating. Achieve this by coating the beef strips in egg, followed by a generous layer of cornflour (or cornstarch). This method locks in the moisture while creating that satisfying crunch with each bite.

For even better results, coat the beef strips in batches rather than all at once. This ensures every piece is thoroughly coated without excessive stickiness. Lightly spraying the coated strips with vegetable oil before air frying enhances the crispiness even further.

Crafting the Perfect Sweet and Spicy Sauce

What sets this crispy chilli beef apart is the tantalizing sauce that ties everything together. A harmonious blend of sweet chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), and sriracha creates a symphony of flavors. Adding minced garlic and strips of fresh red pepper enhances the depth and texture.

This sauce isn’t just a coating—it’s the heart of the dish. Simmering it briefly helps the flavors meld together, elevating your crispy beef to restaurant-quality status.

How to Achieve Crispy Perfection with an Air Fryer

The air fryer is your best friend when making this dish healthier without compromising on taste. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) to ensure the beef crisps up beautifully. Always spray the basket with oil or line it with baking paper to prevent sticking.

Arrange the coated beef strips in a single layer. Overcrowding will trap steam, resulting in soggy pieces. Air fry the strips for 5–6 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5–6 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

Assembling the Dish

Once your beef strips are perfectly crispy, toss them in the prepared sauce until each piece is well-coated. The combination of the crispy beef and the vibrant sauce is simply irresistible. Garnish with sesame seeds and freshly chopped spring onions for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Pairing Suggestions for the Ultimate Experience

This crispy chilli beef pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Steamed rice, egg-fried rice, or noodles are classic choices. For a complete Chinese-inspired feast, serve alongside dishes like crispy pork belly or char siu.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

For the best texture, enjoy your crispy chilli beef fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer to revive the crunch. If freezing, store for up to three months and air fry for about eight minutes to reheat.

 Recipe for Air Fryer Crispy Chilli Beef

Ingredients

• 360 g of steak (sirloin, rump, or skirt), thinly sliced against the grain
• 6 tablespoons of cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons of sweet chilli sauce
• 3 tablespoons of tomato ketchup
• 1 ½ tablespoons of rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 3 tablespoons of light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of water
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 2 teaspoons of sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• Sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Slice your chosen steak into thin strips, ensuring uniformity. Coat with beaten egg.
2. Coat with Cornflour: Dredge the beef strips in cornflour one at a time, ensuring full coverage. Lightly spray with vegetable oil.
3. Air Fry the Beef: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Spray or line the basket, then arrange the strips in a single layer. Cook for 5–6 minutes, flip, and air fry for another 5–6 minutes until crispy.
4. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, mix sweet chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sriracha, and minced garlic. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add sliced red peppers for a fresh crunch.
5. Combine and Garnish: Toss the crispy beef in the sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped spring onions over the top.
6. Serve: Enjoy with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy your homemade crispy chilli beef—an air fryer masterpiece!