Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli

Discover how to make Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli, a quick and healthy recipe packed with flavor, tender beef, and crisp broccoli in under 30 minutes.

Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli is a modern twist on a classic Chinese-American takeout dish. Traditionally stir-fried in a wok with oil, this recipe gets a lighter and healthier makeover by using the air fryer. The result? Tender strips of beef and crisp, vibrant broccoli tossed in a savory garlic-soy sauce glaze.

I first learned to make this dish when experimenting with recreating restaurant favorites at home. My family often requests it on busy weeknights because it’s both nourishing and quick. There’s something comforting about the familiar flavors of soy, ginger, and garlic melding together, but without the heaviness that comes with deep frying or oily stir-fries.

Ingredient spotlight: The star here is flank steak. It’s lean, flavorful, and cooks beautifully when sliced thin against the grain. If you can’t find flank steak, skirt steak or sirloin work as great substitutes. To ensure tenderness, marinate the beef for at least 20 minutes.

Technique tip: Many home cooks make the mistake of overcrowding the air fryer basket, which steams the ingredients instead of crisping them. Always cook in batches for the best texture. Also, toss the broccoli with a light coating of oil so it stays bright green and doesn’t dry out.

This dish is naturally dairy-free and can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets by swapping soy sauce for tamari. It’s a perfect meal when you want bold flavor, balanced nutrition, and easy cleanup.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
3 cups (300 g) broccoli florets
2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp (15 ml) oyster sauce (adds depth; optional for vegetarian versions)
1 tbsp (15 ml) hoisin sauce (or honey for lighter sweetness)
1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp cornstarch (for coating beef; helps crisp and thicken sauce)
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp neutral oil (canola, avocado, or light olive oil)
1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional garnish)

Directions

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and water. Stir until smooth. Set aside half the mixture for tossing later.
Place beef strips in a bowl. Add cornstarch and half of the marinade. Toss to coat well. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Lightly coat broccoli with oil and a pinch of salt. Spread evenly in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway, until bright green and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
Place beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 7–9 minutes, shaking halfway, until browned and cooked through. Work in batches if necessary.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked beef, broccoli, and the reserved sauce. Toss until everything is well coated.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

How to Prepare

Start by slicing the flank steak thinly across the grain—this is the secret to tender beef. Marinate it with cornstarch and sauce to lock in moisture and flavor. While the beef marinates, prep your broccoli florets and lightly coat them with oil.

Cooking in the air fryer happens in two steps: first the broccoli, then the beef. This ensures each ingredient cooks perfectly without oversteaming. Once both are done, toss them in the sauce for a glossy, flavorful finish. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Preparation Time

Marination: 20 minutes
Broccoli cooking: 6–8 minutes
Beef cooking: 7–9 minutes
Final toss and garnish: 2–3 minutes

Total Time: About 35 minutes (including marination)

Servings

This recipe makes 4 servings.

What to Serve With

Steamed jasmine rice – balances the savory sauce with its fluffy texture.
Brown rice or quinoa – adds fiber and makes it a wholesome, healthy recipe.
Garlic fried rice – for a more indulgent side.
Asian cucumber salad – cool, crisp, and refreshing contrast.
Spring rolls – as a crunchy starter.
Chili garlic sauce or sriracha – for heat lovers.
Green tea or chilled jasmine tea – complements the flavors without overpowering.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw and pat it dry first. Excess moisture will make it soggy.

2. What cut of beef works best for Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli?
Flank steak is ideal, but skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye can be used. Slice thinly for tenderness.

3. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure oyster and hoisin sauces are labeled gluten-free.

4. Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes, cook the beef and broccoli separately and store in airtight containers. Toss with sauce just before reheating.

5. How do I prevent the beef from turning tough?
Always slice against the grain, marinate, and avoid overcooking in the air fryer.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli is the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. It transforms a classic takeout favorite into a healthier homemade dish that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. The air fryer ensures the beef turns out tender and juicy, while the broccoli stays crisp and vibrant. The savory garlic-soy sauce ties everything together with just the right amount of richness.

What makes this recipe truly shine is its adaptability. You can swap proteins, use different veggies, or adjust sauces to suit your taste. Plus, it’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and fits into many dietary preferences when simple substitutions are made.

Whenever I make this dish, it feels like a small victory—satisfying a craving for takeout while keeping dinner wholesome and quick. If you’re searching for a recipe that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve guests, Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli is it. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a staple at your table.