The Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad recipe combines tender, marinated beef cooked in the air fryer with a refreshing mix of vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and carrots. Tossed in a tangy Thai dressing made from lime juice and soy sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for a quick, healthy meal. The beef is sliced thin and served over the crisp veggies, creating a satisfying and vibrant salad that’s both light and filling.

Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing.
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from me on occasion!

Looking for a flavorful and fresh meal that’s quick and easy? This Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad is the perfect solution! Tender, perfectly seasoned beef is cooked in the air fryer and paired with crisp vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing for a vibrant, satisfying dish.

It’s a delicious mix of savory, spicy, and zesty flavors—ideal for a quick lunch or dinner!

Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and Thai dressing.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick and Easy: The air fryer makes cooking the beef fast and hassle-free, saving you time in the kitchen while still delivering great flavor.
  • Fresh and Vibrant: With crisp vegetables and a tangy Thai dressing, this salad is packed with fresh, zesty flavors that will wake up your taste buds.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences by adding or swapping vegetables, herbs, or protein sources.
  • Perfect for Any Meal: Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, dinner, or a side dish, this Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad is versatile and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad on kitchen table.
  • Flank Steak: Lean and tender beef cuts, sliced thinly for quick cooking in the air fryer.
  • Vegetable Oil: Coats the beef slices before air frying, allowing them to develop a flavorful crust.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Seasonings to enhance the taste of the beef.
  • Mixed Salad Greens: A variety of fresh, crisp greens like lettuce, arugula, and spinach for the salad base.
  • Cucumber: Sliced cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and mild flavor.
  • Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp and slightly sweet element.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes add color and flavor.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro leaves contribute a vibrant, citrusy aroma.
  • Fresh Mint Leaves: Mint leaves bring a refreshing and aromatic note to the salad.
  • Lime: Freshly squeezed lime juice is a key component of the Thai dressing.
  • Fish Sauce: A savory and salty condiment essential to Thai cuisine.
  • Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
  • Thai Bird’s Eye Chilies: Sliced chilies bring heat and spice to the dish.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth of flavor to the dressing.

How To Cook Thai Beef Salad In Air Fryer

Marinating flank steak in a large bowl with lime juice and soy sauce for 2-4 hours.

Step One: In a large bowl, add the flank steak, lime juice, and soy sauce. Cover and marinade for 2-4 hours.

Mixing tomatoes, cucumber, onion, carrots, lime juice, and soy sauce in a large bowl.

Step Two: In a large bowl, add the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, carrots, lime juice, and soy sauce.

Combining tomatoes, cucumber, onion, carrots, lime juice, and soy sauce in a large bowl.

Step Three: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 5-7 minutes. Remove the steak from the marinade, discard the marinade. Set the cook time for 8-10 minutes, or until at the desired doneness. Let the cook steak rest briefly, then slice it thinly against the grain.

Preheating air fryer to 400°F, cooking marinated steak for 8-10 minutes, then resting and slicing against the grain.

Step Four: Toss the sliced beef into the salad and drizzle the dressing. If desired, garnish with crushed peanuts, red chili flakes, and sesame seeds. Serve the Thai Beef Salad immediately, and enjoy!

Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad with tender beef, fresh veggies, and a tangy Thai dressing.

Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad Recipe Tips

  • Use Flank Steak or Sirloin: These cuts of beef are perfect for quick air frying, providing tenderness and flavor without being overly fatty. Slice against the grain for the best texture.
  • Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinate the beef for 2-4 hours to allow the flavors to soak in. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add more vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, radishes, or avocado can make great additions.
  • Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little honey or sugar to balance out the tanginess of lime and soy sauce.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Ensure the beef is in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking. If necessary, cook the steak in batches.
  • Serve Immediately: This salad is best served fresh, with the beef warm and the veggies crisp. If you’re making it ahead of time, store the beef separately from the salad ingredients to keep it fresh.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with cilantro or mint to add an extra burst of fresh flavor to the salad. These herbs are common in Thai dishes and add a refreshing touch.

Storing

To store Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad, keep the beef and salad components separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply combine the beef with the veggies and dressing for a fresh, flavorful meal.

Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy Thai dressing.

Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this salad? While sirloin or flank steak is commonly used for Thai beef salad, you can experiment with cuts like ribeye or tenderloin, depending on your preference. Just make sure to slice them thinly for quick cooking.

Can I prepare the beef in advance and refrigerate it? Yes, you can marinate and cook the beef in advance, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness and crispness of the vegetables.

Can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein. Use a vegan fish sauce alternative, or omit it, and ensure the other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

How can I adjust the spiciness level of the salad? The spiciness of this salad primarily comes from Thai bird’s eye chilies. You can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chilies to the dressing. Be cautious, as they are very hot, so start with a small amount and taste as you go.

Can I use pre-made Thai dressing for this salad? While homemade dressing is recommended for the freshest flavors, you can use store-bought Thai dressing if you’re short on time. Just check the ingredients to ensure they align with your dietary preferences.

What other vegetables can I add to the salad? Feel free to customize your Thai beef salad with additional vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or bean sprouts for extra crunch and freshness.

Is there a gluten-free version of this salad? To make this salad gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the dressing and double-check the fish sauce for any gluten-containing ingredients. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party or gathering? While it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness, you can prepare the ingredients, marinate the beef, and chop the vegetables in advance to save time. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to toss everything together.

Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad with juicy beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful Thai dressing.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!

Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad

Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad

No ratings yet
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Marinade Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Make a delicious and vibrant Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad with tender beef, crisp veggies, and a tangy Thai dressing. A healthy and satisfying meal in minutes!
YouTube video

Ingredients 

  • 1-2 pounds flank steak

Marinade:

  • 1/2 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

Salad:

  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1 large English cucumber, sliced
  • 1 cup red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots

Salad Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup lime juice, divided
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce, divided
  • 1 jalapeno, minced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup fresh basil

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, add the flank steak, lime juice, and soy sauce. Cover and marinade for 2-4 hours.
  • In a large bowl, add the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, carrots, lime juice, and soy sauce.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5-7 minutes. Remove the steak from the marinade, discard the marinade, and set the air fryer to 400 degrees F, using air fryer setting, and set cook time for 8-10 minutes, or until at the desired doneness.
  • Let the cooked steak rest briefly, then slice it thinly against the grain.
  • Toss the sliced beef into the salad and drizzle the dressing. If desired, garnish with crushed peanuts, red chili flakes, and sesame seeds. Serve the Thai Beef Salad immediately, and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together all of the salad ingredients. Adjust the quantities to achieve your desired balance of flavors – sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 172kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 20gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 1141mgPotassium: 691mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 4379IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 2mg

Share this recipe

We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!