Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Marinate the Beef:
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade. Toss to coat the beef evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
- Mix the Coating Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Coat the Beef
- Coat the Beef Strips:
- Remove the beef from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Dredge each beef strip in the crispy coating mixture, ensuring an even layer. Shake off any excess coating.
Step 4: Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures a crispy finish.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the Beef Strips:
- Place the coated beef strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 5: Air Fry the Beef
- Cook the Beef Strips:
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The beef should be golden brown and crispy. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the strips and your air fryer model.
- Check for Crispiness:
- If the beef isn’t as crispy as you’d like, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
- Mix the Sauce Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, and sriracha or chili paste. Adjust the amount of sriracha or chili paste to your desired level of heat.
- Heat the Sauce:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of water to adjust the consistency. Heat the sauce in a small pan over medium heat until it slightly thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave the sauce for 30-60 seconds.
Step 7: Toss and Serve
- Toss the Beef:
- Once the beef is crispy and cooked through, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the beef and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Chilli Beef
- Use Thinly Sliced Beef: Thin slices ensure quick cooking and a crispy exterior. Slice against the grain for tenderness.
- Do Not Overcrowd: Cook the beef in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of chili flakes and sriracha to suit your heat preference.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for optimal results and crispy texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 25g
Conclusion
This Crispy Air Fryer Chilli Beef recipe delivers the perfect combination of crunchy, spicy, and savory flavors. With minimal oil and a quick cooking time, it’s a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions while still offering that irresistible crunch. Whether served as a main dish or an appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the flavorful kick and crispy goodness of this air fryer delight!
Feel free to experiment with different spices and sauces to make this recipe uniquely yours. Happy air frying and enjoy your crispy chilli beef!