There are few things more comforting than a warm bowl of beef and broccoli. It’s a staple in Chinese-American takeout and for good reason: tender beef, crispy broccoli, and that glossy, savory sauce come together like magic. But what if we told you that you could get that same restaurant-quality flavor and texture without all the oil or standing over a hot stove? Enter: Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli. This isn't just another beef and broccoli recipe. It's a healthier, faster, and possibly tastier spin on the classic, and it's about to become one of your favorite easy weeknight dinners.
This version is perfect for fans of Asian beef and broccoli who want something a little more hands-off. The air fryer delivers crisp broccoli and caramelized beef bites, and all with less mess. Whether you're craving Chinese beef and broccoli, searching for a healthy beef and broccoli option, or just want the best beef and broccoli recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes, this one’s for you.
Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 27 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Chinese
Air fryer Any model with a basket large enough for your beef and broccoli will do. If you don’t have one, a convection oven or traditional oven at 425°F will work.
Mixing bowls For marinating the beef and tossing the broccoli.
Small saucepan For making the sauce.
Whisk To help emulsify and thicken the sauce.
Tongs or spatula For flipping or mixing the beef and broccoli during air frying.
Knife and Cutting Board To prep the steak and broccoli.
For the beef and marinade
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the broccoli and seasoning
- 3 cups broccoli florets chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- Pinch of salt
For the sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water slurry
Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and black pepper. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss well. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep the broccoli and sauce. The longer the better—you can even marinate it overnight.
Prep the Broccoli
Toss your broccoli florets with olive oil and a light pinch of salt. If you're a broccoli lover looking for a new broccoli recipe, this is a great one to bookmark—simple, crispy, and full of flavor.
Air Fry the Broccoli
Place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 5 minutes. Give it a shake halfway through to make sure everything gets evenly roasted. You want slightly crispy edges with a tender bite—a broccoli stir fry vibe without the stovetop splatter.
Air Fry the Beef
Remove the broccoli and set aside. Place marinated beef in a single layer in the basket. Cook at 375°F for 7 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through. The beef should be caramelized and tender. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches.
Make the Sauce
While the beef is cooking, make the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, hoisin, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. This is your perfect beef and broccoli sauce—thick, glossy, and bursting with umami.
Toss Everything Together
Once the beef is cooked, return the broccoli to the air fryer or a large bowl. Pour the sauce over everything and toss until evenly coated.
Serve It Up
Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or toss with some rice noodles for a beef and broccoli noodles upgrade.
Pairings
- Drinks: Pair with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or try green tea for a lighter option.
- Side Dishes: Steamed dumplings or scallion pancakes are a perfect complement. For a veggie-forward meal, try a cucumber salad or miso soup.
- Carbs: Rice is classic, but you could switch it up with soba noodles or even quinoa for a healthy beef and broccoli twist.
FAQs
1. What type of beef works best for this recipe?
Flank steak or sirloin are top picks for this beef with broccoli recipe. They’re tender when sliced thinly and soak up the marinade well. Avoid tough cuts like chuck unless slow-cooked.
2. Can I make this with ground beef?
Yes! Ground beef and broccoli is a fantastic variation. Brown the beef first, then toss with cooked broccoli and the sauce. It’s a more rustic, budget-friendly take.
3. What if I want to use chicken instead?
No problem! This dish works beautifully with boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. For fans of chicken breast recipes, just cube the meat and follow the same steps for marinating and cooking.
4. Is this version healthier than takeout?
Absolutely. This is a beef and broccoli healthy alternative with less oil, less sugar, and fewer additives. Plus, air frying retains the veggies' nutrients better than deep frying or even stir frying.
5. Can I make this ahead?
Yes. You can marinate the beef a day in advance, and the sauce can be made and refrigerated up to 3 days ahead. Cook fresh for best texture.
6. Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the beef for crispy tofu or mushrooms, and you’ll still get that delicious umami-packed sauce experience.
