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Air Fryer Crispy Beef (Better Than Takeout!)

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This Air Fryer Crispy Beef recipe delivers takeout-style flavor with a crispy texture and sticky, tangy sauce—without deep frying. Quick, easy, and air fryer-friendly, it’s a better-than-takeout dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • Beef & Marinade:
  • 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, partially frozen and thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Coating:
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp rice flour (or plain flour/potato starch)
  • Vegetable or sesame oil spray
  • Sauce:
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 small carrot, julienned
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • Garnish:
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced chilies (optional)
  • Chopped spring onions

Instructions

  1. Partially freeze steak for easier slicing. Slice thinly against the grain and marinate with cornstarch, baking soda, soy sauce, and sesame oil for 30 minutes.
  2. After marinating, coat beef with cornstarch and rice flour. Arrange strips in a single layer and spray with oil.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 465°F (240°C). Air fry beef for 7 minutes, shaking once or twice for even crisping.
  4. Meanwhile, heat sesame oil in a wok. Sauté onion and carrot for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant.
  5. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, sriracha, and honey. Simmer and add cornstarch slurry. Cook until sauce thickens.
  6. Add air-fried beef to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
  7. Garnish with sesame seeds, spring onions, and optional chilies. Serve over rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Swap beef with flank steak, chicken, or tofu for variation.
  • Use chili flakes or extra sriracha for spicier flavor.
  • Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
  • The sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/air-fryer-crispy-beef-better-than-takeout/