Air Fryer Crispy Beijing Beef is a healthier, homemade version of the popular takeout dish. Tender beef coated in a crispy layer and tossed in a savory, flavorful sauce makes for a delicious and quick meal, cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
Craving a crispy, savory dish with bold flavors? This Air Fryer Crispy Beijing Beef recipe is the perfect solution! With tender beef coated in a crunchy, crispy exterior and drizzled with a flavorful sauce, it’s a delicious, healthier twist on the classic takeout favorite. Ready in no time, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite for the whole family!
If you love easy air fryer dinner recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Sliders, Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, or Air Fryer T Bone Steak.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
✅ Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy crust without excess oil, making it a lighter option than traditional frying.
✅ Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal fast.
✅ Bold, Flavorful Sauce: The savory, tangy sauce brings an irresistible depth of flavor that complements the crispy beef perfectly.
✅ Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice, and seasoning to your personal taste for a dish that suits your preferences perfectly.
Ingredients & Substitutions Needed
- Beef sirloin or flank steak for tender, flavorful beef (can substitute with chicken or tofu).
- Cornstarch to create a crispy coating (substitute with potato starch).
- All-purpose flour for additional crispiness (use gluten-free flour as a substitute).
- Egg to bind the beef with the coating (use a flax egg for a vegan option).
- Soy sauce for savory umami flavor (use tamari for gluten-free).
- Black pepper to add mild heat (substitute with white pepper).
- Garlic powder for a rich, savory depth (substitute with fresh garlic).
- Onion powder for a mild onion flavor (substitute with finely chopped onions).
- Oil spray for a light crisp (use olive oil spray as an alternative)
- Hoisin sauce for sweetness and richness (substitute with teriyaki sauce).
- Rice vinegar for acidity (use apple cider vinegar as a substitute).
- Brown sugar to balance the sauce’s flavor (substitute with coconut sugar).
- Chili garlic sauce for spice and heat (use sriracha or a mild chili paste).
- Minced garlic for bold flavor (substitute with garlic powder).
- Minced ginger to add a fresh, zesty kick (use ground ginger as a substitute).
- Sliced green onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor (substitute with chives).
- Sesame seeds for a crunchy, nutty finish (use sunflower seeds as a substitute).
How To Make Air Fryer Crispy Beijing Beef
Step One: In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch and flour. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, soy sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dip each slice of beef into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the cornstarch-flour mixture.
Step Two: Preheat the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the beef slices in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Set cook time for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the beef is crispy and golden brown.
Step Three: In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step Four: Toss the crispy beef in the prepared sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Air Fryer Crispy Beijing Beef Recipe Tips
- Use Thinly Sliced Beef: Thin slices of beef cook more evenly and get crispier in the air fryer. Flank steak or sirloin works best for this recipe.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to allow the beef slices to cook evenly.
- Spray the Beef with Oil: Lightly spraying the beef with oil before air frying ensures it gets a nice golden-brown, crispy texture without excess grease.
- Adjust the Cooking Time: Depending on your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Check for doneness by ensuring the beef is crispy and cooked through.
- Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or spice level of the sauce to suit your taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra chili garlic sauce or a splash of hot sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and ginger. They add a vibrant, aromatic taste that enhances the sauce.
- Let the Beef Rest Before Serving: Allow the crispy beef to rest for a minute before tossing it in the sauce to maintain its crunch.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the crispy beef immediately after tossing it in the sauce, while it’s still hot and crispy.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
- Storing: Store any leftover Air Fryer Crispy Beijing Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the beef has cooled down before storing to maintain its texture.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled crispy beef in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, separate the beef from the sauce when freezing to prevent sogginess.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the beef in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain its crispy texture. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. If reheating the sauce, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave and toss with the crispy beef before serving.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Crispy Beijing Beef
When serving Air Fryer Crispy Beijing Beef, consider pairing it with sides that balance the rich, savory flavors of the dish. Steamed rice is a classic choice, soaking up the delicious sauce while providing a neutral base. For added texture and color, serve it alongside a vegetable stir-fry, featuring vibrant veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots.
A crisp Asian-inspired salad with a sesame dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the crispy beef, while a side of fried rice or crispy noodles can make the meal even more hearty and satisfying. For extra dipping, sweet chili sauce or soy sauce enhances the flavor profile of this delicious dish.
Air Fried Crispy Beijing Beef Recipe Faqs
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can substitute the flank steak or sirloin with other tender cuts of beef like ribeye or tenderloin. Just ensure it’s sliced thinly for best results.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and cornstarch instead of flour for the coating. Make sure to check the ingredients in the hoisin sauce as well.
Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! You can stir-fry some vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots and toss them in with the crispy beef to add extra flavor and texture.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce in the sauce mixture. For a milder version, reduce the chili garlic sauce or omit it entirely.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce in advance. Store the beef and sauce separately in the fridge, and when ready to serve, reheat the beef in the air fryer for that crispy texture, then toss with the sauce.
How do I know when the beef is done? The beef is ready when it’s golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature of the beef reaches 145°F for medium-rare.
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Air Fryer Crispy Beijing Beef
Description
Ingredients
Beijing Beef Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef sirloin, or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Crispy Beijing Beef Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce, adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
Garnish Ingredients (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch and flour. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, soy sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dip each slice of beef into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the cornstarch-flour mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the beef slices in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the beef is crispy and golden brown.
- In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss the crispy beef in the prepared sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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