Beef and broccoli is a classic dish that has saved us more than once on those busy weeknights. This is our go-to for when we want something quick yet satisfying.
The crisp broccoli paired with tender beef makes this combo such a winner.
We can’t forget that delicious sauce—sweet and savory goodness! Once we figured out how to make it in the air fryer, everything changed.
No more greasy pans or waiting for the wok to heat up. Cooking it like this keeps it simple and tasty. Let’s get ready to whip up a dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this flavour-packed dish:
- Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak: About a pound, thinly sliced. This is your protein powerhouse and really where the flavour comes from!
- Broccoli Florets: Around 2 cups. The more, the merrier—you can never have too much green goodness!
- Soy Sauce: ¼ cup for that umami hit. Low-sodium if you’re feeling fancy!
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced, because garlic makes everything better (fact).
- Ginger: 1 tsp fresh grated or ground—don’t skimp, it brings a lovely zing!
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons for thickening the sauce.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon, because we want to channel those Asian flavours.
- Oil for Cooking: Just a drizzle of vegetable or canola oil to keep everything from sticking.
Easy peasy, right? Let’s get our stir-fry groove on!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli
To get the best out of this delicious dish, keep these tips in mind:
- Marinate the beef: For at least 30 minutes to 2 hours if you can! This will tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour.
- Cut the broccoli evenly: Try to keep those florets around the same size for even cooking. Nobody likes a mushy floret next to a crunchy one!
- Cook in batches: If you have a lot of beef and broccoli, cooking in batches can help you maintain that crispy texture. Plus, who wants to overcrowd the air fryer and risk soggy sadness?
- Adjust the cooking time: Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to tweak the cooking time. Keep an eye out!
Variations and Substitutions
Feeling a little adventurous? Here are some tasty variations and substitutions you might want to try out:
- Sauce Switch-Up: Instead of soy sauce, try using teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce for a sweeter spin.
- Add Some Heat: Toss in some red pepper flakes or sliced chili for those who like it spicy!
- Different Veggies: Can’t find broccoli? No problem! Snap peas, bell peppers, or even mushrooms work great in this dish.
- Make it Beef-Free: Swap the beef for chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
Once that beef and broccoli hits your air fryer, here’s how to serve it up for maximum enjoyment:
- With Rice: Serve it over steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up all that glorious sauce.
- In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use the mixture as a filling for crispy lettuce wraps. Fresh and fabulous!
- Noodle Bowl: Toss the beef and broccoli over some noodles, add extra sauce, and voilà—a noodle bowl that will make you the envy of your dinner table!
The Best Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp Knife
- Tongs
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Oil for drizzling
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Toss the broccoli with a little oil and set aside.
- Once marinated, place the beef in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Add the broccoli to the basket and drizzle with sesame oil. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and the beef is cooked through.
- Give it a good toss and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Notes
- If you like your broccoli a little softer, add it to the air fryer earlier than the beef.
- Experiment with different marinades! The world is your oyster when it comes to flavours.
Nutrition

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
Wagner
Wednesday 31st of July 2024
Can't get enough of these easy meals.