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Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli - Fast, Flavorful, and Weeknight Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Beef: 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • Broccoli: 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh preferred)
  • Soy sauce: 1/4 cup (use low-sodium if preferred)
  • Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons (optional but adds depth)
  • Brown sugar or honey: 1–2 tablespoons
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Fresh ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons (for sauce thickening)
  • Neutral oil: 1–2 teaspoons (avocado, canola, or grapeseed)
  • Red pepper flakes or sriracha: to taste (optional)
  • Green onions: 2, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon (optional garnish)
  • Cooked rice or noodles: for serving

Method
 

  1. Slice the beef: Freeze the steak for 15–20 minutes to firm it up. Slice thinly against the grain into bite-size strips for tenderness.
  2. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Marinate the beef: Add the sliced beef to the bowl. Toss to coat and let it sit 15–20 minutes while you prep the broccoli and preheat.
  4. Prep the broccoli: Cut florets into similar sizes. Pat dry to avoid steaming. Toss with 1 teaspoon neutral oil and a pinch of salt.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps sear the beef.
  6. Air-fry the broccoli: Add broccoli in a single layer. Cook 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway, until crisp-tender with light char. Transfer to a bowl.
  7. Air-fry the beef: Drain the beef, reserving the marinade. Lightly oil the basket if needed. Arrange beef in a single layer and cook 5–7 minutes at 390°F, shaking or flipping halfway. Work in batches for good browning.
  8. Make the sauce: Pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Whisk in 2 teaspoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. Simmer over medium heat 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
  9. Toss together: Combine cooked beef and broccoli in a large bowl. Pour over the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  10. Garnish and serve: Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over warm rice or noodles.