Air fryer Mongolian beef is one of the best weeknight dinners, bursting with flavor. If you love crispy beef, you will love this recipe, coated with the sweet sauce, you will love this easy Asian recipe, cooked and served in under 20 minutes!
My kids go ape over PF Chang’s; they love everything Chinese. So today, I tried my hand at making Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef.
The meat is cooked perfectly in the air fryer, and the cornstarch coating provides a great coating for the sauce to adhere to. The flank steak is tender, rich, and absolutely delicious. Soaked in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger-infused sauce. It provides a great meal. Full and full of flavor.
If you love copycat recipes, try my recipe for Pizza Hut Chicken Alfredo Pesto Recipe, Homemade Thin Mints, or Air Fryer Panera Copycat Cinnamon Crunch Bagels .
Why You Will Love Air Fryer Mongolian Beef
- Quick Cooking Time: You can enjoy a delicious homemade meal in just 30 minutes!
- Crispy Texture: This contrast in texture elevates the overall dining experience to new heights!
- Flavorful Sauce: Each bite bursts with the delightful taste of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce!
- Versatile Ingredients: You can make it your own by adding bell peppers, broccoli, or even tofu!
- Impressive Presentation: Serve it over rice or noodles for a stunning centerpiece at your dinner table!
Ingredients Needed
Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:
- Flank Steak: Slice it against the grain into thin strips for a more tender result.
- Soy Sauce: Provides the savory and umami flavor base for the marinade.
- Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef.
- Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
- Brown Sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Hoisin Sauce: A thick, sweet, savory sauce commonly used in Asian cooking.
- Ginger: Adds a warm, aromatic, and slightly spicy note to the sauce.
How to make air fryer Mongolian beef
Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Step One: Combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, cornstarch, and minced garlic in a bowl. Toss until the beef is well-coated. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
Step Two: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step Three: Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping the beef halfway through until it is browned and crispy.
The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the beef and the air fryer model you’re using. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step Four: While the beef is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, freshly grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and heat the sauce over low heat until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is warmed. Once the beef is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the sauce over it. Toss the beef in the sauce until it is well-coated.
Serving: Garnish the Mongolian beef with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if desired) for added freshness and texture. Serve the Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef Recipe Tips
- Thinly Slice the Beef: For tender, and evenly cooked beef, slice it against the grain into thin strips.
- Marinate the Beef: Allow the beef to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer if possible.
- Cook in Batches: To avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, cook the beef in batches.
- Brush or Spray with Oil: Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the beef from sticking.
- Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the beef and the air fryer model you’re using.
- Toss in the Sauce: Once the beef is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and toss it in the prepared sauce while it’s still hot.
- Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether depending on your heat preference.
- Garnish with Fresh Ingredients: Before serving, garnish the Mongolian beef with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added freshness and visual appeal.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef Recipe Faqs
Can I use a different cut of beef instead of flank steak? While flank steak is the traditional choice for Mongolian beef, you can use other cuts like sirloin or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Can I make the Mongolian beef ahead of time? While the beef is best enjoyed immediately after cooking for optimal texture, you can prepare the marinade and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and cook the beef right before serving.
Can I use a different sauce or adjust the ingredients? Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different sauces or add additional spices and flavors to customize the dish.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Simply adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly, but make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking the beef. Cook in batches if needed.
Can I use the same recipe for chicken or tofu? Yes, you can adapt the recipe for chicken or tofu if you prefer. Adjust the cooking times accordingly, as chicken and tofu may require different cooking times and temperatures.
Can I make this dish without an air fryer? While the air fryer yields crispy results, you can still make a delicious Mongolian beef using a stovetop wok or skillet. Adjust the cooking times and techniques accordingly.
Can I freeze the leftovers? It’s generally not recommended to freeze cooked beef in sauce, as the texture may change upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy the Mongolian beef fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for a day or two.
What can I serve with Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef? This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or as part of a larger Asian-inspired feast.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER BARNYARD BUSTER WRAP
- AIR FRYER APPLE CRANBERRY BREAD
- EASY AIR FRYER SPAM
- AIR FRYER BREAKFAST EGG ROLLS
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, low-sodium
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, cornstarch, and minced garlic. Toss until the beef is well-coated. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for a few minutes.
- Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping the beef halfway through, until it is browned and crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the beef and the air fryer model you’re using. Cook in batches if necessary.
- While the beef is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, freshly grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and heat the sauce over low heat until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is warmed through.
- Once the beef is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the sauce over it. Toss the beef in the sauce until it is well-coated.
- Garnish the Mongolian beef with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if desired) for added freshness and texture.
- Serve the Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
Share this recipe
We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!
