Air Fryer Crispy Chilli Beef (Cantonese Style)
Are you a fan of mouth-watering, authentic Cantonese dishes? If so, you will definitely have to try this air fryer crispy chilli beef with sweet honey chilli sauce! This spicy and savoury dish has been traditionally served in Chinese restaurants all around the world. But with today’s modern kitchen technology, it can now be easily made at home using an air fryer. I’ll show you how simple it is to make this delicious dish right in your own kitchen.
Crispy chilli sticky beef
If you’re a fan of crispy, savoury dishes that pack a punch of flavour, then you have to try this air fryer crispy chilli sticky beef with honey chilli sauce! This dish is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and the air fryer gives the beef the most satisfying crunch. The sticky sauce is made with honey, soy sauce, chilli, and garlic, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress your guests. It’s quick and easy to make, bursting with flavour, and a healthier alternative to traditional fried food. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients
- 250 g Thin Steaks (Cut into thin strips)
- 4-6 tbsp Cornflour
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 Red Chilli (thinly sliced or 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper)
- 1 Red Pepper (Thinly sliced)
- 4 Spring Onions (Roughly chopped)
- Sesame seeds (for sprinkling)
Beef Chilli Marinade
- ½ tsp Chinese Five-spice powder
- 2 tsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Caster Sugar
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger
- 2 Cloves of Garlic (Crushed)
Honey Chilli Sauce
- 4 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (or Tamari sauce)
- 1 tbsp Hoisin Sauce (or oyster sauce)
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing Wine
- 3 tbsp Clear Honey
- 2 tbsp Vinegar
- ½ tsp Chilli Powder
How to make crispy chilli beef in the air fryer
How to make honey chilli sauce for chilli beef
Add the sauce ingredients to a frying pan or wok over medium heat and simmer for 3 -5 minutes or until thickened. It will be reduced in quantity, but there is enough to coat all the beef strips. Add the beef to the sauce and mix thoroughly. Add the spring onions and red peppers, heat through and serve with a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Here are five delicious side dishes that would pair well with crispy chilli beef:
- Steamed rice: This classic option is always a safe bet when it comes to Chinese-inspired dishes. The neutral flavour of rice can help balance out the spiciness of the chilli beef.
- Stir-fried vegetables: Crispy chilli beef can be quite heavy, so some fresh veggies on the side can help lighten things up. Consider snap peas, broccoli, bell peppers or bok choy.
- Asian slaw: This crunchy and tangy salad is a great way to add some texture to your meal. Try shredding some cabbage, carrots, and spring green onions and tossing them with a dressing made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Wonton soup: A bowl of wonton soup is always a good choice if you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting. The light broth, filled with savoury dumplings, perfectly complements crispy chilli beef.
Leftover crispy chilli beef
To store leftover crispy chilli beef, transfer it to an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, it is best to use the oven or toaster oven to maintain its crispiness. Enjoy!
More air fryer recipes:
Air Fryer Roast Pork with Perfect Crackling
Air Fryer Crispy Chilli Beef (Cantonese Style)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 250 g Thin Steaks (Cut into thin strips)
- 4-6 tbsp Cornflour
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 Red Chilli (thinly sliced or 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper)
- 1 Red Pepper (Thinly sliced)
- 4 Spring Onions (Roughly chopped)
- Sesame seeds (for sprinkling)
Beef Chilli Marinade
- ½ tsp Chinese Five-spice powder
- 2 tsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Cloves of Garlic (Crushed)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1 tsp Caster Sugar
Honey Chilli Sauce
- 4 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (or Tamari sauce)
- 1 tbsp Hoisin Sauce (or oyster sauce)
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing Wine
- 3 tbsp Clear Honey
- 2 tbsp Vinegar
- ½ tsp Chilli Powder
Instructions
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the steak strips and toss to coat and leave for 15 minutes or overnight if you can.
- Using a plastic lunch box with a lid, add the cornflour.
- Add the steak strips to the flour, put the lid on the box and shake thoroughly to ensure all the strips are fully coated. Now drizzle a little oil over each piece and shake again.
- Set the air fryer to 200℃ and carefully put the beef on the cooking rack and cook for 6 minutes, then turn and cook for another 6 minutes until crispy.
- Meanwhile, add the sauce ingredients to a frying pan or wok over medium heat and simmer for 3 -5 minutes or until thickened. Add the beef to the sauce and mix thoroughly. Add the spring onions and red peppers, heat through and serve with a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
We got our first air fryer in Dec ‘23 and I’ve been so excited to try this recipe. Finally did it tonight, and Wow! Delicious, sweet, hot and spicy. So much better than those I’ve had from takeaways. Going to be a firm favourite ❤️
That’s great! It’s one of my favourites too 🙂
Beautiful!!!!
Beautiful dish!