If you’re craving a dish that brings together tender, flavorful beef with crisp, vibrant broccoli, you have to try this Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli Recipe. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a classic takeout favorite right at home, with a fresh twist. The air fryer ensures the steak comes out juicy and perfectly cooked while the broccoli stays beautifully bright and crunchy. Plus, the homemade sauce, rich with garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat, ties everything together into one harmonious, mouthwatering meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli Recipe lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to contribute bold flavors, pleasing textures, and delightful color contrasts that make this dish as delicious as it looks.
- Soy sauce: This adds the perfect salty, umami base that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Water: Helps balance the sauce and keeps it from becoming too intense.
- Sesame oil: Brings a toasty, nutty aroma essential for authentic flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with its signature pungent kick.
- Grated ginger: Adds a warm zestiness that brightens the sauce wonderfully.
- Sriracha (optional): A touch of heat for those who like a little spice in their meals.
- Flank steak (thinly sliced): This lean cut cooks quickly and remains tender and juicy.
- Broccoli florets: For vibrant green color and a satisfying crunch.
- Olive oil: Lightly coats the broccoli for better air frying texture.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into a glossy glaze that clings perfectly to every bite.
- Cooked rice: Essential for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onion: Classic garnishes that add texture and freshness.
How to Make Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sriracha in a small bowl. This savory blend will be the heart of your Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli Recipe, balancing salty, spicy, and aromatic notes that bring everything alive in the final dish.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place your thinly sliced flank steak into a shallow bowl and pour half the prepared sauce over it. This step is key for infusing the beef with flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Pop the bowl into the fridge and let it soak for about 30 minutes while your air fryer gets ready.
Step 3: Air Fry the Beef
Transfer the marinated steak to the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 8 minutes. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation ensures the beef cooks quickly while locking in its juicy tenderness—something that’s a game changer versus traditional pan cooking.
Step 4: Add and Cook the Broccoli
Toss your bright broccoli florets lightly with olive oil and layer them on top of the steak in the air fryer basket. Cook for another 4 minutes at 375°F. The broccoli will come out crisp-tender and beautifully charred in places, making the perfect textural contrast.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch into the reserved half of your sauce and microwave it for 1 minute, whisk, then microwave again for another minute until thickened. Adjust its consistency by adding water if needed. This luscious glaze is what makes the Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli Recipe truly memorable, coating every bite with flavorful goodness.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Pour the thickened sauce over your freshly air-fried beef and broccoli. Give everything a gentle toss to ensure an even coat and serve immediately over a bed of steaming cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions to add a burst of freshness and crunch.
How to Serve Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sesame seeds and sliced green onions isn’t just about looks – their nutty crunch and peppery brightness uplift the dish with extra layers of flavor and texture. Feel free to sprinkle a little chili flakes or drizzle some extra sesame oil if you want to amp up the aroma.
Side Dishes
This dish is lovely on its own over steamed rice, but it also pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic fried rice, quinoa for a nutritious twist, or even a fresh cucumber salad for a crisp contrast to the warm and savory beef and broccoli.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving the Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli Recipe in lettuce cups for a low-carb option that adds a fresh crunch. Alternatively, bowl it up with a sprinkle of toasted almonds or cashews to enhance the nutty sesame theme.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, store the beef and broccoli separately from the sauce for best texture. Place each in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat by warming the beef and broccoli gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, then stir in the sauce to refresh the glaze. Avoid overcooking to maintain the tender, juicy texture that makes this Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli Recipe so delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is perfect for quick cooking and tenderness, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice the meat thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
Is it necessary to marinate the beef for 30 minutes?
Marinating for 30 minutes allows the beef to soak up all those wonderful flavors and helps tenderize it. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes can make a difference, but longer is always better.
Can I skip the sriracha in the sauce?
Definitely. The sriracha adds a mild spicy kick, but it’s completely optional. Feel free to leave it out or substitute with another hot sauce if you prefer a different heat level.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
This recipe can be adapted for a stovetop. Sear the marinated beef in a hot pan for a few minutes, then stir-fry the broccoli separately before combining everything with the sauce on the stovetop.
How do I achieve the best texture for the broccoli?
Air frying the broccoli with a little olive oil keeps it crisp yet tender. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and a nice caramelized finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a homemade Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli Recipe that comes together easily yet tastes like a special occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe will win hearts with its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and unbeatable textures. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal.
Print
Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli recipe featuring tender marinated flank steak and crisp broccoli florets cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Served with a savory, slightly spicy sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish offers a healthy, no-fuss alternative to takeout classics with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Marinade & Sauce
- â…“ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
To Serve & Garnish
- Cooked rice
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onion
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, water, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha if using. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
- Marinate the steak: Place the thinly sliced flank steak in a shallow bowl. Pour half of the prepared sauce over the steak, reserving the remaining half for later use. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook the steak: Transfer the marinated steak into the air fryer basket in an even layer. Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 8 minutes, allowing the steak to brown and cook through.
- Add and cook broccoli: Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil to coat evenly. Add the broccoli on top of the partially cooked steak in the air fryer basket. Continue cooking at 375°F for an additional 4 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Thicken the sauce: Mix the reserved sauce with cornstarch until fully dissolved. Microwave the sauce for 1 minute, then whisk to combine. Microwave for another minute until the sauce thickens and is able to coat the back of a spoon. Adjust thickness by adding water if too thick, or microwave longer if too thin.
- Serve and garnish: Pour the thickened sauce over the cooked beef and broccoli. Serve hot over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For more heat, increase the amount of sriracha or add chili flakes to the marinade.
- Be sure to slice the flank steak thinly across the grain for the most tender results.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also cook the steak and broccoli in a hot skillet, though cooking times may vary.
- Using a microwave to thicken the sauce is a quick shortcut; alternatively, thicken it on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used as a stir-fry sauce for other dishes.
