Can You Make Crispy Chilli Beef in an Air Fryer Without Cornstarch?

Yes! While cornstarch is the best choice for a light, crispy coating , you can use potato starch , rice flour , or even arrowroot powder as alternatives. Avoid regular flour, as it can make the coating too dense.

What Is the Best Cut of Beef for Crispy Chilli Beef in an Air Fryer?

The best cuts for this dish are tender and quick-cooking : ✔ Rump Steak – Well-marbled and full of flavor. ✔ Sirloin Steak – Lean but still tender. ✔ Flank Steak – Slightly chewy but crisps up well. ✔ Skirt Steak – Absorbs marinades beautifully.

3. Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?

It’s best to thaw the beef completely before cooking to ensure even slicing, proper marination, and crispier results . If using frozen beef, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

How Do I Prevent My Beef from Becoming Soggy After Air Frying?

To keep your beef crispy: ✔ Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket —cook in batches if needed. ✔ Shake or flip the beef halfway through cooking for even crispiness. ✔ Let the sauce cool slightly before tossing the beef in it. ✔ Add sauce gradually , so the beef stays crispy.

15 Irresistible Secrets For The Best Crispy Chilli Beef Air Fryer Recipe

Name: Crispy Chilli Beef Air Fryer – The Best Recipe for a Healthier Takeaway-Style Dish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 500g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp oil (optional for extra crispiness); 1 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening); Sesame seeds; Chopped green onions

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

500g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp oil (optional for extra crispiness)

For the Sauce:

1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For Garnish:

Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Beef:

In a bowl, toss the beef strips with soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Coat evenly with cornstarch, shaking off excess.

2️⃣ Air Fry the Beef:

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
Arrange beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Spray lightly with oil for extra crispiness (optional).
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

3️⃣ Make the Sauce:

In a small pan over medium heat, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Add soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
Stir in the bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Mix cornstarch slurry and add to the sauce, stirring until thickened.

4️⃣ Combine & Serve:

Toss crispy beef in the sauce until well-coated.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

For extra crunch, air fry for an additional 2 minutes.
Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or drizzle with Sriracha.
For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Author: Ella Thompson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese Takeaway-Style

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
Calories: ~350 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: Air Fryer Crispy Beef, Chilli Beef, Sweet and Spicy Beef, Homemade Takeout, Air Fryer Chinese Recipe, Crispy Beef Strips, Quick Asian Dinner, Air Fried Beef Recipe