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

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • For the beef and broccoli: 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head), cut small and even
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, canola, or grapeseed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the marinade/sauce: 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin for sweeter, vegetarian option)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
  • To serve (optional): Cooked rice or noodles
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  • Prep the beef: Freeze the steak for 15–20 minutes to firm it up. Slice thinly against the grain, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels so it crisps better.
  • Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. In a separate cup, stir cornstarch and water until smooth, then whisk into the sauce.
  • Marinate briefly: Toss the sliced beef with half of the sauce. Set aside for 10–15 minutes while you prep the broccoli. Reserve the other half of the sauce for finishing.
  • Prep the broccoli: Cut florets into small, even pieces. Toss with 1 teaspoon of the neutral oil and a pinch of salt.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Heat to 390–400°F (200–205°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly oil the basket or use a parchment air fryer liner if you like.
  • Cook the beef in batches: Shake excess marinade off the beef. Spread in a single layer with space between slices. Air fry for 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned at the edges and just cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and tent loosely with foil. Repeat with remaining beef.
  • Cook the broccoli: Add broccoli to the basket in a single layer. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway, until crisp-tender with charred spots. If you like softer broccoli, cook 1–2 minutes longer.
  • Thicken the sauce: Pour the reserved sauce into a small skillet or saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly thick. If needed, add a splash of water to loosen.
  • Toss to finish: Add beef and broccoli to a large bowl. Pour the thickened sauce over and toss to coat. Taste and add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lime if needed.
  • Serve: Spoon over hot rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.