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Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli

iamwinfred
This Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli Recipe turns your favorite Chinese takeout order into a weeknight dinner you can have on the table in under 30 minutes. Thin slices of tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli get tossed in a sticky, savory sauce that tastes just as good as anything from your local takeout spot, minus the extra oil and the delivery fee.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs flank steak 680g, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce divided
  • 2 tsp cornstarch for the beef marinade
  • 0.25 tsp baking soda optional, for extra tenderness
  • 4 cups broccoli florets about 340g, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar packed
  • 0.33 cup low-sodium beef broth 80ml
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp or 30ml water as sauce slurry
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • sesame seeds for garnish
  • 2 green onions sliced, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Place flank steak in the freezer for 15 minutes until firm, then slice thinly against the grain into 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick strips.
  • In a medium bowl, combine sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and baking soda if using. Toss well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
  • Cut broccoli into small, bite-sized florets and toss with olive oil in a separate bowl until lightly coated.
  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  • Shake off excess marinade and arrange beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • Add oiled broccoli florets to the air fryer basket on top of the beef. Air fry for 5-6 more minutes at 400°F (200°C), shaking once or twice, until broccoli is crisp-tender and slightly charred.
  • In a small saucepan, whisk together remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  • Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Pour thickened sauce over beef and broccoli in the air fryer basket or transfer to a large bowl. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Slice beef as thin as possible: Freeze it briefly beforehand to make slicing easier and ensure the most tender bite.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: If beef and broccoli are piled too high, they'll steam instead of crisping up. Cook in batches if needed.
  • Shake the basket every few minutes: Since the heating element sits at the top of most air fryers, shaking ensures even cooking.
  • Let the sauce simmer: Cook the sauce for at least a minute after adding the cornstarch slurry so it thickens properly and doesn't taste starchy.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small drizzle of sriracha to the sauce if you like some heat.
  • Meal prep friendly: Marinate the beef and prep the broccoli up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until ready to cook.
  • Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes to keep broccoli from getting mushy, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
  • Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of regular soy sauce, and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
  • Serving suggestion: Serve over steamed rice, lo mein noodles, or with a side of steamed dumplings for a full takeout-style spread.
  • Freezing not recommended: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as broccoli tends to turn watery and soft after thawing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 32gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 870mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 85mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 20mg
Keyword air fryer beef and broccoli, air fryer Chinese beef, beef and broccoli air fryer, quick beef dinner
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