Hey y'all! Craving that classic takeout beef and broccoli but want to skip the greasy pan and have dinner ready in a flash? This Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli is your go-to recipe for delicious, crispy, saucy goodness, perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even a fun family dinner. With juicy slices of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a mouthwatering savory sauce—all cooked in the air fryer—you'll want to make this dish again and again. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Ready in under 30 minutes for ultra-fast, satisfying dinners.
- Crispy broccoli and perfectly tender beef every single time.
- Uses the air fryer for easier clean-up and less oil.
- Rich, homemade takeout-style sauce that packs bold flavor.
- Customizable for different diets or veggie preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 3 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
Prep the Beef and Broccoli
- Pat the steak dry and slice into thin strips across the grain. Toss beef with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Let marinate for 10 minutes while prepping other ingredients.
- Wash and cut the broccoli into small, even florets. Spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray and toss with a pinch of salt.
Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, brown sugar, remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, water, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
Air Fry the Beef
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange marinated beef in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry for 5-6 minutes, shaking halfway, until just cooked and nicely browned.
Air Fry the Broccoli
- Remove the beef and cover. Add broccoli to the air fryer basket. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes, shaking halfway, until broccoli is crisp-tender and lightly charred.
Combine & Finish
- Return beef and broccoli to a large bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over, toss to combine, then return everything to the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 2-3 more minutes until everything is hot and the sauce has thickened.
Serve
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Notes
- Slice beef thinly and evenly for quick, tender cooking.
- Don't overcrowd your air fryer—cook in batches for best results.
- Toss broccoli with a bit of oil spray to prevent drying out.
Variations
- Chicken and Broccoli: Swap beef for chicken breast or thighs and cut cooking time to 4-5 minutes per batch.
- Spicy Szechuan Style: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce for bold heat.
- Low Carb: Replace brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener and skip the cornstarch for a lighter version.
Required Equipment
- Air fryer (basket or tray style)
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Tongs or spatula
Storage Instructions
Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice.
- Try alongside lo mein noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter touch.
- Pair with a side of egg rolls or steamed dumplings for a complete meal.
Pro Tips
- Marinate the beef for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in.
- Preheat your air fryer for even cooking and better texture.
- If doubling the recipe, cook beef and broccoli in separate batches to avoid sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before air frying to prevent excess moisture and sogginess.
What cut of beef works best?
Flank steak or sirloin are ideal for their tenderness and quick cook time, but any thinly sliced, lean cut works!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
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2Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
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3Add the marinated beef to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 7 minutes, shaking halfway through.
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4Toss broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil and minced garlic. Add broccoli to the air fryer basket with the beef and cook for another 5 minutes.
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5Remove from the air fryer, toss with oyster sauce, and mix well to coat. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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